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.