Alphacool NexXxoS XT45 360 Radiator

This is #10 in my series of triple radiators the Alphacool NexXxos XT45.   We saw how “Full Copper” of the thicker 60mm UT60 did extremely well in performance and the XT45 shares that same full copper construction in a slimmer 45mm thickness with a few less features. I have been finding this brass vs copper tubes difference rather interesting after seeing the UT60 vs G-Changer results, so I expected good things to come out of this slimmer XT45 in all it’s slimmer but still copper tube glory.

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A special thanks to Aquatuning for providing the review sample:

 

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The XT45 sporting a pair of Monsoon fittings and ready for action!

Specifications:

http://www.aquatuning.us/product_info.php/info/p12340_Alphacool-NexXxoS-XT45-Full-Copper-360mm.html

Description

The new Alphacool NexXxos radiators, a name that stands for experience and quality has come to bring a fresh breeze to the radiator market.

Every user of a water cooling system needs a radiator and everyone has different requirements towards the heat exchanger. Of course the customer always demands the best in its class. The Alphacool NexXxos radiators have come to compete with and to beat the best in their class and to be the best radiator in all sizes. No more endless choices without a clear class leader, the Alphacool NexXxos is the one tool for all your needs!

Alphacool has been the company to introduce new developments and improvements in the radiator and water cooling sector generally many times over the last years.
Following this tradition, the new NexXxos radiators are the first to truly deserve the “Full copper” attribute. All main parts, not only the fins and channels, but the chambers are also made from copper. This brings an improvement in performance where other radiators are left without a chance. The material already gives an advantage over the competition and the inner structure is up to par with the competition. Separated chambers give the coolant a clear direction, allowing high flow rates which improve the performance of the whole cooling loop.
Flat chambers on the heat exchanger increase mounting flexibility thanks to the reduced overall length.

Versatile and easy mounting is one of the main points, on which the research and development department at Alphacool focused. The chamber offers three possibilities for fitting installation on both inlet and outlet (not on the NexXos ST30). Less angled fittings are needed, improving flow rates and offering more mounting possibilities. Hence the radiator can even be installed in tight enclosures, where otherwise internal installation is not a possibility. A 1/4″ screw plug allows easy de-aeration of the radiator (on all UT60 and NexXxos Monsta) and hassle-free vertical installation of the heat exchanger. The threaded opening can even be used for filling, e.g. in combination with a Fillport.

Versatility is the essence of the new NexXxos series! The radiators are designed to be used with 120mm as well as 140mm fans and are available in different thicknesses. The choice of 30mm, 45mm and 60mm offers the perfect radiator for every purpose. Even mounting and installation of fans and radiator grills is easy and versatile with these radiators: The M3 threads are standard in the radiator sector and available in all lengths at an affordable price.
Even the dreaded insertion of a screw too far into the radiator does not result in expensive damage. Unlike other radiators, the NexXxos series is equipped with an internal protective ledge which stops the screw before it damages the fins.

Fin spacing is always an important factor in radiator design. The new series from Alphacool has a fin design which allows it to perform extremely well even with slow-spinning and medium-speed fans. This is not only pleasant thanks to the fact that it avoids unnecessary noise; it also means that the choice of fans that can be used with these radiators is not restricted.

These radiators are the result of experience and powerful performance meeting future-oriented design and well-thought through solutions.

Alphacool NexXxos radiators: The one tool for all your cooling needs!

Technical specifications:
Material internal: Mostly copper
Material casing: Side panels steel, threads brass, copper chambers
Colour: Black
Dimensions (LxWxH): 400x124x46mm
Connection threads: 6×1/4“
Mounting thread size: M3
Pressure tested: 1.5bar
Weight: 1515g

Extent of delivery:
1x Radiator
4x Copper-plated screw plug
12x Copper-plated M3x30mm hexagon socket screw
12x Copper-plated M3x35mm hexagon socket screw

The most important specification is the note about copper chambers as that seems to be making a difference in performance but also note the slimmer 46mm thickness.

Phobya G-Changer 360 V2 Radiator

This is #9 in my series of triple radiators the Phobya G-Changer 360 V2 a brand new version.  I noticed a dramatic visual change in versions between the 1.2-1.3s a few others have tested an this new V2 model that I got which very much resembles the Alphacool UT60.  We saw the Alphacool UT60 do extremely well in #8 constructed of full copper channels and fins, and the Phobya V2 looks much the same with some materials difference, so I was really curious to see how it would do.

