Hardware Labs Black Ice® GTX 360mm Radiator Review

The intention of this write-up is to provide information and performance data about the HWLabs GTX 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.

Newer HWLabs models are available, but the original GTX remains available through retailers.

The GTX 360 sample was pulled from a working system and thoroughly cleaned prior to any testing was commenced. The dent on the tank corner does not affect the GTX’s performance and we are confident that it is representative of a new/boxed retail unit’s cooling potential.

hwl-logoHWLabs GTX - logo

Note: You may notice changes in the data presentation in this rad 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?

My used test/review sample no longer has any of its packaging available, or any of the original accessories. I grabbed this box shot off the web.

The next pic is not of the GTX, but it is the standard HWLabs inner box layout.
I really like the HWLabs style of boxing as the compartment at one end keeps the provided accessories away from the core. I believe that the GTX is now shipped with black screws.

This picture courtesy of Martin gives an indication of what to expect, now with black M4 screws.

Extent of delivery:
Included in the GTX package is the following
1 x GTX 360 Radiator
12 x M4 x 28mm screws for mounting fans.

I’m sorry I can’t show more on the unboxing – but I just don’t have any of it to be able to show you!

Onwards to technical specifications!

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8 COMMENTS

  2. Thanks for the review again.

    I think that the issue of screw protectors again, seems to be a design flaw. This is a bigger problem with the GTX 360 than other radiators simply because it is a radiator designed for high rpm fans. By nature, you are far more likely to use 38mm fans with such a radiator in push pull for the added static pressure.

    Otherwise, it’s a solid radiator.

    I would love to see a “Monster” radiator with 20 fpi and a similar design, but I suspect it would be a niche product.

    • Keep in mind that the GTX is an older model and that what we now consider important features were not always incorporated a few years ago. The current generation of HWLabs offerings all feature protection plates.

      • If I am not mistaken though the Black Ice GTX Gen 2 though (the variant for high rpm fans in push pull) still does not have screw protectors.

        The HW Labs site is currently down so I cannot look it up.

    • Any 120mm fans would work – but if you’re buying this rad we would assume it’s to make use of it’s higher performance with highspeed fans. So something in the 2000+RPM is probably the target.

        • There is a definite intangible when it comes to fan noise. That intangible is the “ear of the beholder.” The quality of sound may not be the same to one listener as to another. This becomes more true when you start moving up to higher speed fans. Another thing to think about, if a fan is tested to emit 29 decibels of sound at 1500 RPM and you need 6 of these fans, each fan adds to the overall noise total. It is not linear, so not 29 dba * 6, it is more of a percentage. Throwing a number out there for sake of example, 6 fans together may emit a constant 38 dba at 1500 RPM. Mounting the fans can cause the noise quality to change. To answer your question with F_F target RPM (not in a specific order): Dark Side Gentle Typhoon 2150 RPM, Noctua NF-F12 Industrial 2000/3000 RPM, Noiseblocker NBe-Loop B12-P / B12-3 & B12-4, EK Vardar F4-120/120ER & FF5-120. A starting place at least.

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