Hardware Labs GTX 360 Radiator

This is the sixth in my series of triple radiators the HardwareLabs GTX 360.  We looked at the slow speed fan optimized premium double thickness SR-1 already, and the GTX is premium radiator designed for high-speed fans.  The GTX also employs a completely different core and fin technology using ultra slim tubes, split fin technology, and a unique front to back two pass system that really no other radiator uses.

A special thanks to Dennis and Jeremy from Danger Den for providing the review sample:

DangerDen  & HWlabs Specifications:

http://www.dangerden.com/store/black-ice-gtx360.html

http://www.hwlabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=11

The Black Ice® GTX360 is indeed a generational revolution from its traditional Xtreme case-mod professional origins. True second generation Black Ice GTX core design maximizes cooling, flowrates and peformance utilizing 3 x 120mm fans even in low RPM/noise conditions. Xtreme level performance, as expected comes with at the highest quality of design and construction to cater to the most discerning case-mod enthusiast.

FEATURES

• Two-pass pre-cool/aftercool front-rear dual-core flow configuration with a 30% increase in internal flow rates.
• Custom MaxFin™ 25 micron Copper Splitter Fin Configuration utilizing 45% thinner fin material yielding up to 50% less pressure drop.
• Unique fin configuration eliminates intra-louver accumulation of dust particles for trouble-free operation.
• Radically optimized 20 FPI (Fins Per Inch) fin density providing dramatically increased heat transfer surface area.
• Custom low-profile 2-row 19.0 x 1.2mm MaxFlow™ tubes with twice the waterside surface area of the GTS and 60% frontal area reduction for superior low air-resistance aerodynamics and lower internal flow requirements.
• Yields up to 45% more heat exchange capacity than the Black Ice® Xtreme in both Stealth or Performance modes.
• Achieves Black Ice® Xtreme level performance in stealth mode (low-noise/low-airflow conditions).
• M4 Threaded Screw Holes for easier mounting and greater adaptability.
• Now standard G 1/4″ female threaded fittings.
• Full high-temper brass structural construction for weight reduction and superior corrosion resistance.
• High performance compact radiator compatible as an upgrade to the Black Ice® Xtreme and most 120mm form factor radiators.
• Uses 100% Non-corrosive water-solluble fluxing process.
• Fully RoHS compliant.
• Full electrostatic polyurethane painting finish for uniform coating with high temperature curing for increased finish durability.
• Renowned Black Ice® quality.
• Patent Pending Design.

DIMENSIONS

Width

133 mm

Height

397 mm

Thickness

54 mm

Worthy of note is the 20FPI high density, splitter-fin design, and slimmer than normal 1.2mm tubes. The dimensions also tested out good on the SR-1, so I’m sure the GTX which shares the same shrouds is much the same.

Hardware Labs SR-1 360 Radiator

This is the fifth in my series of triple radiators the HardwareLabs SR-1 360.  This is one of several models that HWlabs produces including the Black Ice Alpha (Xtreme, and Pro) series which is more on the value side, the Black Ice GTX which is a premium high speed optimized double thickness split fin design, the GTS which is a slim version of the GTX aimed at slower speed fans, and finally the SR-1 which is yet another premium design specifically designed for slower speed fans.  There are quite a few models under the brand, but in terms of double thickness premium radiators there is the GTX (Medium/High Speed) and the SR1(Slow/Medium Speed).  Here we are reviewing the SR1 which is the lower density radiator with a single folded fin design with lower fin density Slow/Medium speed fan model.

A special thanks to Dennis and Jeremy from Danger Den for providing the review sample:

DangerDen  & HWlabs Specifications:

http://www.dangerden.com/store/black-ice-sr1-360.html#tabs

http://www.hwlabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=6

The Black Ice® SR1-360 remains true to its roots in offering case-mod professionals the highest quality triple fan form factor radiator based on Hardware Labs’ silent revision platform. The Black Ice® SR1-360 bridges the gap between ultra-stealth and extreme high performance allowing it to effectively utilize sub-1000 rpm fans and scale performance up to 2000rpm. Ultra-stealth operation with increased thermal capacity, and from the industry’s standard bearer for quality and craftsmanship.

