Thermal Performance

Thermal Performance scores are derived from the relevant Performance Factor scores. We set this scale with 72.5% and below as the 0 mark, with each 2.5% increase from 72.5% in relative performance adding 0.5 to the awarded performance score.

The Bold Scores are based on performance comparisons of only the slim 360mm Rads. On the second line  is the score which is generated against all the 360mm rads from the complete round up.

Push Only Thermal Performance

  • 5.0/5 – Slims Only 360mm rads.
  • 3.5/5 – all 360mm rads

The Nemesis 360GTS’ Push Only thermal performance was outstanding, taking 2 wins and a second place in the 3 tests conducted. The amzing 98.9 comparative performance factor score equated to a perfect Push Only score of 5.0

Push/Pull Thermal Performance

  • 4.5/5 – Slims Only 360mm rads.
  • 2.0/5 – all 360mm rads

The Push/Pull performance was excellent and placed 2nd with a generated P/P AFP score of 94.8, just short of another perfect summary score.

Overall Thermal Performance

  • 4.5/5 – Slims Only 360mm rads.
  • 3.0/5 – all 360mm rads

With the Push Only and Push/Pull results it would be quite amazing if the 360GTS placed anywhere other than 1st in overall results. It’s excellent all round results  landed the 360GTS with a clear win and it’s 96.98 Master Performance Factor score means that 4.5/5 score is the end result.

This was one of the two very restrictive radiator of the test group, being about equal in “restrictiveness” to an average CPU block.

Nemesis 360GTS (7)Features & Quality – 4.0/5

The build quality and finish on the Nemesis 360 GTS is excellent. Hardware Labs have a reputation for producing excellent quality radiators and this one does not let the side down. I could not fault the build quality in any way.

The “Dark Matter” textured finish won’t be to everybody’s taste (it grew on me) but normal paint options are available. From at least one online store standard paint is now available in a variety of colors.

A core design with 16 FPI would normally favor higher speed fans, but being a stealthy slim radiator that was not the case here as seen in the performance summary above. The high FPI count does however mean that you’ll need to be doing maintenance more frequently – removing all those dust bunnies.

There are just 1 inlet port and 1 outlet port option. There are protection plates in place for fan screws.

Summary – Silver Award and “Best Slim Radiator”

gts_award

The Hardware Labs Nemesis 360GTS is an excellent choice where space limitations are a concern. It’s build quality and finish lives up to HWL industry leading standards. It’s the all round top performer in the slim radiator category and bt far the best Push Only rad of the group. Hard to go past this one if it fits your build’s requirements of a stealthy slim radiator.

Where to buy: $63 – PPCS

hwlabs_gts2

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14 COMMENTS

  2. I wish they did multi port versions of the Nemesis GTS. That would be the logical next design evolution for HWLabs.

  3. What are the implications for using a highly restrictive rad like the 360gts? Does it play nice with other rads in a multi rad cpu/gpu cooled rig?

    thanks

    • Hi David,
      This is a great question, that is rather complicated to answer, as so much of the detail is reliant on the other components in you water cooling loop.
      I’ll try to make the answer as simple as possible to understand, even if some the terminology isn’t technically correct.
      So…
      Let’s start back with the pump/s & pump top set up (which I’ll just call pump) that one may be using as it is the heart of any water cooling system.
      The pump has a maximum amount of “power” with which it is able to move the coolant.
      The maximum “power” has 2 dynamically linked properties which we call “Flow Rate” and “Pressure”
      As one of these properties goes up, then the other must come down, because the pump has a limit on it’s (maximum) “power”

      So let’s imagine that the pump is set up in a loop all of it’s own, with no other components.
      The flow rate will be very high because the restriction level is low and the none of the pump’s “power/pressure” is needed to overcome any restrictions.
      Now – if we start adding in components such as blocks and radiators we are placing restrictions the pump must overcome.
      To do this the pump’s “power” is dynamically changed depending on the restriction level of the components.
      More restriction = is more pressure needed by the the pump to get the coolant through the block/radiator….
      which results in a lower flow rate.
      So with a restrictive radiator like the 360GTS it will play nicely with other components in the loop.
      The question is, does your pump have enough “power” to achieve a flow rate you desire after using up “pressure” on the components.

      If nothing else, that should get you thinking 🙂

  4. Wonder if anyone knows how much the 360 GTS Nemesis weighs in grams? I almost replaced it with the Coolgate 360HD as the specs seemed better but when I held both in my hands it seemed liked the Nemesis GTS 360 was heavier as in better materials and more copper and had just as much radiator height internally though the 360hd had a taller casing and weighed 790g. Could not find wieght info published online anywhere. Mine is the X-Flow version however. Thanks

  8. Thanks for the excellent review. I really can’t figure out if this rad is for me though?? I will be using x2 360 rads to cool a 5820K+1080 GPU, using lower RPM fan speeds, but the flow restriction issue has me concerned. The Alphacool Nexxxos ST30 360 seems VERY close in performance, but with better flow restriction. Really don’t know which one to go for?! I have an EK-XRES 140 Revo D5 PWM pump/res.

    • I also have the Ek X-Res 140 Revo D5 and also like to know what’s the better 360m slim rad at the moment?

      Will the Nemesis GTS 360 work ok with this pump? I will only have the an EK block for the cpu in my loop.

      Thanks.

    • A D5 puts out about 4.5 PSI at 1GPM, let’s assume 1 PSI for your cpu block and 0.5 PSI for your gpu block. 1 Nemesis GTS rad is ~1 PSI at 1GPM. So that’s a total of 3.5PSI at 1GPM which is well within reach of a D5 🙂 So yes the GTS will be fine. It’s more of a problem if you’re going to be using 3-4 as well as multiple gpu blocks and a weaker pump 🙂

      • What about pump like Magicool DCP450?

        Im planing to use Alphacool Eisblock XFX – its very restrictive
        2x Nemesis GTS 240mm – again… very restrictive
        and single GPU full cover block.

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