Corsair H55 with SP120 vs H80

[nb7760]

Do the H55 and the H80 have any differences besides a better fan on the H80? Is the pump on the H80 faster than the one on the H55? I'm assuming that an H55 with a SP120 is going to be similar to an H80?

 

[Jester_Euborn]

H55 radiator dimensions are 120mm x 152mm x 27mm. Airflow is 57 CFM. Fan speed is not adjustable (1700RPM +/- 10%). Sound level is 30.32 dBA

H80 radiator dimensions are 120mm x 152mm x 38mm. Airflow is 46 - 92 CFM. Fan speed is adjustable for this (up to 1300 RPM (Low Noise), 2000 RPM (Balanced), 2500 RPM (High Performance)). Sound level is 22 - 39 dBA.

SP 120 airflow is 64.74 CFM. Fan speed is 2350 RPM. Sound level is 35 dBA

In other words, you have a sligh thicker radiator wich may be dissipate better the heat, and you have an adjustable speed fan on the H80. If the price from the H55 + the SP120 fan is more than 15$ lower than the H80, it might be a thing to consider, but if you only save a couple of bucks, H80 will give you better performance than the combination of the other two together.

In terms of "noise" you have this:
Barely Perceptible Change 3dB
Clearly Noticeable Change 5dB
About Twice as Loud 10dB
(http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html)

Here you have some links for the reviews of the products you are considering:

http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/corsair_hydro_series_h55_review,2.html
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/corsair_hydro_h80/3.htm
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cases_cooling/corsair_air_series_fans_review_sp120_af120_review/1

 

[nb7760]

Wow man you really know your stuff. Thanks for the answer