Baloo.be
Senior Member
Deze Tutorial zal je vertellen waar je op moet kijken als je een nieuwe radiator koopt. De duurste is niet altijd de beste Radiator voor jou.
Bv. wil je ultieme performance dan zijn de Feser en Thermochill niet de beste radiatoren, dan moet je de ... kopen
meer info in de onderstaande Tutorial.
als er onjuiste info instaat mag je me altijd pm of mailen.
:: Radiators ::
:: Watercooling Radiators ::
:: Check and verify that the chosen radiator will fit properly inside your case or setup.
:: Watercooling radiators are so well designed and highly optimized that radiators of the same size group (ie 120.1, 120.2, 120.3) perform roughly the same.
:: Most rads are designed to perform within a certain fan CFM range so they perform better with low CFM, medium CFM fans, or high CFM fans. Matching the correct fans to radiator is the best way to squeeze another 1-2C in performance.
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1) Feser TFC X-Changer :: 120.1 to 120.4 :: USD - $100:$132:$162:$200 ::
– Just released and New King of The Hill optimized for Low and Medium Fan CFM and low restriction between Thermochill and Swiftech MCR. It has similar appearance and design of Thermochill PA radiator with very thick 62mm width, low 12-13 FPI, neoprene pads, and bleeding screws. Some differences are G 1/4" threads and standard fan mounting template. The special part of this radiator is it uses copper tubes, instead of regular brass, and this gives a huge performance drop. This performance also cost $$ that only top end builders should consider and tad better than Thermochill radiator of same size, not the 5C as advertised.
2) ThermoChill PA :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD - $90:$115:$130 ::
- High performing radiator optimized to perform with all fans ranges with one of the lowest restrictions for all radiators. It has a very thick 61mm width, medium 15 FPI (11-12 FPI in most samples), bleeder screw, neoprene seals (optional), different fan mounting/spacing resulting in slightly longer dimensions, a taller 10mm shroud offset from radiator core, and 3/8" G/BSPP threads. PA series performs great with fans under 40CFM and larger dimensions allows above average performance with high CFM fans.
NOTE: Nickel metal G 3/8” fittings are available at Petrastech EK Fitting, Thermochill Barbs NCIX, UK here, and UK. Using Eheim 1046/1048 intake adapters G3/8” to G1/4” allows usage of common G1/4” fittings but increases restriction
Thermochill has shrouds for these radiators and slightly improve performance using fans below 1200 rpm. Above that they can a reduce performance.
3) HWLabs Black Ice GTX Xtreme :: 120.1 to 120.4 :: USD - $65:$90:$115:$135 ::
- GTX is high performance radiator with high restriction and with average performance with low CFM fans, high performance with medium CFM fans, and unbeatable optimal performance beyond 80 CFM fans. This high quality radaitor is a thick 55mm width, G ¼” threads, and high 20 FPI using a unique split fin design. Comes in red, blue, and black colors and unique appearance. It is in same price range as Thermochill and Feser FTC but slightly behind in cooling performance using low CFM fans. It beats most radiators at 50+ CFM, and has untouchable top end performance with high CFM fans.
4) Swiftech MCR :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD - $33:$42:$54 ::
- Great value radiator designed for performance with Low to Medium CFM fans and average restriction. Has a very slim 35mm width, unique tank design to help bleed air, low 12-13 FPI optimized for 30-50 CFM fans but not good with higher CFM fans, and extra radiator tube that helps match performance of the best radiators. The radiators is the bar other radiators get compared to.
Note: These radiators don’t come with barbs and you have to purchase your own and some sellers offer them. Current models have 1/4" NPSM/ G ¼”/BSPP thread. Older models pre August 07’ came with 3/8” NPSM/NPT threads. Older MCR 120.1 have 3/8" metal barbs.
5) Swiftech MCR-QP Res :: 120.1 to 120.2 :: USD $40:$ 55 ::
- Similar to MCR but with built in RES. MCR RES might limit radiator placement or requires complete fill and bleed before installing in certain positions. Swiftech states to mount the radiator with the fill screw facing up. MCR-QP 120 has 3/8” built in barbs and MCR-QP 220 has ¼” NPSM / G ¼” /BSPP thread.
