With the current focus on the latest processors and graphics cards, it’s easy to overlook the impressive capabilities of slightly older components. The Corsair Vengeance i5100, featuring Intel’s 14900KF and an RTX 4090, reminds us of this fact. While lacking the newest hardware, this pre-built PC boasts impressive performance, stylish aesthetics, and excellent connectivity. Its reliance on a previous-generation Intel platform also contributes to a slightly more palatable price tag, a factor worth considering even for high-end gaming PC purchases. However, despite its strengths, the Vengeance i5100 faces stiff competition in the gaming desktop market.
Specifications and Pricing
| Feature | Corsair Vengeance i5100 |
|---|---|
| Case | 2500X RGB Dual Chamber Case |
| Motherboard | MSI B760M Project Zero |
| CPU | Core i9-14900K |
| CPU Cooler | Corsair H150i 360mm AIO Watercooler |
| GPU | RTX 4090 |
| Fans | 9x iCUE LINK RX120 RGB Fans |
| Memory | 64GB of DDR5-6000 |
| Storage | 4TB of NVMe SSD Storage |
| Price | $4,400+ |
The Core i9-14900KF, despite being a previous-generation processor, remains a potent choice for gaming and productivity tasks, often outperforming newer Intel CPUs in gaming scenarios. This makes the i5100 a compelling alternative to its successor, the Vengeance i5200. Both offer configurations up to an RTX 4090, with the option of an RTX 4080 Super for a lower price, albeit with reduced memory and storage. The RTX 4090 version, as reviewed, comes with a premium of $4,400, including 64GB of DDR5-6000 RAM and 4TB of NVMe SSD storage.
Corsair Vengeance i5100 interior.The Corsair Vengeance i5100’s interior showcases a clean and organized build.
One notable drawback is the inclusion of a B760 motherboard, which lacks some premium Z790 features, most notably overclocking support. This omission seems like a missed opportunity, especially given the 14900KF’s overclocking potential and the robust cooling solution included in the system. The nine 120mm fans, in addition to the 360mm AIO cooler, provide ample airflow, although their noise levels can be a concern.
Build Quality and Design
The i5100 boasts an impressive design, with a clean, classy aesthetic and a sturdy build. The dual-panel tempered glass showcases the meticulously cable-managed interior, making it a visually appealing centerpiece. The spacious interior also offers easy access to components, making future upgrades and modifications convenient.
Corsair Vengeance i5100 I/O panel.The rear I/O panel provides ample connectivity options.
While the dual-chamber design enhances accessibility, it also results in a larger footprint than traditional mid-tower cases. Additionally, the sharp exterior corners can be a minor annoyance.
Corsair Vengeance PC next to a custom gaming PC.The Corsair Vengeance i5100 (left) compared to a Fractal North mid-tower case.
Thermals and Cooling
The Vengeance i5100’s cooling system is designed to handle the heat generated by the RTX 4090 and 14900KF. The combination of a 360mm AIO, a triple-fan GPU cooler, and six additional system fans ensures positive pressure and efficient heat dissipation. However, the fan curve settings out-of-the-box result in noticeable noise levels under load. While adjustable through Corsair’s iCUE software, this requires user intervention and detracts from the initial experience.
AIO watercooling and fans in the Corsair Vengeance i5100.The cooling system features a 360mm AIO and multiple system fans.
Bloatware
Corsair keeps pre-installed software to a minimum, including only iCUE for RGB and cooling management and some diagnostic tools. While appreciated, the absence of commonly used applications like Steam, Chrome, or Discord seems like a minor oversight.
Performance
Despite some initial concerns with CPU throttling in Cinebench, the i5100 delivers exceptional gaming performance. The combination of the 14900KF and RTX 4090 handles most games with ease, although demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 still benefit from DLSS 3.
| Benchmark | Score |
|---|---|
| Cinebench R24 Single/Multi/GPU | 130/2017/32134 |
| Geekbench Single/Multi | 3081/21431 |
| Handbrake | 35s |
| 3DMark Fire Strike | 47473 |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 32444 |
| 3DMark Steel Nomad | 8922 |
| 3DMark Steel Nomad Light | 41622 |
| Game | Average FPS |
|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 4K Ultra RT w/DLSS3 | 76 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 4K Ultra RT | 44 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 4K Ultra | 74 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 4K Ultra | 128 |
| Black Myth: Wukong 4K Ultra | 99 |
Should You Buy the Corsair i5100?
Corsair logo on the Vengeance i5100.The Corsair logo on the front panel.
The Corsair Vengeance i5100 is a powerful and visually appealing gaming PC, but its high price and some minor shortcomings make it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly. The lack of overclocking support on the B760 motherboard and the noticeable fan noise are notable drawbacks at this price point. While the RTX 4080 Super configuration offers better value, other gaming desktops provide a more compelling overall package with better pricing, performance, and features.
