EK CoolStream XE 240mm 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.

Push Only Thermal Performance

• 5/5
  

The XE 240’s Push Only APF result of 100% translated into a thermal performance score of 5/5. The 16 FPI  count resulted in superior performance even at low fan speeds.

Push/Pull Thermal Performance

• 5/5
  

The Push/Pull Performance result is pretty much a carbon copy of the Push Only with a score of 5 being generated.

Overall Thermal Performance

• 5/5
  

With 2 perfect 5/5 performance category scores based on 6/6 thermal data point first places we would be seriously looking at our automatically generated scoring system if anything other than a 5 was awarded for overall thermal performance. This is also what the 360mm version was also awarded.

Features & Quality – 2.5/5

I found the satin black paint finish on the XE 240 to be excellent. At 65mm thick including the port extenders, it is a thick rad, so it won’t be suitable for all installation scenarios. The thick core of the XE is slightly biased towards medium and high speed fans, but still performs extremely well with lower fan speeds.

The inclusion of alternate ports on the XE model is welcome, but it feels like the XE has gone a step backwards from it’s predecessor the XTX which had the same port options BUT also had the fill/drain port which the XE is missing. Likewise, the omission of tube protection plates when the fan mounting holes are over tubes is hard to understand. With a medium density core some regular maintenance time should be set aside to prevent a serious build up of dust. In addition the XE 240 has a medium restriction level which means less concern about pump power is required when planning out your loop.

I had two major concerns on the quality side of things, one of which EK has addressed with it’s official statement regarding the end tanks. The other is that the core assembly of this review sample is warped. This could be an isolated case, but I can only report f the review samples I receive.

Summary – Silver Award – 4.0/5

The 240mm version of the XE proved to be an excellent all round thermal performer. It had the highest heat dissipation at each data point at which we tested and scored a perfect 5/5 for overall performance, just as the larger 360mm version did.

The finish was excellent on the retail review sample, however there was a couple of design/manufacturing/quality control issues which couldn’t be ignored and this is why it dropped from a Gold to a Silver. The boxy design is stylish and should blend seamlessly into any build without drawing attention to itself and it offers alternate port options.

The XE 240 is truly a performance radiator, and at this point in time there is nothing available in the 240mm size which will outperform it. Additionally the price point is fantastic and offers an amazing bang for you buck.

Where to buy:

• Performance PCs 75.99 – Shipping from USA
• EKWB $75.99 – Shipping from Europe