6) HWLabs Black Ice GTS Stealth :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD - $43:$50:$56 ::
- Value radiator for people who want maximum performance. GTS offers great top end cooling performance with High CFM fans and very high restriction. GTS has very slim 30mm width, very high 30 FPI using a unique split fin design that is highly optimized just for high CFM fans, don't use this radiator with low CFM fans. It comes in high quality paint in red, blue, and black colors, unique appearance, and G ¼” threads. GTS offers great top end cooling performance that no radiator can match except GTX so good radiator for people who want maximum performance and don’t care about noise.
7) XSPC RS Radiator :: 120.2 to 120.3 :: USD $40:$50 ::
- New Radiator from XSPC looks like a sharp budget radiator that should work well with Low and Meium CFM fans and Low Restriction. It has medium 35.5mm width, low 13 FPI, and G 1/4" threads. Should perform a little behind Swiftech MCR radiators.
8) Alphacool NexXxos Pro and Extreme Rev 1 and Rev 2 :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD $50:$70:$80
- Black Ice clone or made by HW Labs . Rev 1 has 18 FPI with PRO version being 30mm and EXTREME is 45mm wide, similar to BIP and BIX clones. Rev 2 has medium 15 FPI, low restriction, 30mm or 45mm width with slightly larger overall dimension than most radiators like thermochill, and very good overall performing radiator. Both are hard to find in the US but anyone near UK should consider this radiator as an option.
9) Magicool Slim Pro D & Xtreme ST :: 120.1 to 120.4:120.2x2:120.3x3 :: USD $40:54:70:100:150 ::
- Not sure if information is accurate because info is contradictory and hard to find. Slim, Pro, or D version is thin 30mm width, low 12-13 FPI that are budget radiators that are only good with fans below 40 CFM. Xtreme has 45 mm width and uses 18 FPI. Xtreme also have 120.4 and huge 240.2, 360.2, and huge 360.3 radiators but worry about restriction. Average performing radiators.
10) HW Labs Black Ice Pro / Black Ice Xtreme :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD - $32 : 62 :: BIP has average restriction, slimmest 25mm profile, and high 18 FPI. Good with 30-50 CFM fans, a good value radiator, and basically an older version of MCR. BIX is 45mm thick, average restriction, meant for 50+ CFM fans, and harder to find. BIX was replaced by BI GTS. Both use ¼” NPT threads but take G ¼” or BSP thread fittings.
*) Coolingworks Coolrad ::120to 120.3 :: USD $35:$42:$55 - These rads seem to be out of stock and discontinued. Has low 12-13 FPI radiator that is 45mm wide, with average restriction, and slightly better performing version of MCR. Works very well with 30-60 CFM fans but not optimized for high CFM fans. Comes with DD metal barbs 9/16-18 UNF Thread and better high CFM performance makes it a better deal than Swiftech MCR radiator.
NOTE: G , NPSM, and BSPP threads are the same standard and are interchangeable. 1/4" NPT and 1/4" BSPT might be able to be be used but are not interchangeable with the above three or each other and can damage the threads or leak without teflon tape or thread sealant.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:: Other Radiator Info ::
:: Check and verify the radiator will fit properly inside your case or setup. Doesn’t matter how good, how expensive it is, or how it looks when it plain doesn’t fit. Double check the radiator dimensions and alignment before any modding. Having a cardboard cutout or mock box model helps determine proper clearances.
:: Watercooling radiators are so well designed and highly optimized that radiators of the same size group (ie 120.1, 120.2, 120.3) perform roughly the same.
:: Most rads are designed to perform within a certain fan CFM range so they perform better with low CFM, medium CFM fans, or high CFM fans. Matching the correct fans to radiator is the best way to squeeze another 1-2C in performance.
:: If the RAD doesn’t fit inside the case or you don’t want to do lots of mods, then an external setup is highly recommended using a Swiftech RadBox MCB-120 and drilling holes for tubing holes into the case or buy a case already with tubing hole cutouts.
:: You don’t have to use the MCB-120 RadBox if you have 120mm fan exhaust, just buy long plastic standoffs and correct length screws to mount the radiator outside your case.
:: Pick at least a 120.2 sized radiator to get benefits of extra cooling over the best air cooling setups and lower noise.
:: Want everything internal? Want the performance of a larger 120.3 radiator but have space for only 120.2 or 120.1 radiators? Then setup a build with a couple of RADs. This setup doesn’t perform as well as single larger radiator and also adds additional restriction requiring a powerful pump.