FEATURES

• Two-pass u-flow configuration utilizing high-flow tubes for up to 40% increase in internal flow rates.
• Custom compressed core width to maximize airflow and enhance heat exchange.
• Optimized custom 9 FPI (Fins Per Inch) 45 micron copper maximized conductivity.
• Yields up to 30% more heat exchange capacity than the Black Ice® GTX in ultra-stealth operation mode up to 2000rpm.
• Built-in 15mm deep plenum for equalized core air pressure distribution.
• M4 Threaded Screw Holes for easier mounting and greater adaptability.
• Standard G 1/4″ female threaded fittings.
• Full high-temper brass structural construction for weight reduction and superior corrosion resistance.
• High performance compact radiator compatible as an upgrade to the Black Ice® Xtreme III, Black Ice® GTX360 and most 3x120mm fan form factor radiators.
• Uses 100% Non-corrosive water-soluble fluxing process.
• Fully RoHS compliant.
• Full electrostatic polyurethane painting finish for uniform coating with high temperature curing for increased finish durability.
• Carbon Black Finish.
• Renowned Black Ice® quality.
• Patent Pending Design.

DIMENSIONS

Width

133 mm

Height

397 mm

Thickness

54 mm

Since we are talking about dimensions, this is what I measured:

Length:

Width:

Thickness:

So pretty much the same as specs plus or minus a millimeter in measurement error.

The other few specs worth noting are the M4 screws which is better than all previous radiators tested that used 6-32.  M4 is a larger diameter and finer thread, so you have less chance of stripping and generally better thread durability.

Also note that the SR-1 is notes as producing 30% better cooling than the GTX series, as you would expect with the much lower density 9FPI specification.

Swiftech MCR320-XP Radiator

This is the fourth in my series of triple radiators the Swiftech MCR320-XP .  This model is one of two radiator categories by Swiftech which is optimized for medium to high speed fans where the “XP” stands for Xtreme Performance sporting a more dense 20 folds per inch.  Swiftech also has an QP series which looks very much the same, but has a lower density 12 FPI core.  Here we are looking at the more dense XP model designed for medium to high speed fans.

A special thanks to Gabe from Swiftech for providing the review sample:

Manufacturer Specifications:

http://www.swiftech.com/MCRX20-XP-RADIATOR-SERIES-1.aspx

The MCRx20-XP (eXtreme Performance) series radiators are high-performance liquid-to-air heat exchangers optimized for use with medium speed 120mm fans and specifically engineered in a slim for factor for high-end liquid cooled Personal Computers.

The XP series derive from the Quiet Power technology (QP series) first introduced in 2005 and both series share the exact same dimensions. They differentiate themselves by a higher fin-per-inch (FPI) count where the QP series feature a 12 FPI specification versus 20 FPI for the new XP series. A higher FPI count means that the XP series are more efficient at dissipating heat in the higher RPM fan ranges. When large heat loads are involved for example a CPU and GPU(s) in the loop, this may translate into improved coolant temperature.

In general, we recommend selecting a radiator in the XP series for applications where fans will run from 1200 RPM and above, and selecting among the QP series where fans will run from 1200 RPM and below. A more refined analysis including various coolant flow rate scenarios is reported in the performance section.

The XP series are available in 4 sizes: 1x120mm, 2x120mm, 3x120mm, and 4x120mm.

Optimized fin-density for maximum heat dissipation with medium speed fans  (20 fpi)

2-pass, single row construction

Brass body and brass tubes

Louvered copper fins

Plenum Style: Self-purging brass plenum chambers

Slim form factor (34mm)

High-durability acrylic paint:  Satin black finish

M3.5 threaded fan and case-mounting holes

Hub specifications & fittings compatibility: G1/4″ flat face threaded hubs, compatible with industry standard captive o-ring type fittings (such as Swiftech “Eurostyle” series of barb fittings)

ROHS compliant

Weight: MCR120-XP 15oz (408g), MCR220-XP 1lb 8oz (594g), MCR320-XP 2lb (1048g), MCR420-XP 2lb 6oz (1501g)

Quality assurance: all radiators are ultrasonically cleaned to remove solder flux as well as pressure-tested for leaks.

