HWLabs Nemesis 140 GTS Radiator Review

Technical specifications: as listed by Hardware Labs.

• 140 mm x 1 fan slim form factor two-pass radiator
• 172mm x 153mm 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™ 140 form factor
• Increased internal coolant flow rates
• Standard G 1/4″ inlet/outlet fittings
• Standard M4 mounting threads
• Custom Dark Matter™ high quality finish
• Fully ROHS Compliant
• 100% Made from conflict-free materials
• Industry standard Black Ice® quality

Thanks to HWLabs we have a technical drawing of the Nemesis 140 GTS.

Dimensions Measured on the Radiator Tested:

The + 1 on the thickness is the amount that the ports sit proud of the casing.  Measured at the ports, the Nemesis 140 GTS sample was 30.5mm thick.

Radiator Core Dimensions:

The core is a single row of 16 tubes arranged in the standard U-Flow configuration. The fin arrangement is split, non louvered fins with a 17 FPI count on the review sample (HWL specs are 16). The high fin count on it’s thin core should equate to some great push only thermal results.

The following picture shows a typical “U-Flow” coolant flow path.  The coolant travels up all the tubes on one side (left side) of the radiator and then returns down the other side. “U-Flow” is easily recognized when the port end has two separate tanks. The Nemesis 140 GTS does not have separate end tanks

The split non louvered fins are evenly spaced for a dense core structure and our sample measured in at 17 FPI.

Please Note: alternate lighting was needed to get a decent picture of the fins.  This distorts the color of the finish and it is not a true representation of the “almost” black shade of the “Black Carbon” paint finish.

Finish and Features

HWLabs calls the finish “Black Carbon”, which is an accurate description. The finish on our sample of the Nemesis 140 GTS could almost be described Matte Black.  However it is more like an extremely deep charcoal grey. It has a subtle yet stylish look which should work in great with almost any build’s theme. The Black Carbon finish of our sample we believe is for the European market.  In the US, HWLabs’ offers the textured “Dark Matter” finish.

PerformancePCs also have a “primer only” version available of the Nemesis 140 GTS.  To assist in the perfect paint job they sell the “HWLabs Professional Radiator Paint Hanger Assembly”.

Additionally, PPCs also have listed red and white versions of the Nemesis 140 GTS.  We assume these are the primer units which have had finishing coats applied by the PPCs team.

The Nemesis 140 GTS comes equipped with just the 2 x G1/4 ports, either of which can be used for inlet or outlet.

No alternate ports are fitted.
Extra ports offer installation flexibility and the option to install coolant temp sensors or a drainage valve without having to use a T or splitter fitting. Maybe in the next revision we will see additional ports fitted.  Though that may means offsetting the ports because of limitations caused by the thickness.  We would love a stealth multi-port radiator!

On the return end tank there is no auxiliary port fitted.  This is unfortunately something which is missing on all HWLabs radiators.

The auxiliary ports often come in handy as a drain or fill port option on vertical radiator installations.  Again it is on our wish list for a future revision.
Care has been taken during painting to ensure paint did not get into either of the G ¼ ports.

There are screw protection plates fitted on the Nemesis 140 GTS – however they are difficult to photograph!

The fan screw holes are not located directly over any tubes.  The plates are not required then, but it’s great that HWLabs chose to fit the plates anyway.

The Nemesis 140 GTS looks great when paired up with some black fittings…

It looks even better with a sexy looking fan such as the new eLoop B14-PS 140mm  from Black Noise’s NoiseBlocker range.

So here we have a ~30mm thick 140mm radiator with a reasonably high fin count which has no alternate port options. The build quality is great, and a variety of finishes are available.

Let’s see how it performs…