:: Larger radiators doesn’t necessary always improve performance but they usually do and are best way to improve cooling performance. If you have high temps on all parts being watercooled than a larger radiator can improve temps by 2-3C.
:: Shrouds aren’t required. They are already built in with PC water cooling radiators.
:: Heatercores don’t perform better than PC radiators, usually a bit worse. They offer average performance with unique Pros and Cons.
:: Don’t pick RADs with round tubes or aluminium radiators. Round tubes perform much worse, and AL rads present a high risk of corrosion.
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:: Understanding Basics of Radiator Performance ::
:: Did I mention how important it is check that the rad fits properly? Well double checking always helps.
:: Water cooling radiators are very well designed so radiators with similar size group and frontal area size, for example 120.3 vs 120.3, will often perform roughly the same.
Since radiators design are optimized to perform in different conditions, picking a radiator to meet users’ preferences or specification like noise, performance, or value based on the radiator is complex. Understanding the variables that are important to radiator performance and will help pick the proper radiator to meet those preferences.
The factors that differentiate radiator performance are radiator frontal size, thickness, FPI, restriction, and the fan used on the radiator.
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:: Radiator Performance Based on Frontal Size & Overall Dimensions ::
<< 120.1 RAD >> Handle about 100-200 watt loops @ 50-90 CFM. Cool about one major component. Enough for overclocked QUAD but might require louder high CFM fans. Good as best air cooling but with more noise. Not recommended overall.
<< 120.2 RAD >> Handle up to 200-400 watt loops @ 80-150 total CFM. Cool 2 to 3 major components. Enough to cool an OC’ED CPU and GPU card, maybe overclocked CPU and stock SLI setup but with higher temps or requires higher CFM fans.
<<120.3 RAD >> Handle up to 300-600 watt loops @ 120-240 total CFM. Cool three or more components. Enough to cool both overclocked CPU and SLI setup with some other parts.
:: Picking a radiator with a larger frontal size can drastically improve performance. Upgrading a radiator to the next larger frontal area using the exact same fans usually improves performance by 3C. Data supporting is courtesy of Bill Adams and Roscal HERE. Radiator upgrades in size are usually the best sure fire way to improving cooling performance but conditions vary so these improvements can vary.
- 120.1 to 120.2 generally improves performance by 3-5C, as much as 7C, and usually 4C Degrees..
- 120.2 to 120.3 generally improves performance by 2-4C, usually 2C Degrees.
- 120.1 to 120.3 generally improves performance by 5-9C, as much as 10C, and usually 6C (simple math)
:: Thicker radiators often have better performance over thin radiators. Thicker radiators have wider tubes, wider fins, thus have larger cooling surface, and usually have lower restriction over thinner counterparts. Usually the High CFM or best performing radiators are thicker radiators. Usually thinner radiators are optimized for “quiet fans” or low CFM to medium CFM fan setups.
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:: Air CFM roughly determines radiator performance ::
This generalization shows the correlation and impact of total air CFM on radiator performance and that not just the radiator frontal size impacts radiator performance. Data was used from thermal testing data on Thermochill PA.
- A 120.1 radiator with one 105 CFM fan performs roughly equal to same type of 120.2 rad with two 37 CFM fans, total 74 air CFM.
- A 120.2 radiator with two 73 CFM fans with total 146 air CFM performs roughly equal to 120.3 rad with three 43 CFM fans, total 130 air CFM
:: While larger radiators require less total CFM to perform as well as smaller radiators, having more air CFM on smaller radiators can have them match larger radiators albeit with compromise for more fan noise. Having a larger radiator does help improve performance but also allows reduction of noise by running lower CFM fans with lower noise signature.
:: Undervolting and PWM control on fans reduce fan noise but also decreases performance. The numbers are very rough approximations that are generalized, not accounting variables based on total air CFM, Flow Rates, and Heat Dump. I noticed this in personal observations, experiments and confirmed by interpreting performance data and simulators HERE and here.
** 12V to 7V usually reduces performance by 2-3C in most scenarios
** 7V to 5V usually reduces performance by 2C or more.
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:: FPI, Fan Specs and Radiator performance ::
:: FPI (Fin per Inch) influence how radiators perform with certain types of fans and how they respond to a certain fan CFM range.
