Aqua Computer Airplex Radical 2 Copper Radiator Review

The intention of this write up is to provide information and performance data about the Aqua Computer Radical2 Copper 360mm Radiator for inclusion in the Extreme Rigs Rad Round Up 2015. I’ll be keeping the review section short and factual, focusing on presenting the performance data compiled through the numerous tests carried out. First of all, a big thanks to Aqua Computer for providing this sample of the Radical 2 Copper!

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Note: You may notice changes in the data presentation in this radiator review as I’m now also including even more thermal testing data for both Push/Pull and Push Only fan installations.

What’s in the Box?

The Radical 2 sample for scrutinizing came in what I assume is the retail packaging. No outer sleeve, just the protective cardboard box. No issues with this for me.

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Opening the box we find a layer of foam sheet offering some added protection to the core during shipping.

radical4The radiator is housed snugly among more foam pieces, with another foam sheet on the bottom. The mounting hardware is placed at one end. This packaging system is simple yet I believe ticks all the boxes for required protection of the radiator from factory to end user.

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Extent of delivery:

Aqua Computer states the following is supplied:

One radiator

12 threaded M3 inserts

12 screws M3 x 25mm

Note that only 12 inserts and screws are supplied, enough for Pull or Push fan installation only – NOT Push/Pull which also is part of  the test criteria for ER Rad Round Up 2015. Additional sets of inserts and screws are available for purchase if you are planning to run Push/Pull fans.  This is at least better than the AMS radiator though which did not include any screws while costing significantly more.

The supplied 25mm screws are “barely” long enough to mount with fans to a bracket or chassis panel. Careful screw length selection must be made for mounting to you chassis or a mounting bracket as one of tubes on each face is directly below the mounting holes and no protection plates are present.

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Aqua Computer was kind enough to send additional hardware when we requested it, so that we could test in Push/Pull, so again thanks to them for supporting the testing. Note that these photos were taken before the additional mounting hardware arrived.

The screws are 25mm in length (shank plus thread). I noticed that I have 2 different types of thread length in the kit provided. Not that in makes any difference, just a bit unusual – like the mounting system itself really, but more on that in the technical specifications.
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Onwards to technical specifications!

4 COMMENTS

  1. I have to say i fully agree with you on the mounting solution – it is utterly terrible. It took me and my brother working together to get this to fit in the top of my case (admittedly, it was a tight squeeze which doesn’t help). The fact that it doesn’t come with a full set of the fittings, means mine is supported by 4 on the top, and the other 8 holding fans on the bottom of the rad.
    That aside, the cooling performance of this rad seems to be excellent for me – i have a d5 vario pump (usually running at 1000rpm), fx-8350 with EK waterblock, and this rad (3 x corsair sp120 + 2 x 200mm NZXT case fans. My temperatures are on average, below ambient. While on load, they peak at 35C. When overclocked, i have struggled to get it to go higher than 43C. Although this review suggests that other rads would lower these temps further.

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