The Data

As all the testing in this round up was performed with the exact same equipment, using the exact same methods I have decided to keep each radiators page uncluttered by posting our testing methodology, test set-ups and equipment used in a single location. To see exactly how the tests were carried out, details of the test set ups and equipment used, please head back to the RRU Test Setup page.

Restriction Test

It’s generally agreed that radiators are one of, if not the least restrictive components in the water cooling loop. There are some exceptions however, so this must still be verified through testing:

sr1_5

The above photo is for referencing the restriction test bench. The Radical 2 is not loaded so please disregard the data in the picture as it does not relate to the Radical 2 test results.

Here is the raw data at the tested flow rates, displaying the measured Differential Pressure across the radiator as flow rate was increased.

radical26

The table numbers indicate that the Radical 2 is a medium restriction radiator. However numbers in isolation can only tell half the story. By plotting against other components it more easily shows the whole story. I have decided to use a HeatKiller 3.0 CPU block as the reference in these plots for two reasons. Firstly there is no chance of the plot being cluttered by curves overlapping and secondly it gives a reference point against a fairly common loop component of average restriction. For radiator to radiator restriction comparisons please see the RRU’15 data pages. As with all the radiator restriction plots I have limited the maximum flow rate displayed to 2.0 GPM as I suspect there are very few systems that operate above 2.0 GPM. For more information on how to read a restriction plot check out our guide.

Radical 2 - Restriction Chart

This plot confirms the Radical 2 as a low to medium restriction level radiator.

The next plot shows the Radical 2’s restriction level at 1.0 gpm relative to other radiators in the test group and again confirms its medium restriction level.

Radical 2 - Restriction Comparison 1.0

It’s interesting just how different it is to the AMS radiator which at first glance might appear to be the same core.  They are in fact quite different!

Onwards to Thermal Performance!

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4 COMMENTS

  4. 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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