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Corsair H100x vs Zalman Reserator5 Z36: Comparison
Corsair H100x vs Zalman Reserator5 Z36 tdp rating compared
On tdp rating the spread is 29%, Corsair H100x 200 W against Zalman Reserator5 Z36 280 W, so Zalman Reserator5 Z36 takes it. Add radiator size to that, 240 mm on the Corsair H100x versus 360 mm on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36, and the pattern holds. The noise level figures are near enough to ignore, 27 dBA on the Corsair H100x versus 28 dBA on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36. Zalman Reserator5 Z36 also leads on fan count, 2 on the Corsair H100x versus 3 on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36. There is a split on socket compatibility as well, AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200 on the Corsair H100x versus AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011 on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36. Rgb lighting is not the same on both, No on the Corsair H100x versus Yes on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36.
Which should you buy, Corsair H100x or Zalman Reserator5 Z36?
The Corsair H100x is the one to take for builders who don't want RGB software ecosystems and mainstream 240mm-radiator cases, though it is not the pick for RGB-themed showcase builds and users already invested in iCUE or CAM ecosystems. The Zalman Reserator5 Z36 suits budget-conscious RGB showcase builds and 360mm-radiator cases, though it is the wrong buy for buyers wanting an LCD pump display and premium-brand software ecosystem integration. Our rating of the Corsair H100x (7.6/10): A dependable, uncomplicated 240mm AIO for builders who just want liquid cooling without the software layer. Our rating of the Zalman Reserator5 Z36 (7.5/10): A visually striking, competitively priced 360mm AIO for RGB-focused budgets.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, height and cooler type included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Corsair H100x
- Corsair
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Zalman
Cooler Type
- Corsair H100x
- AIO Liquid
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- AIO Liquid
Radiator Size
- Corsair H100x
- 240 mm-33%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 360 mmBest
Series
- Corsair H100x
- Corsair H100x
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
Model Number
- Corsair H100x
- CW-9060065-WW
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Reserator5 Z36
Height
- Corsair H100x
- 27 mm
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 27 mm
Socket Compatibility
- Corsair H100x
- AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011
Fan Count
- Corsair H100x
- 2-33%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 3Best
TDP Rating
- Corsair H100x
- 200 W-29%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 280 WBest
Noise Level
- Corsair H100x
- 27 dBABest
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 28 dBA
RGB Lighting
- Corsair H100x
- No
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair H100x if you want the lower height (27 mm vs 27 mm) and the lower noise level (27 dBA vs 28 dBA).
Choose Zalman Reserator5 Z36 if you want the higher radiator size (360 mm vs 240 mm), the higher fan count (3 vs 2) and the higher TDP rating (280 W vs 200 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair H100x | Zalman Reserator5 Z36 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Corsair H100x
7.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A dependable, uncomplicated 240mm AIO for builders who just want liquid cooling without the software layer.
Zalman Reserator5 Z36
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A visually striking, competitively priced 360mm AIO for RGB-focused budgets.