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A special thanks to Aquatuning for providing the review sample:

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Box Technical Specifications:

• Material: Copper fins, brass chambers**
• Dimensions: (LxBlX): 400x125x60.5mm
• Connection threads: 4x G1/4″
• Weight: approx. 1800g
• Fan mounting threads: 12 M3-threads on top. 12 M3 threads at the bottom
• Pressure tested: 2 bar
• Special: air bleed screw
• Extent of delivery:
  • 2 screw plugs
  • M3 installation material

Of particular interest is the “Brass chambers**”  and “4xG1/4” which is different than the UT60 which uses copper and has 6 ports.  I also got three plugs in the package delivered and two different 25mm lengths of screws to give you enough for 25mm fans on one side or 25mm fans plus gaskets on one side. **Note that I received an email from Pascal of Aquatuning that the materials have changed since my sample and chambers are now being constructed of copper. I have no way to show or confirm, but that is what I have been told via email. This should mean the performance is more closely matching the UT60 results.

360 Radiator Shootout Summary

As part of my “In-progress” 360 radiator testing, I’ve started this summary post where I will continue to update as radiators are tested.

SPONSORS

A special thanks to my many sponsors:

Danger Den sponsored the Hardware Labs GTX 360 and Hardware Labs SR1 360 radiators as well as the MC-TDX waterblock.

Aqua Computers sponsored the Aqua Computer’s flow meter.

Swiftech sponsored the MCR320 QP(Quiet Power), MCR320 XP (Extreme Performance) radiators as well as the MCP-35X2 pump.

XSPC sponsored the XSPC RS360, and XSPC RX360 radiators.

Aquatuning sponsored the Alphacool NexXxoS Pro III 360, Alphacool NexXxoS XT45 Full Copper 360, Alphacool NexXxoS XT60 Full Copper 360, and Phobya G-Changer 360 radiators.

EK sponsored the EK Coolstream XT360 and Coolstream XTX360 radiators

Coolgate sponsored the Coolgate Single Row Acrylic 360, the HD 360, and the triple row 360.

Test Bench

Restriction

Generally most radiators are low in restriction relative to your average and even lower restriction CPU block.  Also in general the double thickness radiators usually have the lowest restriction due to the additional tubes where water can flow, but there are some exceptions such as the GTX which uses thinner than typical tubes.

Thermal Performance

Conclusion

Well 16 radiators done and as usual with most watercooling, the differences between radiators is also very small.  When only 6 watts separates the top 11 radiators at 600RPM, testing error alone does become a problem.  On the little bit of error checking I’ve done on a few radiators I am seeing in the neighborhood of 2-3 watt error present in my trendline results.  You should also consider the scale of those 6 watts when a very small thing like switching out your pump from a D5 to DDC could likely yeild you that 6 watts reduction in heat.

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With that I would say generally the thermal performance differences are relatively small, but there are some generalities:

• Copper Tubes are better than Brass Tubes
• Thicker radiators generally can be tuned for a broader range of RPMs than thinner
• Thicker radiators can perform better than thinner radiators, but the difference is not more than 5-10% typically
• Flat tubed radiators perform better than round tubed radiators
• Slim 30mm radiators can be tuned to perform extremely well in specific areas, but generally that means loosing more in the opposite area (ie a high speed tuned slim radiator won’t perform well at slow speeds)
• Build quality does vary and here you do get what you pay for.
• In performance, you don’t get what you pay for.

Bang for the Buck

I’ve always been one for emphasizing value, and with results this tight, the lower the cost the more bang for the buck. The XSPC RS360 being the lowest price rad holds a very high benefit/cost across the board.  While not quite as cheap in price, the Swiftech MCR320XP gets high marks for being more value oriented and maintaining awesome performance in the mid/high speed ranges.  The Alphacool ST30 is similar in being an amazing value rad, but optimized for slower speed fans.