:: Low FPI radiators perform better with low CFM fans because they have lower air resistance and don’t require lots of air pressure to perform well. Low FPI radiators are often thinner to maintain a low air resistance. With High CFM range these radiators perform poorly. Example of this are BI Pro, Swiftech MCR, and similar type of radiators
:: High FPI radiators need High CFM fans with strong air pressure and high air CFM to push air through the higher density of fins. High FPI rads are often also thicker and have higher air resistance. This increase air turbulence and can increase noise output. Most of these rads perform poorly at low CFM, decent at Medium CFM, and good or excellent at High CFM. Example of this is BIX, BI GTX, NexXxos Extreme, and other “extreme” models.
:: Fan pressure is more important to radiator performance so fans with same CFM but the fan with higher air pressure will offer better performance. Often thick 38mm fans offer top performance but are generally noisier than normal 25mm fans.
:: Radiators usually always perform better at higher CFM, it doesn’t necessary mean that it does at well as another radiator. If you want to use High CFM fans then matching it with a radiator made for High CFM fans that can perform better by 1-2C. Based on this info matching the correct fan to a radiator can net a 1- 3 C difference in temperature vs. mismatching a fan to a radiator.
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:: Radiator Fans ::
Matching the right fans to the radiator to fit personal needs is a main concern. Low CFM fans will give less performance but less noise. Performance fans deliver max performance but can be noisy and are larger. Medium CFM fans don’t offer max performance like performance fans and undervolted don’t match the noise level of to LOW CFM fans sometimes.
:: Low CFM / Quiet Fans (30-50CFM)
Scythe SFLEX SFF21 E :: Noctua NF-P12 :: Yate Loon D12SL-12 LOW :: CM 120mm Low Noise Fan (40-50CFM)
:: Medium CFM/ Undervolting Fans (45-70 CFM)
Scythe S-FLEX SFF21 F :: Yateloon D12SM-12/D12SH-12 :: Aerocool Xtreme Turbine :: Antec Tricool :: Tek Chains :: Sanyo Denki San Ace :: Scythe "Ultra Kaze" 2000
:: High CFM / Performance Fans (38mm width and 70+CFM)
Sanyo Denki San Ace :: Delta :: Panaflo (NMB-MAT)) :: Sunon :: Scythe "Ultra Kaze" 3000
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Radiator Fans Screws
This Questions shows up on occasion when fan screws are not supplied with radiator.
BEWARE!! Using wrong screw length is #1 way of destroying your radiator. I picked had 3 screws of correct length and 1 that looked the same but was a little longer and nearly pierced my radiator tube. Always check the lengths even when screwing in the screw or bolt.
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:: Most radiators screws use a thread of # 6/32, #M4, and sometimes #M3 or rarer #M3.5 with length of 3/8” for normal fans and 1 ¼” (30mm) length screws for closed corner 25mm fans like yateloons.
:: # 6/32 is common American thread found at any US hardware store while others # M3.5 and # M4 are metric and harder to find in US.
:: Thermochill uses a screw #6 with 1 /2” length due to thicker gaskets or M3.5 x 38mm for Yateloons. This is from their Faqs website
:: Certain thumb fan screws are long and small enough to also work.
- 1-1/4" Stainless Steel Thermochill/BIP/BIX Fan Screws (Pack of 4) from petrastechshop.com- Fan Screws - #4 X 3/8" Stainless Steel performance-pcs.com- Screws and Nuts from sidewindercomputers.com
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Radiator Fan Grills
Not required but becoming very common given number of users with modded cases with top mounted radiators inside their cases.
NOTE: Thermochill requires different fan grills due to dimension vs rest of radiators .
::Radgrills at performance-pcs.com
:: A.C.Ryan RadGrillz Stripes 3x120 at sidewindercomputers.com
:: Kikboxes radgrills at frozencpu.com
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NOTE: Heatercores and Shrouds not required are not recommended
Modern RADs are easier to setup. Essentially plug and play compared to modding a heatercore and assembling the mounting gear. Also the cost difference between water cooling RAD and heatercores is smaller then it was two-three years ago. This was caused when Coolingworks forced Black Ice to reduce radiator prices by half. Heatercores also include various hidden cost like modding, barbs, shrouds, and mounting gear. Pick the Swiftech MCR/RES if you want to save money and your time. Shrouds aren’t required for radiators any longer. You don’t have believe me and wasting your time finding out the truth.
