Technical specifications: as listed by HWLabs.
• Built-in 8-PORT Inlet/Outlet manifold system
• 140 mm x 3 fan Xtreme+ form factor 3-row radiator
• 452mm x 153mm x 60mm (L x W x H)
• 9 FPI 45 Micron Copper Fins
• Optimized for sub-800 rpm ultra-stealth fans
• Supercruise™ optimizations for scalable performance with higher speed fans
• 50% more tubing area than the Black Ice® SR1-420
• Increased internal coolant flow rates optimized for multi-stage cooling configurations
• Standard G 1/4″ inlet/outlet fittings
• Standard M4 mounting threads
• Compatible with Black Ice® GTX® 420 and Black Ice® SR1® 420 radiators
• Custom Black Carbon™ high quality finish
• Fully ROHS Compliant
• 100% Made from conflict-free materials
• Industry standard Black Ice® quality
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects*
The following technical drawings are of the SR2 420 MP, but note that none of the dimensions take consideration for the extra 4mm that each port plug requires:
I made mention above of the extra 4mm on each port adding to the dimensions. The following photo shows that each port face is flush with the casing, a ruler is placed over one of the side ports. So whatever plugs you use, their thickness should be added for a final dimension size.
Dimensions Measured on the Radiator Tested:
The (+4) and (+4 +4) are the addition measurements if the supplied port plugs are fitted.
Radiator Core Dimensions:
The core is made up of 3 rows of 14 tubes arranged in the standard U-Flow configuration. The fin arrangement is made of single louvered fins with a 9 FPI count. The low fin count should equate to some decent Push Only results, but might not be so competitive in the Push/Pull comparisons.
The following picture is a reference which shows a typical U-Flow coolant flow path, where the coolant travels up all the tubes on one side (left in pic) of the rad and then returns down the other side. U-Flow is most easily recognized when the port end has 2 separate tanks such as the SR2 420 MP has.
The single louvered fins are spaced extremely evenly between the tubes and while the specs list 9FPI, our sample measured slightly higher with 9.5 being measured at most places.
Finish and Features
The SR2 420 MP has a true Matte Black finish and is my preferred finish for a radiator in most builds. It has a subtle yet stylish finish which would look great in most installations. HWLabs are renowned for the build quality and finish of their radiators and while the SR2 420 MP sample was put together very well with all visible joints looking fine, the finish was a little below the standard we have come to expect. The finish has small grains under the paint in places which is well camouflaged by the paint, but can be felt when running your hand along the edges.
In addition to those very minor imperfections there was a section of paint which just peeled away when I was handling the rad. It just flaked off, like it had never properly adhered to the copper surface.
The SR2 MP range has also been released with every size available in a satin white finish.
Picture courtesy of PPCs
The fan mount spacing is the standard 15mm.
The fan mounting holes are not located directly above tubes; however they are very, very close so it is great that HWLabs chose to incorporate protection plates. Still, care must be taken if you need to use custom length screws due to your mounting needs.
The SR2 Multi-Port come equipped with 8 ports in total, 4 each inlet and outlet to choose from and HWLabs describe the port tanks as a manifold system.
The additional ports are the key feature which makes the SR2 MP stand out from the competition. 6 of the 8 ports are pre-fitted with Delrin stop plugs.
The extra ports give us options for dedicated fill ports or drain lines/taps and fitting of temp sensors depending on the installation orientation. In addition the extra ports could allow for better tubing runs or even hidden tubing without the need for angled fittings. We love multi-port rads!
The SR2 240 MP is looking great and ready for business.
Care has been taken during painting to ensure paint does not get into any of the G ¼ ports.
Unfortunately there is no dedicated fill/bleeder port on the return end tank. We hope that HWLabs takes on the feedback from its customers and that future revisions will have this port added to complete the port set and add flexibility for vertical installations. 8 ports are great – but 8 + 1 would be better still!
So here we have a 60mm thick radiator with a low FPI count that is sporting a massive total of 8 port options. The build quality is excellent, but the finish on the sample was not as good as we have come to expect from HWLabs and we hope this is an isolated example.
Let’s see how it performs…
Thank you for the hard work! The section about testing methods was especially interesting. I have to wonder though… a silver award with a score of 4.5 out of 5? Is this a “goldish” silver or satin nickel silver? 😉
We discussed the appropriate award to be issued and in the end it came down to 3 reasons why we did not issue gold.
The price point is very high compared to the radiator in the review.
We would like to see the ancillary port introduced.
And to a lesser degree the review sample had a few issues with the paint finish.
So while the SR2 MultiPorts are an excellent radiator choice, we feel there is still room for a little improvement.
Let’s call it a Goldish Silver 🙂
HWL doesn’t list the non-multiport version any longer on their website and that is unfortunate. For a lot of reasons, multiport isn’t ideal in all circumstances. If there are stop fittings installed, there will likely be clearance issues.
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