Alphacool NexXxos ST30 360 Radiator Review

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.

These 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

• 3.0/5 – Slims Only 360mm rads.
• 1.7/5 – all 360mm rads

The ST30 360’s Push Only thermal performance was good with out being exceptional. Its 89.7 comparative performance factor score equated to a Push only score of 3.0

Push/Pull Thermal Performance

• 3.0/5 – Slims Only 360mm rads.
  
• 1.1/5 – all 360mm rads

Another category, and another solid performance for the ST30. With a Performance Factor Score of 89.1, the ST30 gets a 3.0/5 for Push Pull Performance.

Overall Thermal Performance

• 3.0/5 – Slims Only 360mm rads.
  
• 1.4/5 – all 360mm rads

With decent Push Only and Push/Pull results the ST30 generated a 89.4 Master Performance Factor score means that 3.0/5 score is the end result.

Features & Quality – 3.0/5

The ST30 has a smooth, satin black finish that will please the vast majority of purchasers. My review sample had a gritty spot that I noticed on the return tank. I’m prepared to say that the finish is excellent, but not perfect.

The slim design means there is limited material to work with on the tanks, so there are no additional fitting ports on the ST30, nor a bleed/fill/drain port.

There are protector plates for the mounting screws which is a good thing as the mounting holes have tubes directly beneath them.

The main feature of the ST30 is of course its slimness. It was the second slimmest rad of the test group being just 30mm thick (or 80mm with the Push/Pull fans attached).  It has the lowest fin count (14 FPI) of the slim rads tested (which helps explain the poor performance) which means it’s not really a dust hog and will require less time dedicated to cleaning and maintenance.

Lastly, I have to mention Alphacool radiators reputation for being the dirtiest rads. Yes, no surprises, this one was no exception. All soldered tube radiators have some residue that must be flushed; it’s just one of those chores that has to be done when preparing to install any new radiator to your loop.  However Alphacool seem to have more than the other brands. With the recent launch of specialty radiator cleaning fluids, this chore has been made easier and with far better results than we used to be able to achieve.

Summary – 3.0/5

The ST30’s slim design does not result in outstanding heat dissipation, but for the slim rads we compared against in this review it has decent middle of the pack performance.

As with the other the slim rads the ST30’s biggest draw-card is it’s size, and can fit into places where most other rads on the market don’t stand a chance.  Not all cases have the freedom to choose what-ever rad we want due to space constraints. In situations where space is at a premium the ST30 could be just the ticket, particularly if low speed fans are your thing.

There may be other slim rad options that offer better performance or price, but not necessarily in the same radiator, so the ST30 might just be the balance of size, cost and performance that you’re looking for in a slim rad.  However for now the Koolance HX-CU1020V and HWLabs Nemesis GTS seem like the better choices for tight spaces.

Where to buy: AquaTuning – $71