• Slow Speed Value = Alphacool ST30
• All Around Value = XSPC RS360
• High Speed Value = Swiftech MCR320-XP

Top Performance ($ is no object)

•  Slow Speed Performance = Alphacool ST30, HWlabs SR-1, and the neighboring top 6 are all really really close.
• All Around Performance = Alphacool UT60 & EK XTX are both really good all around performers
• High Speed Performance = Swiftehc MCR320-XP, Alphacool UT60, and the EK XTX are all great higher speed performers

Best Build Quality

• Hardware Labs GTX & SR1
• Aquacomputers AMS
• Several other close runners up.

Most Useful Feature Rich

• Alphacool UT60,XT45,ST30 & Phobya G-Changer for having that screw protector feature.  Also extra ports and bleed screw on the UT60.
• Aquacomputers AMS for the modularity features.

Most Unique

• Aquacomputers AMS for it’s solder free and round tube construction and bare copper core
• Coolgate Copper Radiators for their copper plating finish and the Acrylic for it’s clear end tanks.

In the end there is no one size fits all, but there are plenty of very good options and they all perform very closely to one another.  To say one wipes the floor with another is simply false when typically we’re talking single digit percentage differences and at most 20-30% difference.  Don’t expect that you can upgrade any one core size and see dramatic measurable improvements, you have to consider the finer details and want a change in areas outside of performance.

Cheers!
Martin

Alphacool NexXxoS UT60 360 Radiator

This is #8 in my series of triple radiators the Alphacool NexXxos UT60.  Unlike most manufacturers that may make 1-3 models, Alphacool makes many different models that vary in materials as well as thicknesses including 30mm, 45mm, 60mm, and 80mm. The Pro III and Xtreme III models are I believe the more value oriented copper tubes with brass end tanks and aluminum shrouds where the ST30, XT45, and UT60 are full copper higher end.  They also have some models that have a larger 420/360 sized core. Here we are reviewing the feature rich premium 60mm thickness model with a compact 360 core, 6 barb ports, a screw protection shield, and bottom drain port or air bleed.

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A special thanks to Aquatuning for providing the review sample:

 

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Notice the extra ports and screw protection shield

Alphacool Specifications:

http://www.alphacool.com/product_info.php/info/p975_Alphacool-NexXxoS-UT60-Full-Copper-360mm.html

The new Alphacool NexXxos radiators, a name that stands for experience and quality has come to bring a fresh breeze to the radiator market.

Every user of a water cooling system needs a radiator and everyone has different requirements towards the heat exchanger. Of course the customer always demands the best in its class. The Alphacool NexXxos radiators have come to compete with and to beat the best in their class and to be the best radiator in all sizes. No more endless choices without a clear class leader, the Alphacool NexXxos is the one tool for all your needs!

Alphacool has been the company to introduce new developments and improvements in the radiator and water cooling sector generally many times over the last years.
Following this tradition, the new NexXxos radiators are the first to truly deserve the “Full copper” attribute. All main parts, not only the fins and channels, but the chambers are also made from copper. This brings an improvement in performance where other radiators are left without a chance. The material already gives an advantage over the competition and the inner structure is up to par with the competition. Separated chambers give the coolant a clear direction, allowing high flow rates which improve the performance of the whole cooling loop.
Flat chambers on the heat exchanger increase mounting flexibility thanks to the reduced overall length.

Versatile and easy mounting is one of the main points, on which the research and development department at Alphacool focused. The chamber offers three possibilities for fitting installation on both inlet and outlet (not on the NexXos ST30). Less angled fittings are needed, improving flow rates and offering more mounting possibilities. Hence the radiator can even be installed in tight enclosures, where otherwise internal installation is not a possibility. A 1/4″ screw plug allows easy de-aeration of the radiator (on all UT60 and NexXxos Monsta) and hassle-free vertical installation of the heat exchanger. The threaded opening can even be used for filling, e.g. in combination with a Fillport.

Versatility is the essence of the new NexXxos series! The radiators are designed to be used with 120mm as well as 140mm fans and are available in different thicknesses. The choice of 30mm, 45mm and 60mm offers the perfect radiator for every purpose. Even mounting and installation of fans and radiator grills is easy and versatile with these radiators: The M3 threads are standard in the radiator sector and available in all lengths at an affordable price.
Even the dreaded insertion of a screw too far into the radiator does not result in expensive damage. Unlike other radiators, the NexXxos series is equipped with an internal protective ledge which stops the screw before it damages the fins.