What is Included with each radiator: M3,5 x 6mm screws (4 each per 120mm fan) – Alternatively you may use 6-32 x 1/4″ (not included) M3,5 x 30mm screws (4 each per 120mm fan) – Alternatively you may use 6-32 x 1 1/8″ (not included) Installation Warning pamphlet No fittings

In general the QP series is recommended for 1200RPM and lower where the XP is recommended for higher speeds.  The radiator is also of the slimmer 34mm thickness although it is a bit wider than some other 120mm rads measuring 128mm in width.

Swiftech MCR320-QP Radiator

This is the third in my series of triple radiators the Swiftech MCR320-QP .  This model is one of two radiator categories by Swiftech which is optimized for slower speed fans (QP=”Quiet Power) and consists of a lower density 12 FPI core.  Swiftech also has an XP series which looks very much the same, but has a higher density 20 FPI core.  Here we will take a close look at the QP model designed for low speed fans.

A special thanks to Gabe from Swiftech for providing the review sample:

Manufacturer Specifications:

http://www.swiftech.com/MCRX20-QP-RADIATOR-SERIES.aspx#tab1

The MCRx20-QP (Quiet Power) series radiators are heavy-duty, low-noise optimized, liquid-to-air heat exchangers designed to be used with 120mm fans and specifically engineered for high-end liquid cooled Personal Computers.

First introduced in 2005, the Quiet Power technology is the result of months of research and development focused on optimizing thermal performance and audible noise characteristics with low to medium airflow types of fans. To this day, the MCRx20-QP radiators have set a standard for others to follow,  and meet today’s PC industry highest thermal loads, quality standards, and low noise requirements at competitive prices.

We recommend using a radiator the QP series in applications where the fans will run in the 1200 RPM range or below. For higher RPM ranges, we recommend selecting a radiator in the XP series.

Two versions, with or without built-in reservoir, and four sizes are available: for single 120mm, dual 120mm, triple 120mm, and quad 120mm.

In general the QP series is recommended for 1200RPM and lower where the XP is recommended for higher speeds.  The radiator is also of the slimmer 34mm thickness although it is a bit wider than some other 120mm rads measuring 128mm in width.

XSPC RX360 Radiator

This is the second in my series of triple radiators the XPSC RX360.  The RX360 is XSPC’s double thickness premium radiator designed for top performance with slow to medium speed fans.  While extra thickness doesn’t add up to 100% improvements over the RS360 model, it does provide a measurable gain and many enthusiasts also prefer the looks of the extra thickness as something that means business with an added emphasis on all out performance.  The RX360 has one very defined focus which is extremely low restriction and extremely high thermal performance for slow to medium speed fans without too many extras to raise the price beyond materials necessary.

A special thanks to Paul from XSPC for providing the review sample:

Manufacturer Specifications:

http://www.xs-pc.com/products/radiators/rx-series/rx360-triple-fan-radiator/

Introducing the RX360, the highest performing triple fan radiator XSPC have ever released. At close to twice the thickness of the RS series radiators it has excellent cooling capabilities and the sub 8fpi gives the radiator very low air flow resistance. The RX360 has been designed and optimised for low speed fans so it can offer high performance cooling at very low noise levels.

– Black Matt Finish
– Dimensions: 124x63x400mm (WxDxH)
– Copper Tubes and Fins
– 3 Rows of 13mm by 2mm Tubes
– Sub 8fpi (fins per inch)
– G1/4″ Ports
– 6-32 Case and Fan Screws

Supplied with mounting screws

Note that the radiator uses 3 rows of 12 tubes, so it is a big increase in the number of tubes over the RS360.  Regarding tuning, you see the 8FPI spec which is tuned more for lower speed fans.  Also you have 6-32 SAE screws.

Length

Thickness

Width

Close, but a little different than spec being a few mm longer and wider.