Triple Radiator Comparison V2
Update, October 12, 2011:
Looking for the latest radiators and most recent testing? An updated Radiator Comparison has been published.
2011-2012 Radiator Comparison
Market Pricing
Prices were taken on 11/08/2009. Rather than get in a debate on price, here are all of the radiators in the round-up at vendors/e-tailers/shops we all know for our Liquid Cooling gear. I’m avoiding the textual debate, because I can only speak for US prices and availability in the US. If you are outside the US and don’t see your favorite shop listed, drop me a note with a link of the radiators available and I’ll try to include them on the next update. info@skinneelabs
|
|
Conclusion
Overall, every radiator performs, its a matter of fans and the speed you want to run them at. However, I don’t recommend a GTX360, TFC360 or MCR320-Stack (3 fans) for 1000RPM and under. The GTX360 is just a high FPI radiator that excels with medium and high speed fans the GTX series wins hands down 1800RPM and above. The TFC X-Changer 360 but the TFC has some extra thickness with the higher FPI (12FPI), so the performance isn’t great before 1400RPM and comes in second after the GTX beyond that… I expected better for all the hype and seeming popularity.
For Medium speeds of 1000,1400, and 1800RPM, its a toss up really, I personally think prices and aesthetics be your deciding factor. The HWLabs SR1 is a low speed performer, then tails from the pack after 1000RPM which is what we would expect from low FPI and a dual row. But the XSPC RX360 didn’t give up the 1000RPM crown and the 600RPM loop delta on our SLI scenario was 0.08C which is basically equal. The RX series is perfect match for all fan speeds. We can’t forget the mighty Swiftech MCR320 though, for those in the US its your best price:performance radiator available at any fan speed. The MCR320-Stack just doesn’t work as a sandwich, but I’ve got some exploratory testing to run as I know the extra surface area of the stack will drop the loop deltas, its just a matter for fan configuration. And finally, the legendary ThermoChill PA120.3… always a solid choice sporting lowest restriction around and stellar performance across all fan speeds… oh yeah, and the latest revision uses standard 15mm fan spacing. I just wish ThermoChill could catchup with available stock and get more online retailer coverage. The PA120.3 is my own personal favorite, afterall I own 6 ThermoChill PA’s of one flavor or another.
Like I said, not a bad radiator in the line-up. Choose your radiator based on fans speed (RPM/CFM/Static Pressure) and noise. If that doesn’t make the decision for you, price and aesthetics are the other criteria you’ll have to compare. If all else fails, make a poll at your favorite forum and watch a debate ensue, you’ll might end up more confused though. 
One final note, from here on out I’ll mostly just be updating the Pressure Drop and Thermal Performance charts, well Market pricing too. I’ll add another article link on the homepage every update though… this way you don’t have to wait for a rewrite on every radiator test.
Update, October 12, 2011:
Looking for the latest radiators and most recent testing? An updated Radiator Comparison has been published.
2011-2012 Radiator Comparison