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Bv. wil je ultieme performance dan zijn de Feser en Thermochill niet de beste radiatoren, dan moet je de ... kopen
meer info in de onderstaande Tutorial.
als er onjuiste info instaat mag je me altijd pm of mailen.
:: Radiators ::
:: Watercooling Radiators ::
:: Check and verify that the chosen radiator will fit properly inside your case or setup.
:: Watercooling radiators are so well designed and highly optimized that radiators of the same size group (ie 120.1, 120.2, 120.3) perform roughly the same.
:: Most rads are designed to perform within a certain fan CFM range so they perform better with low CFM, medium CFM fans, or high CFM fans. Matching the correct fans to radiator is the best way to squeeze another 1-2C in performance.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Feser TFC X-Changer :: 120.1 to 120.4 :: USD - $100:$132:$162:$200 ::
– Just released and New King of The Hill optimized for Low and Medium Fan CFM and low restriction between Thermochill and Swiftech MCR. It has similar appearance and design of Thermochill PA radiator with very thick 62mm width, low 12-13 FPI, neoprene pads, and bleeding screws. Some differences are G 1/4" threads and standard fan mounting template. The special part of this radiator is it uses copper tubes, instead of regular brass, and this gives a huge performance drop. This performance also cost $$ that only top end builders should consider and tad better than Thermochill radiator of same size, not the 5C as advertised.
2) ThermoChill PA :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD - $90:$115:$130 ::
- High performing radiator optimized to perform with all fans ranges with one of the lowest restrictions for all radiators. It has a very thick 61mm width, medium 15 FPI (11-12 FPI in most samples), bleeder screw, neoprene seals (optional), different fan mounting/spacing resulting in slightly longer dimensions, a taller 10mm shroud offset from radiator core, and 3/8" G/BSPP threads. PA series performs great with fans under 40CFM and larger dimensions allows above average performance with high CFM fans.
NOTE: Nickel metal G 3/8” fittings are available at Petrastech EK Fitting, Thermochill Barbs NCIX, UK here, and UK. Using Eheim 1046/1048 intake adapters G3/8” to G1/4” allows usage of common G1/4” fittings but increases restriction
Thermochill has shrouds for these radiators and slightly improve performance using fans below 1200 rpm. Above that they can a reduce performance.
3) HWLabs Black Ice GTX Xtreme :: 120.1 to 120.4 :: USD - $65:$90:$115:$135 ::
- GTX is high performance radiator with high restriction and with average performance with low CFM fans, high performance with medium CFM fans, and unbeatable optimal performance beyond 80 CFM fans. This high quality radaitor is a thick 55mm width, G ¼” threads, and high 20 FPI using a unique split fin design. Comes in red, blue, and black colors and unique appearance. It is in same price range as Thermochill and Feser FTC but slightly behind in cooling performance using low CFM fans. It beats most radiators at 50+ CFM, and has untouchable top end performance with high CFM fans.
4) Swiftech MCR :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD - $33:$42:$54 ::
- Great value radiator designed for performance with Low to Medium CFM fans and average restriction. Has a very slim 35mm width, unique tank design to help bleed air, low 12-13 FPI optimized for 30-50 CFM fans but not good with higher CFM fans, and extra radiator tube that helps match performance of the best radiators. The radiators is the bar other radiators get compared to.
Note: These radiators don’t come with barbs and you have to purchase your own and some sellers offer them. Current models have 1/4" NPSM/ G ¼”/BSPP thread. Older models pre August 07’ came with 3/8” NPSM/NPT threads. Older MCR 120.1 have 3/8" metal barbs.
5) Swiftech MCR-QP Res :: 120.1 to 120.2 :: USD $40:$ 55 ::
- Similar to MCR but with built in RES. MCR RES might limit radiator placement or requires complete fill and bleed before installing in certain positions. Swiftech states to mount the radiator with the fill screw facing up. MCR-QP 120 has 3/8” built in barbs and MCR-QP 220 has ¼” NPSM / G ¼” /BSPP thread.
