Technical specifications as listed by HardwareLabs:

  • 2-pass Double-row Low Pressure Drop Radiator specifically developed for PC watercooling based on the new high-performance Black Ice® Xtreme design.
  • 120 mm x 32 mm (4.72 inch x 1.25 inch) Double-row Copper core consisting of flat tubes for maximum heat conductivity.
  • High-density louvered copper fin configuration for enhanced heat dissipation.
  • Built-in plenum chamber for increased performance and noise reduction.
  • Self-tapping and case mounting holes for easy installation of 120mm fans.
  • Now with 12.5 mm (1/2 inch) pre-angled inlet/outlet barbed hose connectors. *Available in 9.5 mm (3/8 inch) custom female 1/4″ NPT/BSPT/BSPP compatible fittings. (dealer option).
  • Compact 153 x 133 x 45mm (5.9 x 5 x 1.69 inch) dimensions allows it to fit inside most mid-tower cases.
  • Designed to meet the performance demands of hardcore PC watercooling enthusiasts.

Let’s assume that the Length (or height as HWL describe it) was a measurement on a 120mm Xtreme rad. HWL also listed the following size details.

Width 133 mm x Height 398 mm x Thickness 43.60 mm

Dimensions Measured on the radiator tested (retail unit):

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Radiator Core Dimensions:

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At 44mm thick it classifies as a medium thick (35mm – 52mm) rad in the round-up

The Xtreme III has a high density core with a fin count of 18 FPI (fins per inch) which was measured in numerous places on the core. With 18 FPI you can expect it collect dust quicker and require cleaning more often that less dense cores. The 18 FPI should produce some excellent performance results.

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The fin spacing is very even up and down the tubes, surprisingly so for such a dense fin structure.

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Finish and Features

The Xtreme III has a high gloss black finish and my used unit was in excellent condition, a tribute to HWLabs renowned reputation for build quality and finish. This rad is around 8 years old and been used in numerous systems and the paint finish is still excellent with just a few very minor scuffs

HWL Alpha Xtreme III-1-4All the visible joins on the end tanks look perfect. However where the tubes join the tanks, the joins are pretty rough. The housing is solid with no flimsiness or flex on the side panels. The Xtreme III looks and feels like a high quality radiator. This sort of quality is what HWLabs industry leading standards was built upon.

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There are just the 2 ports on the Xtreme III, inlet and outlet. There are no alternative port options nor a bleeder/fill port on the return tank.

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Let’s see how it performs…

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