HWLabs Nemesis 360 GTS X-Flow 360mm Radiator Review

Technical Specifications as listed by HWLabs:

• 120 mm x 3 fan slim form factor one-pass radiator.
• 412mm x 133mm x 29.6mm (L x W x H)
• 16 FPI 25 Micron Copper Fins
• Now optimized for sub-800 rpm ultra-stealth fans
• Supercruise optimizations for scalable performance with higher speed fans
• 15% more tubing area in the same Black Ice® GTS™ 360 XFLOW form factor
• Increased internal coolant flow rates
• Standard G 1/4″ inlet/outlet fittings
• Standard M4 mounting threads
• Compatible with Black Ice® Pro III XFLOW, Black Ice® GTS™ 360 XFLOW radiators
• Custom Dark Matter™ high quality finish
• Fully ROHS Compliant
• 100% Made from conflict-free materials
• Industry standard Black Ice® quality
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects*|

* Limited warranty information: www.hardwarelabs.com/nemesis/warranty

HWLabs do indeed supply some excellent technical data on their radiators via the internet. Let’s see if the retail sample matches what the promotional material promises the end user.

Dimensions Measured on the Radiator Tested:

Radiator Core Dimensions:

The data seems to match.  The core is made up of one layer of 14 tubes arranged in a single pass (end to end or X-Flow) configuration. Being the first X-Flow we have tested and having the non X-Flow version’s data already, we were keen to see just how much the flow rate and pressure differed in the restriction testing because the NON X-Flow was the second most restrictive rad we have recorded. More importantly, how much (if at all) would the thermal performance suffer? The core appears to be exactly the same on both models, with the end tanks and port locations being the only differences.

The split (or splitter) fins are non-louvered and are spaced quite unevenly between the tubes. With quite a high fin count we have come to expect this and it appears to be luck of the draw as to how well (or not) the fins are spaced.

In the following pics we can see fin counts of 15 and 18 FPI which is close enough to call 16 FPI as per HWLabs specs, but we would like to see some improvement with the fin spacing.

Finish and Features

The 360GTS X-Flow has a silky smooth matte black finish and while I readily admit to being a fan of the HWLabs black finish, this is the best example that I have looked over for quite a while.

All visible joints look good and care has been taken not to get paint inside the G ¼ threaded ports. The side panels are not at all flimsy and overall this rad feels and looks very solid.

The fan mount spacing is the standard 15mm. Also in this photo it is evident just how uneven some of the fin spacing is.

The fan mounting holes are not located directly above any tubes, but they are very close so HWLabs have still chosen to fit protection plates under each screw hole. It is this attention to detail and the inclusion of hidden extra features which make an excellent radiator stand out from the rest.

There are just 2 ports in total, one at each end of the radiator and either can be used for the inlet or outlet port.

The end tanks and ports are symmetrical with each end being an exact opposite of the other. The inherent nature of the design means that the X-Flow is a bit longer than a regular 360mm radiator, so make sure you have space to accommodate the extra length.

The tank design looks to be perfectly shaped for a vertical installation in both a length ways or sideways orientation as the angled tanks should greatly assist in initial bleeding of the radiator/loop.

As mentioned previously there are no extra ports on the 360GTS X-Flow. No alternate ports, no ancillary fill/bleeder port – nothing.

Maybe we have become too accustomed to multi ports in recent years and our loop planning now automatically assumes that all radiators will have them. While in a vertical installation the 360GTS X-Flow would be a breeze to bleed, a roof mount would be more difficult and could be avoided if there was at least one port on the opposite side to that which the ports which are fitted.

We would have preferred if one of the end tanks was “squared up” and fitted with a few extra ports which would add options for easy bleeding and draining.

So here we have a 30mm thick, 360mm radiator which has a X-Flow single pass core with a fin count of 16 FPI. The end tank design is good but it is lacking any alternate port options. The mate black finish is excellent as is the overall build quality.

Let’s see how it performs…