6) HWLabs Black Ice GTS Stealth :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD - $43:$50:$56 ::
- Value radiator for people who want maximum performance. GTS offers great top end cooling performance with High CFM fans and very high restriction. GTS has very slim 30mm width, very high 30 FPI using a unique split fin design that is highly optimized just for high CFM fans, don't use this radiator with low CFM fans. It comes in high quality paint in red, blue, and black colors, unique appearance, and G ¼” threads. GTS offers great top end cooling performance that no radiator can match except GTX so good radiator for people who want maximum performance and don’t care about noise.
7) XSPC RS Radiator :: 120.2 to 120.3 :: USD $40:$50 ::
- New Radiator from XSPC looks like a sharp budget radiator that should work well with Low and Meium CFM fans and Low Restriction. It has medium 35.5mm width, low 13 FPI, and G 1/4" threads. Should perform a little behind Swiftech MCR radiators.
8) Alphacool NexXxos Pro and Extreme Rev 1 and Rev 2 :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD $50:$70:$80
- Black Ice clone or made by HW Labs . Rev 1 has 18 FPI with PRO version being 30mm and EXTREME is 45mm wide, similar to BIP and BIX clones. Rev 2 has medium 15 FPI, low restriction, 30mm or 45mm width with slightly larger overall dimension than most radiators like thermochill, and very good overall performing radiator. Both are hard to find in the US but anyone near UK should consider this radiator as an option.
9) Magicool Slim Pro D & Xtreme ST :: 120.1 to 120.4:120.2x2:120.3x3 :: USD $40:54:70:100:150 ::
- Not sure if information is accurate because info is contradictory and hard to find. Slim, Pro, or D version is thin 30mm width, low 12-13 FPI that are budget radiators that are only good with fans below 40 CFM. Xtreme has 45 mm width and uses 18 FPI. Xtreme also have 120.4 and huge 240.2, 360.2, and huge 360.3 radiators but worry about restriction. Average performing radiators.
10) HW Labs Black Ice Pro / Black Ice Xtreme :: 120.1 to 120.3 :: USD - $32 : 62 :: BIP has average restriction, slimmest 25mm profile, and high 18 FPI. Good with 30-50 CFM fans, a good value radiator, and basically an older version of MCR. BIX is 45mm thick, average restriction, meant for 50+ CFM fans, and harder to find. BIX was replaced by BI GTS. Both use ¼” NPT threads but take G ¼” or BSP thread fittings.
*) Coolingworks Coolrad ::120to 120.3 :: USD $35:$42:$55 - These rads seem to be out of stock and discontinued. Has low 12-13 FPI radiator that is 45mm wide, with average restriction, and slightly better performing version of MCR. Works very well with 30-60 CFM fans but not optimized for high CFM fans. Comes with DD metal barbs 9/16-18 UNF Thread and better high CFM performance makes it a better deal than Swiftech MCR radiator.
NOTE: G , NPSM, and BSPP threads are the same standard and are interchangeable. 1/4" NPT and 1/4" BSPT might be able to be be used but are not interchangeable with the above three or each other and can damage the threads or leak without teflon tape or thread sealant.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:: Other Radiator Info ::
:: Check and verify the radiator will fit properly inside your case or setup. Doesn’t matter how good, how expensive it is, or how it looks when it plain doesn’t fit. Double check the radiator dimensions and alignment before any modding. Having a cardboard cutout or mock box model helps determine proper clearances.
:: Watercooling radiators are so well designed and highly optimized that radiators of the same size group (ie 120.1, 120.2, 120.3) perform roughly the same.
:: Most rads are designed to perform within a certain fan CFM range so they perform better with low CFM, medium CFM fans, or high CFM fans. Matching the correct fans to radiator is the best way to squeeze another 1-2C in performance.
:: If the RAD doesn’t fit inside the case or you don’t want to do lots of mods, then an external setup is highly recommended using a Swiftech RadBox MCB-120 and drilling holes for tubing holes into the case or buy a case already with tubing hole cutouts.
:: You don’t have to use the MCB-120 RadBox if you have 120mm fan exhaust, just buy long plastic standoffs and correct length screws to mount the radiator outside your case.
:: Pick at least a 120.2 sized radiator to get benefits of extra cooling over the best air cooling setups and lower noise.
:: Want everything internal? Want the performance of a larger 120.3 radiator but have space for only 120.2 or 120.1 radiators? Then setup a build with a couple of RADs. This setup doesn’t perform as well as single larger radiator and also adds additional restriction requiring a powerful pump.
