Can the big brother do everything better? – Corsair iCUE XC7 RGB Elite LCD water block review including teardown and test loop 2.0

1 - Intro and test loop 2.0 2 - Unboxing Corsair XC7 RGB Elite LCD 3 - Teardown and comparison with XC7 Pro 4 - iCUE software options 5 - Performance LGA1700 – Intel Core i9-13900KF 6 - Performance AM5 – AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 7 - WLP-Abdrücke und Montage-Erfahrungen 8 - Lessons learned, summary and conclusion

Unboxing Corsair XC7 RGB Elite LCD

But now let’s get to the unboxing of our test model. Please forgive me if I simply call the Corsair iCUE XC7 RGB Elite LCD the “XC7 Elite” in the following, but the product name is also a tongue and finger twister. The box in Corsair design explicitly advertises the 31 individually addressable RGB LEDs and the 30 FPS 480 x 480 pixel LCD screen. The nickel-plated copper base plate has 120 fins and is also equipped with a temperature sensor. The whole thing is of course controlled using Corsair’s iCUE software, with the block being connected directly via USB-C.

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In addition to the block itself, the scope of delivery includes a set of mounting frames for LGA1700 and AM4/AM5, each with pre-installed screws. A backplate with double-sided adhesive pads is also included for Intel mainboards, while the integrated backplate of the socket is used for AMD. Finally, there is a USB cable with a right-angled Type-C connection on the side of the block and an internal, half USB 2.0 connection for the mainboard, as well as a small pamphlet with warranty information and quick start guide.

The block itself consists of a rounded aluminum housing with a white acrylic ring and a round LCD display in the middle. The white acrylic ring features some black lettering: Corsair lettering and logo, the product name XC7 Elite and “C110 0.12MM F1/120”. The latter hides the key data of the copper base plate (C110) with 120 fins, each 0.12 mm thick. The connections are located above the right edge, with half of them effectively protruding above the block. Unfortunately, the inlet and outlet are not marked in any way.

Thermal paste is already pre-applied to the coldplate, but we naturally use our standardized paste for all water block tests. In addition to the base plate, we also find various markings on the bottom edge. In addition to the product name XC7 EGB ELITE LCD, there is also a number A62XT401001VMF, which is also shown as a QR code and could be the serial number. In addition, the performance data via USB with 5 V at 830 mA as well as various classifications and test seals for Europe, the UK and Canada are specified.

The mounting frames for the respective base are simply inserted into the groove provided on the underside of the block. These fit snugly and remain reliably in position. The screws are secured from below with appropriate retaining clips so that they cannot get lost – elegant.

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The mounting concept is unchanged from its XC7 Pro predecessor. With LGA1700, the backplate is not screwed to the mainboard, but simply pushed against or stuck to the board from behind. The thin, stamped sheet metal cross is unlikely to provide the increased rigidity that some other backplates offer. The screws with M3 threads are then simply screwed directly through the holes in the mainboard into the threads of the backplate.

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With AM4 or AM5 it is even easier: The screws with UNC 6/32 thread are screwed directly into the standard backplate of the motherboard socket. Together with the pre-installed thermal paste, the block can really be mounted within seconds. Installing a water block couldn’t be simpler or quicker.