Aqua Computer AMS Copper 360mm Radiator Review

Thermal Performance

Thermal Performance scores are derived from the relevant Performance Factor scores. We set this scale with 75% and below as the 0 mark, with each 2.5% increase from 75% in relative performance adding 0.5 to the awarded performance score.

Push Only Thermal Performance – 2.5/5

The AMS 360 did perform quite well at a single data point, 1.0 gpm @ 750 rpm in Push Only, and that high percentage score helped boost the Push Only score up a bit. At Medium to High speed fans in Push only the AMS was a poor performer relative to the competition.

Push/Pull Thermal Performance – 1.0/5

As we have seen in the data the AMS 360 had very poor thermal performance in all the Push/Pull tests, so it was no surprise that a very low score of 1.0 was generated for it’s Push/Pull score.

Overall Thermal Performance – 1.5/5

The performance rating of 1.5 out of 5 is arrived at from our Combined Average Performance Factor Scale which takes into account all the results from Push only and Push/Pull thermal testing.  The unrounded percentage of 82.45 was not quite enough to get the AMS in to the next category – tough but fair enough.

From previous testing of other finned tube rads the expectation was that the AMS would not be amongst the top thermal performers. The low fin count of the AMS added to the concerns, but I speculated that the thicker core should be in the AMS’s favour. The results showed that the lower fin count and thicker core pretty much balance each other out as the results for the AMS were similar to the Radical 2, very poor indeed, with even the slim rads of the test group outperforming the AMS.

Features & Quality – 4/5

Let’s discuss the quality first. All credit to Aqua Computer for designing a truly unique system with the Advanced Modularity System. The best quality materials have been used, the machine work is perfect and the assembly is faultless. There is a reason that German engineering and manufacturing is held in high regards and this radiator does that reputation proud. Credit to Aqua Computer for keeping design and manufacturing of the AMS in house and not outsourcing overseas like so many of the other PC water cooling radiators on the market.

With no form of welding/brazing/soldering on any part of the radiator, The AMS is going to be the cleanest radiator you have ever had to prepare for a custom water cooling loop. This is quite possibly the biggest selling point of the AMS, and one which should not be understated.

While the AMS 360mm radiator tested was not fitted with any of the exotic optional extras, it is worth noting that by selecting different options the end user can incorporate pumps, reservoirs, filters and even seamlessly join multiple radiators together. So while not presented in the review the modularity features of the AMS 360 were certainly taken into consideration for the score awarded.

The AMS 360 has 6 ports for the user to choose from depending on their installation type. It is not fitted with ports on the ends of the “terminals” which are most useful in vertical installations. It does however have ports on both ‘faces” for roof and floor mounts, as well as side ports, which are unique to the AMS and a fantastic addition for side mount installations such as in basements or pedestals.

4 of the 6 ports come fitted with stop plugs. The ports are all recessed though, which means that not all fittings can be used without the use of short extensions.

Some of the thread locations for mounting are located directly over tubes, and not having tube protection plates leaves potential for damaging the tubes if incorrect length screws are used. No mounting hardware is supplied so the end user must take extra care when choosing their screw length.  It’s amazing that with such a high price the necessary mounting hardware and port extenders were not included.

As part of Aqua Computer’s Modularity System the AMS 360mm radiator is 146mm wide which is 15mm – 20mm wider than most other 360mm rads. This extra width means that it will not fit in all places that a 360mm radiator would normally be expected to fit, so this must be taken into consideration.

Summary – 3/5

The AMS 360 is a poor thermal performer, there is no way to hide the fact. It did perform quite well at one single data point; 1.0 gpm with a 750 rpm Push Only fan installation, so silent system seekers should be pleased with that result.

Performance enthusiasts are advised to look elsewhere as the AMS 360 simply is not for you. It doesn’t have any hint of thermal performance in it’s DNA or test results. In fact the data may lead you to consider that a single unit may not be sufficient and this is not the end of the world if you have cash to burn and want the bling that the AMS radiator would bring to your system.

What the AMS 360 does have is amazing build quality and a unique feature set.  It’s guaranteed to be cleanest radiator ever and is arguably the best constructed radiator ever with possibly the most visual appeal and bling factor.

This quality and design style comes at a cost though – literally. At the time of writing the AMS 360mm Copper was about twice the price of every other radiator in the test group.

So, it’s your decision, Quality and Style Vs. Cost Vs. Performance, -with the AMS you will have to choose which is most important for you.

Where to buy:  Aqua Computer – $205 USD + ship from Europe, Performance PCs – $245 + ship from USA