We have received the Corsair A500 heatsink for review. This heatsink is characterized by being a monster of large dimensions and high performance. We are talking about a solution specially designed to efficiently cool any processor. With few exceptions, this processor is even capable of support overclocking on our processor. An alternative to high-performance, RGB-free AIO RLs.
Note that the Corsair A500 has several interesting elements to offer the highest possible efficiency. The first is a top cover that channels the air flow, reducing losses. Additionally, the two fans can be adjusted in height, to prevent it from touching the RAM or the VRM heatsink.
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Unboxing Corsair A500
If there is something characteristic in Corsair it is the design of its boxes, the vast majority being yellow, which makes them very striking. We can see an image of the heatsink on the front of the box, while on the back we find data about the product. Among the data we find the dimensions, an introduction to the product and some more information.
The Corsair A500 arrives very well packaged to prevent it from being damaged during transport. As soon as we open it, we find a yellow box where the brackets and other elements are for installation.
When we took it out of the box, we found the heatsink well protected in a plastic and we also found a screwdriver. The company includes the screwdriver because it is necessary for installation and the average user might not have a tool of the necessary dimensions. Note that the screwdriver is customized by Corsair.
Regarding the rest of the elements included, we have bracket for mounting an AMD AM4 processor, but it does not have support for Threadripper. It also includes the 115x and 20xx anchors for Intel processors. We found an extension for the heatsink fans and a TM50 thermal paste syringe.
Corsair A500 design
After removing the protective plastics we find one of the largest heatsinks that we can find on the market. And the Corsair A500 has been developed to support any mainstream processor that we want to install. All with an excellent finish and made of high quality materials, to offer great durability.
The fans are installed on high quality plastic frames that increase the heatsink dimensions. This anchoring system allows you to modify the height of the fans in order to avoid problems with the RAM. Note that the fans have been configured as push-pull for greater efficiency and seeking the highest possible air flow.
A space that is important for the final assembly stands out in the center of the heatsink. It also highlights that the lower part that touches the IHS of the processor already has thermal paste applied. In this case, it has been equipped with an application in small squares to offer the best possible application.
Characteristics Corsair A500
We've covered some aspects of this heatsink in passing, but now we're going to focus on the more important elements. Let's start with the heat pipes of this Corsair A500 heatsink. It has four heatpipes per side, the two outer ones being 6mm, while the two inner ones are 8mm.
A cover has been installed on this heatsink that performs various functions. The first is to help channel the air and the second is beautification. If we remove it, we see the tips of the pipes and a piece of ABS plastic where the trim is anchored.
The Corsair A500 heatsink has four pieces anchored at the bottom and top of the heatsink where the fan support slides. It has been developed like this in case we have RAM memories with a high heatsink or the VRM heatsink is very large.
The fans are installed in the supports on the rails. These fans are the Corsair ML120 with magnetic levitation. They are attached to the sliding plastic piece by four fairly long screws.
As we can see, this heatsink has many elements and is truly complex. Corsair has clearly taken it very seriously with this heatsink and has a lot of engineering behind it.
Corsair A500 Installation
Before installing it, of course, we must install the bracket for our processor, either an AMD AM4 or an Intel LGA 115x. Although it supports processors prior to the aforementioned AMD and also supports LGA 20xx, the normal thing would be for the most modern 'gaming' processors from Intel and AMD.
Once we have the bracket installed we put the heatsink on them. The way to install it is with the push fan on the RAM and the pull fan focused towards the chassis. It is the best possible configuration, as we expel hot air out of the system, helping to keep the temperature low.
Once correctly placed on the brackets, we remove the top cover and this is where the Corsair screwdriver comes in. The heatsink integrates two screws with a pressure spring for anchoring. The only way to screw it to the bracket is through the hollow central area of the heatsink. We just have to screw it, this step being quite simple.
After screwing it, we can put the cover back on. If we need to adjust the height of the fans, it is not necessary to remove this cover, we can do it without further ado. Corsair has thought about the possibility that we may need to raise the fans and this cover does not prevent the fans from sliding.
Corsair A500 Benchmark
Test system:
- CPU: Ryzen 5 2600X
- Motherboard: MSI X370 Gaming Pro
- SSD: Sandisk 480GB
- RAM: TeamGroup 16GB (2x8GB) @ 3200MHz CL16
- PSU: Cougar GX800 800W
In the tests we have carried out, this air-cooled heatsink is capable of competing with the majority of liquid coolers on the market. Clearly Corsair has worked very hard to develop this heatsink.
Specifications Corsair A500
| Dimensions | 137mm x 169mm x 103mm |
| Weight | 1460 grams |
| Cold plate | It does not have, only direct contact with its heatpipes |
| Fans | 2 X ML120 Magnetic Levitation |
| Fan dimensions | 120mm x 120mm x 25mm |
| Speed (rpm) | RPM 2.400 |
| Air flow | 75 CFM |
| Sonority | 36 dBA |
| Static pressure | 4,2 mmH2O |
| PWM | Yes |
| Sockets compatibility | Intel 1150/1151/1155/1156 Intel 2011 / 2011-3 / 2066 AMD AM4 AMD AM3 / AM2 |
| Heat pipes | 2 X 8mm and 2 X 6mm all copper with black nickel plating |
| Heatsink | Aluminum |
| RGB lighting | No |
| ICUE compatibility | No |
| Warranty | Five years |
Institutional
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Conclusion
The Corsair A500 is a great heatsink developed to support any processor on the market. It is clearly designed to compete with other large heatsinks on the market. In addition, it will always be a better alternative than AIO liquid refrigerations, which end up giving problems.
The one that we can adapt the height of the Corsair A500 fans is perfect to avoid incompatibilities. We can have a large heatsink that supports any processor and even some overclocking, without having to check which memories it is compatible with or not. In addition, we must say that the installation is simple and the built-in screwdriver is a great solution, because not many will have such long screwdrivers at home.
This heatsink completely lacks RGB, something that is appreciated. If you want a system with RGB, you can buy some fans with additional lighting. Corsair has high-quality solutions for lovers of little lights, which we are not excited about.
