I'm using it with an i7-8700K, maybe in one of the worst NZXT cases in terms of air-flow, the H510i, which for those who don't know, is closed from all sides with only one fan at the back and one at the top, and a small vent at the front.
CPU idle temp: 26 degrees - minimum value
Gaming temp: 53 degrees - maximum value
A major issue was the installation, specifically in the H510i, as there is only one possible configuration. Front - and specifically on the front bracket, which can be easily inserted and removed. The possible configurations one can follow are (from left to right):
- Fans -> Radiator -> Bracket
- Radiator -> Fans -> Bracket
- Radiator -> Bracket -> Fans
If someone wants to install it in reverse (with the tubes down), they will face significant difficulties, especially in this particular case that I have. You might even read that it is not possible to install it this way, but believe me, it can be done with some effort. The way to do it is to use the second configuration mentioned above (Radiator - Fans - Bracket), and only use the long screws with the corresponding washers to support the radiator and fans together on the bracket (like a sandwich). You will notice that the slots on the bracket have a little room for movement up and down and are not strictly circular. Your goal is to install the entire "sandwich" (radiator/fans) as high as possible on the bracket (you will need to apply force and save every tenth of a millimeter).
Other than that, it is very beautiful, and I like that the brightness of the screen can be adjusted through CAM. It's also fun that you can load your own GIFs to play on the screen. One thing I noticed is that because the screen is probably only 8-bit color, there is not a great accuracy in the shades of colors selected through the color picker in CAM, especially when they change slightly (e.g. from dark blue to slightly less dark blue).
Finally, from what I understood from the instructions, the electronic part of the liquid cooling should also function as a controller, as one of the cables provided is not connected anywhere and just hangs on its own. From what I read, this cable is used to connect other NZXT products in parallel and control them through the liquid cooling (I'm not sure which products exactly, as NZXT is a bit strange with compatibilities).
In conclusion, it is a very beautiful and high-quality product. It does more or less the same job as any other liquid cooling in terms of temperatures, and if you already have liquid cooling that does the job for you, it's not worth it just for the aesthetics, especially at this price. However, if you are building a PC now and want a way to cool it, or if you are using stock air cooling and are considering the idea of liquid cooling, then put your hand in your pocket and go for it! You won't be disappointed!