:: Larger radiators doesn’t necessary always improve performance but they usually do and are best way to improve cooling performance. If you have high temps on all parts being watercooled than a larger radiator can improve temps by 2-3C.
:: Shrouds aren’t required. They are already built in with PC water cooling radiators.
:: Heatercores don’t perform better than PC radiators, usually a bit worse. They offer average performance with unique Pros and Cons.
:: Don’t pick RADs with round tubes or aluminium radiators. Round tubes perform much worse, and AL rads present a high risk of corrosion.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:: Understanding Basics of Radiator Performance ::
:: Did I mention how important it is check that the rad fits properly? Well double checking always helps.
:: Water cooling radiators are very well designed so radiators with similar size group and frontal area size, for example 120.3 vs 120.3, will often perform roughly the same.
Since radiators design are optimized to perform in different conditions, picking a radiator to meet users’ preferences or specification like noise, performance, or value based on the radiator is complex. Understanding the variables that are important to radiator performance and will help pick the proper radiator to meet those preferences.
The factors that differentiate radiator performance are radiator frontal size, thickness, FPI, restriction, and the fan used on the radiator.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:: Radiator Performance Based on Frontal Size & Overall Dimensions ::
<< 120.1 RAD >> Handle about 100-200 watt loops @ 50-90 CFM. Cool about one major component. Enough for overclocked QUAD but might require louder high CFM fans. Good as best air cooling but with more noise. Not recommended overall.
<< 120.2 RAD >> Handle up to 200-400 watt loops @ 80-150 total CFM. Cool 2 to 3 major components. Enough to cool an OC’ED CPU and GPU card, maybe overclocked CPU and stock SLI setup but with higher temps or requires higher CFM fans.
<<120.3 RAD >> Handle up to 300-600 watt loops @ 120-240 total CFM. Cool three or more components. Enough to cool both overclocked CPU and SLI setup with some other parts.
:: Picking a radiator with a larger frontal size can drastically improve performance. Upgrading a radiator to the next larger frontal area using the exact same fans usually improves performance by 3C. Data supporting is courtesy of Bill Adams and Roscal HERE. Radiator upgrades in size are usually the best sure fire way to improving cooling performance but conditions vary so these improvements can vary.
- 120.1 to 120.2 generally improves performance by 3-5C, as much as 7C, and usually 4C Degrees..
- 120.2 to 120.3 generally improves performance by 2-4C, usually 2C Degrees.
- 120.1 to 120.3 generally improves performance by 5-9C, as much as 10C, and usually 6C (simple math)
:: Thicker radiators often have better performance over thin radiators. Thicker radiators have wider tubes, wider fins, thus have larger cooling surface, and usually have lower restriction over thinner counterparts. Usually the High CFM or best performing radiators are thicker radiators. Usually thinner radiators are optimized for “quiet fans” or low CFM to medium CFM fan setups.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:: Air CFM roughly determines radiator performance ::
This generalization shows the correlation and impact of total air CFM on radiator performance and that not just the radiator frontal size impacts radiator performance. Data was used from thermal testing data on Thermochill PA.
- A 120.1 radiator with one 105 CFM fan performs roughly equal to same type of 120.2 rad with two 37 CFM fans, total 74 air CFM.
- A 120.2 radiator with two 73 CFM fans with total 146 air CFM performs roughly equal to 120.3 rad with three 43 CFM fans, total 130 air CFM
:: While larger radiators require less total CFM to perform as well as smaller radiators, having more air CFM on smaller radiators can have them match larger radiators albeit with compromise for more fan noise. Having a larger radiator does help improve performance but also allows reduction of noise by running lower CFM fans with lower noise signature.
:: Undervolting and PWM control on fans reduce fan noise but also decreases performance. The numbers are very rough approximations that are generalized, not accounting variables based on total air CFM, Flow Rates, and Heat Dump. I noticed this in personal observations, experiments and confirmed by interpreting performance data and simulators HERE and here.
** 12V to 7V usually reduces performance by 2-3C in most scenarios
** 7V to 5V usually reduces performance by 2C or more.
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:: FPI, Fan Specs and Radiator performance ::
:: FPI (Fin per Inch) influence how radiators perform with certain types of fans and how they respond to a certain fan CFM range.
