2011-2012 Radiator Comparison
Flow Rate, Pressure Drop, and Restriction
One of the additions in the V2 procedure is the Max flow rate test, which is the main chart for us here. Max flow is achieved just off a single D5 with EK V2 top. Following our normal data show, pressure drop and restriction data is up. All of the radiators are compiled into each chart/table. I decided to start including mH2O again; more companies are using it again.
I will let the data speak for itself mostly, with just a small reminder of why flow rate is important and the primary caveat in overall system performance. Higher flow rates mean a lower C/W, plain and simple. The potential drawback is on the pump side, the energy and noise to achieve higher pumping power. So, do not want to change the pump? Then use lower restriction components in your loop, radiator included.
Comments
Posted On
Mar 26, 2012Posted By
cool4topvery good review like always, thank you for the excellent job, look forward to getting new tests soon
Posted On
Feb 21, 2012Posted By
Matt_SharkeyA good compilation skinnee. I like that you remain unbiased in your overall test and results discussion, its a refreshing read.
I do have an issue with the relative comparison scale. While the AC Revo has the physical mounts for a 120mm Fan, I feel that it is somewhat of apples to oranges…
being such a large cooler it is expected that it will perform significantly better than smaller ones, where all other radiators in this comparison are well matched in size. In my perception of the hobby most builders are limited by the physical size allowed for a radiator, not the size of the fan. So I think that maybe the traditional radiators should be matched on their own relative performance, and maybe add the AC Revo as a value greater than 10, or simply add it to a comparison of all 140mm radiators.
I think that this chart makes the AC Revo look like the holy grail of radiators, when its really in a different league. I hope you consider this issue.
Great work overall though!
Posted On
Oct 22, 2011Posted By
nicodemusnice work skinnee! thanks for all that you do! any chance of getting in the new XSPC EX series rads for testing? i look forward to seeing how they compare against the RX series and against the Swiftech MCR QP.