HWLabs Nemesis 140 GTX 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 in relative performance adding 0.5 to the awarded performance score.

Push Only Thermal Performance

• 4.5/5
  

The Nemesis 140 GTX’s Push Only APF result of 96.9% translated into a thermal performance score of 4.5/5. It’s dual pass core produced excellent results at medium and high fan speeds, but was not able to match performance of the competition with low fan speeds.

Push/Pull Thermal Performance

• 5/5
  

The Push/Pull Performance results were dominated by the Nemesis 140 GTX placing 1st in each fan speed tested. It’s amazing 100% APF result translated into a rarely seen, perfect performance score of 5/5.

Overall Thermal Performance

• 5/5
  

The Master Performance score of 98.5 generates another perfect performance score of 5/5. The fact that the overall score incorporates both Push Only and Push Pull results make the 5/5 score even more amazing because a radiator that performs well with one fan assembly usually has weaker performance in the other.

Features & Quality – 4/5

Like all HWLabs radiators, the Nemesis 140 GTX has excellent packaging, but is lacking bubble wrap protection that we wish they had. Screws are provided for installation and mounting of a single 25mm thick fan in certain scenarios. The screw lengths do restrict the installation options without the end user purchasing additional screws.

The build quality of the Nemesis 140 GTX is excellent as is the Black Carbon finish of the review sample. There are only two primary ports and there is no auxillary bleeder/fill port fitted. Tube protection plates are not fitted, however tubes are not directly under the mounting holes.

Our review sample had a medium fin count of 13 FPI, which is lower than the stated specs of 16 FPI. The Nemesis 140 GTX has a low restriction level and therefore pump power is not an issue even when running multiple Nemesis GTX series radiators in the same loop.

Summary – Gold Award 4.5/5

The Nemesis 140 GTX had excellent thermal comparison results in all but Push Only with low fan speeds. At all other fan combinations and speeds it was the dominant performing radiator of the test group. The difference in performance results at Push Only low fan speeds was in reality quite low, so we are prepared to call the Nemesis 140 GTX an excellent all round radiator.

The build quality is excellent, as was the Black Carbon finish on the review sample, although it will scuff up if care is not taken when handling it. There are just the one set of ports which the user needs to plumb up correctly to achieve maximum performance and there is no auxiliary port fitted.

At 55mm thick the Nemesis 140 GTX can be defined as a thick radiator, however most chassis with water cooling in mind can easily accommodate it with at least a single fan. If you intend to run Push/Pull check prior to purchase that you have the required clearance of 105mm (plus fittings)

Whether to give the Nemesis 140 GTX a Silver or Gold award was the tough choice. It is lacking any alternate ports and we feel is missing 30mm screws in the accessory set,  but it’s thermal performance is hard to overlook. It was clearly the superior radiator at heat dissipation having the best performance in 5 of our 6 thermal tests, so for this reason we are awarding the Nemesis 140 GTX with our converted Gold Award.

Where to buy:

Performance PCs:
Nemesis 140GTX (Dark Matter) – $60 + Shipping from USA.
Nemesis 140GTX (Primer) – $60 + Shipping from USA.
Nemesis 140GTX (White) – $65 + Shipping from USA.
Nemesis 140GTX (Red) – $65 + Shipping from USA.

Watercooling UK
Nemesis 140GTX (Black Carbon) – £38.18 ex VAT + Shipping from UK