:: Low FPI radiators perform better with low CFM fans because they have lower air resistance and don’t require lots of air pressure to perform well. Low FPI radiators are often thinner to maintain a low air resistance. With High CFM range these radiators perform poorly. Example of this are BI Pro, Swiftech MCR, and similar type of radiators
:: High FPI radiators need High CFM fans with strong air pressure and high air CFM to push air through the higher density of fins. High FPI rads are often also thicker and have higher air resistance. This increase air turbulence and can increase noise output. Most of these rads perform poorly at low CFM, decent at Medium CFM, and good or excellent at High CFM. Example of this is BIX, BI GTX, NexXxos Extreme, and other “extreme” models.
:: Fan pressure is more important to radiator performance so fans with same CFM but the fan with higher air pressure will offer better performance. Often thick 38mm fans offer top performance but are generally noisier than normal 25mm fans.
:: Radiators usually always perform better at higher CFM, it doesn’t necessary mean that it does at well as another radiator. If you want to use High CFM fans then matching it with a radiator made for High CFM fans that can perform better by 1-2C. Based on this info matching the correct fan to a radiator can net a 1- 3 C difference in temperature vs. mismatching a fan to a radiator.
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:: Radiator Fans ::
Matching the right fans to the radiator to fit personal needs is a main concern. Low CFM fans will give less performance but less noise. Performance fans deliver max performance but can be noisy and are larger. Medium CFM fans don’t offer max performance like performance fans and undervolted don’t match the noise level of to LOW CFM fans sometimes.
:: Low CFM / Quiet Fans (30-50CFM)
Scythe SFLEX SFF21 E :: Noctua NF-P12 :: Yate Loon D12SL-12 LOW :: CM 120mm Low Noise Fan (40-50CFM)
:: Medium CFM/ Undervolting Fans (45-70 CFM)
Scythe S-FLEX SFF21 F :: Yateloon D12SM-12/D12SH-12 :: Aerocool Xtreme Turbine :: Antec Tricool :: Tek Chains :: Sanyo Denki San Ace :: Scythe "Ultra Kaze" 2000
:: High CFM / Performance Fans (38mm width and 70+CFM)
Sanyo Denki San Ace :: Delta :: Panaflo (NMB-MAT)) :: Sunon :: Scythe "Ultra Kaze" 3000
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Radiator Fans Screws
This Questions shows up on occasion when fan screws are not supplied with radiator.
BEWARE!! Using wrong screw length is #1 way of destroying your radiator. I picked had 3 screws of correct length and 1 that looked the same but was a little longer and nearly pierced my radiator tube. Always check the lengths even when screwing in the screw or bolt.
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:: Most radiators screws use a thread of # 6/32, #M4, and sometimes #M3 or rarer #M3.5 with length of 3/8” for normal fans and 1 ¼” (30mm) length screws for closed corner 25mm fans like yateloons.
:: # 6/32 is common American thread found at any US hardware store while others # M3.5 and # M4 are metric and harder to find in US.
:: Thermochill uses a screw #6 with 1 /2” length due to thicker gaskets or M3.5 x 38mm for Yateloons. This is from their Faqs website
:: Certain thumb fan screws are long and small enough to also work.
- 1-1/4" Stainless Steel Thermochill/BIP/BIX Fan Screws (Pack of 4) from petrastechshop.com- Fan Screws - #4 X 3/8" Stainless Steel performance-pcs.com- Screws and Nuts from sidewindercomputers.com
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Radiator Fan Grills
Not required but becoming very common given number of users with modded cases with top mounted radiators inside their cases.
NOTE: Thermochill requires different fan grills due to dimension vs rest of radiators .
::Radgrills at performance-pcs.com
:: A.C.Ryan RadGrillz Stripes 3x120 at sidewindercomputers.com
:: Kikboxes radgrills at frozencpu.com
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NOTE: Heatercores and Shrouds not required are not recommended
Modern RADs are easier to setup. Essentially plug and play compared to modding a heatercore and assembling the mounting gear. Also the cost difference between water cooling RAD and heatercores is smaller then it was two-three years ago. This was caused when Coolingworks forced Black Ice to reduce radiator prices by half. Heatercores also include various hidden cost like modding, barbs, shrouds, and mounting gear. Pick the Swiftech MCR/RES if you want to save money and your time. Shrouds aren’t required for radiators any longer. You don’t have believe me and wasting your time finding out the truth.
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