Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT
420mm AIO · 2200 RPM · iCUE LINK
Noctua NH-D15 G2
Twin-tower air · NF-A14x25r G2 · LGA1851/AM5
Noctua NH-D15 G2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT lands at 89 and Noctua NH-D15 G2 at 95. That puts Noctua NH-D15 G2 ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT if…
- ✓420 mm radiator handles even RTX 5090-class CPUs
- ✓iCUE LINK simplifies cabling
- ✓LCD display optional
Pick Noctua NH-D15 G2 if…
- ✓Air-cooling king
- ✓Whisper-quiet fans
- ✓Rock-solid mounting
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testNoise
Noctua NH-D15 G2Compared on the noise sub-score
Noctua NH-D15 G2 leads on noise (98 vs 86).
Value for money
Noctua NH-D15 G2Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Noctua NH-D15 G2 more score per dollar ($149 vs $309).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT | Noctua NH-D15 G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 420mm AIO | Twin-tower air |
| Fan size | 3× 140 mm ML140 RGB | — |
| Pump speed | 2400 RPM | — |
| Sockets | AM5 / AM4 / LGA1851 / LGA1700 / sTRX4 | — |
| Tube length | 450 mm | — |
| Warranty | 5 years | — |
| Fans | — | 2× NF-A14x25r G2 |
| TDP rating | — | ~280W |
| Height | — | 168 mm |
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT
- +420 mm radiator handles even RTX 5090-class CPUs
- +iCUE LINK simplifies cabling
- +LCD display optional
- −420mm requires E-ATX or larger case
- −Pricey vs Arctic competitor
- −iCUE software heavy
Noctua NH-D15 G2
- +Air-cooling king
- +Whisper-quiet fans
- +Rock-solid mounting
- −Large in case
- −Three SKUs (tall/offset/low-profile)
- −Brown isn’t for everyone
FAQ: Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT vs Noctua NH-D15 G2
Which is better, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Noctua NH-D15 G2? +
Noctua NH-D15 G2 scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT worth the price? +
At $309, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in cooling.
Is Noctua NH-D15 G2 worth the price? +
At $149, Noctua NH-D15 G2 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in noise.
Does Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Noctua NH-D15 G2 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for noise, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Noctua NH-D15 G2? +
Noctua NH-D15 G2 — leads on noise (98 vs 86). Compared on the noise sub-score.
Which is the better value, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Noctua NH-D15 G2? +
Noctua NH-D15 G2 — more score per dollar ($149 vs $309). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.