Fin spacing is always an important factor in radiator design. The new series from Alphacool has a fin design which allows it to perform extremely well even with slow-spinning and medium-speed fans. This is not only pleasant thanks to the fact that it avoids unnecessary noise; it also means that the choice of fans that can be used with these radiators is not restricted.

These radiators are the result of experience and powerful performance meeting future-oriented design and well-thought through solutions.

Alphacool NexXxos radiators: The one tool for all your cooling needs!

Technical specifications:
Material internal: Mostly copper
Material casing: Side panels steel, threads brass, copper chambers
Colour: Black
Dimensions (LxWxH): 400 x 124 x 60 mm
Connection threads: 6×1/4“
Outlet Connection threads: 1×1/4“
Mounting thread size: M3
Pressure tested: 1.5bar
Weight:1958g

Extent of delivery:
1x Radiator
5x Copper-plated screw plug
12x Copper-plated M3x30mm hexagon socket screw
12x Copper-plated M3x35mm hexagon socket screw

I find this model to be the most feature rich reviewed so far….lot’s of extras included with this one

Alphacool NexXxoS Xtreme III 360 Rev.2 Radiator

This is the seventh in my series of triple radiators the Alphacool NexXxos Xtreme III 360 radiator.  This would be my first 45mm thickness radiator and it also has a more dense tubing spacing, so while visually it looked to be of lower density, I wasn’t sure where the fan tuning may fall.  Unlike most manufacturers that may make 1-3 models, Alphacool makes many different models that vary in materials as well as thicknesses including 30mm, 45mm, 60mm, and 80mm. The Pro III and Xtreme III models are I believe the more value oriented copper tubes with brass end tanks and aluminum shrouds where the ST30, XT45, and UT60 are full copper higher end.  They also have some models that have a larger 420/360 sized core. Here we are reviewing the more value/mid range oriented Xtreme III Rev 2 that is 45mm in thickness with a compact 360 core.

A special thanks to Aquatuning for providing the review sample:

 

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Includes fan gaskets and two lengths of screws.

Aquatuning Specifications:

http://www.aquatuning.us/product_info.php/info/p767_Alphacool-NexXxoS-Pro-III-Radiator-Rev-2–with-aluminum-frame-.html

Description

NexXxos now finally starts with the second radiator series. The NexXxos Xtreme I features excellent cooling performance, a unique design and outstanding build quality. The parallel coolant channels keep the flow resistance to a minimum. The NexXxos Xtreme radiators are absolute High-end heat exchangers. Double-sided fan installation is easy and quickly done with the metric threads on both sides. The connection threads are G1/4″ in size and therefore offer maximum compatibility with virtually all available fittings.

Technical details: 
Material: Copper fins, brass chambers
Dimensions: 398x122x45mmConnection threads: G1/4″
Weight: Approx. 1750g
Fan installation: 12x M3 threads each on both sides
Pressure tested: 2,5 Bar

Eine mehrsprachige Montageanleitung finden Sie hier:

Important: Please flush before use and insert a screw into all M3 threads. Please be careful that the screws used are not too log, this may damage the radiator ans is not covered by the warranty.

Warranty: On impermeability and manufacturing for 2 years

Actual product similar to picture

Attention:
The reddish brown “stains” on the fins is no rust. Please note that this is a copper radiator and the note: “The whole radiator was coated with a robust black lacquer. The fins are coated with a thinner layer to improve the appearance without compromising cooling performance.”. The lacquer coat is made from the same material, hence the reddish-brown “stains”.

Attention: The radiator can be damaged, if the screws are screwed too deep. Please pay attention to the right length of the screws.  The screws do not have the same size in every delivery.

Note: To avoid storage or manufacture-related residues in the circulation, Please rinse the radiator completely before assembling.

Alphacool Website:

http://www.alphacool.com/product_info.php/info/p149_Alphacool-NexXxoS-Xtreme-III-Radiator—Rev–2.html

I find the radiator is a bit unique in thickness being 45mm which is in between slim and double thickness models previously tested.  Unfortunately it does use M3 screws which work, but I have found them to be more likely to cross thread than 6-32 or better yet M4 which are more durable.  They will work just fine, but you do want to take a bit more care with M3 screws.