The Data
As all the testing was performed with the exact same equipment (except the 140mm Noctua Industrial fans replace the 120mm GT fans), using the exact same methods as was used in the 360mm round-up we have decided to keep this review uncluttered by keeping our testing methodology, test set-ups and equipment used in a single location. To see exactly how the tests were carried out, details of the test set ups and equipment used, please head over to the RRU Test Setup page.
Restriction Test
It is generally agreed that radiators are one of, if not the least restrictive components in the water cooling loop. There are some exceptions however, so this must still be verified through testing:
The above photo is for referencing the restriction test bench The AX280 is not loaded so please disregard the data in the picture as it does not relate to the its test results.
Here is the raw data at the tested flow rates, displaying the measured Differential Pressure across the radiator as flow rate was increased.
The table numbers indicate that this AX280 is a low restriction radiator. However numbers in isolation can only tell half the story. By plotting against other components it more easily shows the whole story.
We use a HeatKiller 3.0 CPU block as the reference in this next plot for two reasons. Firstly there is little chance of the plot being cluttered by curves overlapping and secondly it gives a reference point against a fairly common loop component of average restriction.
As with all previous radiator restriction plots, we have limited the maximum flow rate displayed to 2.0 GPM as we suspect there are very few systems that operate above 2.0 GPM. For more information on how to read a restriction plot check out our guide.
This plot indicates the AX280 is a very low restriction loop component when compared to a CPU block of average restriction, but what about other radiators?
The next three plots show the restriction level at three different flow rates compared to the other 280mm radiator that have been tested. We consider the chosen GPM rates to represent systems which have low, medium and high flow rates.
This next plot displays all of the 280mm radiator results zoomed in to a flow rate zone at which most systems will likely be operating at. As you can see, it’s a pretty busy zone around 1.0 GPM with only ~0.2 PSI between 9 of the 10 samples with the AX280 being lower than most.
Lets now take a look at where the AX280 fits in relation to all the radiators we have tested. For this plot, only results for 1.0 GPM have been used for the comparison.
When put into context with all the radiators at 1.0 gpm, the AX280 fits into our criteria for a low restriction radiator. This means you could easily run 2 or 3 of these radiators without having to be concerned about them reducing your flow rate by much.
Excellent!
Next onwards to Thermal Performance.
very grateful for the work you continue doing, can’t wait for the rest of the 280mm radiator review to pop up.
cheers
Thanks a ton for including all the data from your 280mm tests. I am just about to purchase a 280 radiator and have been going back and forth between the 280GTS, 280GTS X-Flow, and CE280…except using 140 and 360 tests as a basis for my decision. The data shown here has helped me tremendously. Thanks!
Glad to have been on assistance.
We included a few extra plots this time and it’s probably getting close to data saturation point for many readers.
Let us know which plots are the most and least useful to you guys.
We can try to streamline a little if the vast majority prefer less plots.
We don’t really like to use spoilers, as we consider the data either useful or not.
Really appreciate all the work you and Stren put in. I personally think the radiator efficiency space/radiator relative average performance graphs arent needed (but appreciated). People reading these reviews Im sure are capable of figuring this stuff out on their own based on the thermal tests you provide and just a little extra homework. 🙂
Hey fast_fate, you guys have become my go-to site for water cooling information. I wish I had found your site a couple of years back when I first started on this WC obsession, you would have saved me some ca$h! And while I realize the AX280 is the focus of this review, you have also made me very happy in showing just what a beast the Hardware Labs Nemesis 280GTX radiator is. I just picked this up a few months back in all-white form from Performance-PCs and am very happy to see that not only is it a class leading 280mm radiator, it actually outstrips the (non opti-flow setup) Nemesis 360GTX! And the best part is that it fits more cases than a 360mm radiator due to it’s reduced height.
Great review on the AX280. I very much like the AX series rads, and their case/shroud construction feels more robust and bomb-proof than the EK versions. But the one thing I do like about the CE and XE versions from EK is that they are “non-louvered” fins which means they will be less likely to become polluted by environmental dust. The AX series, much like the EX series being higher FPI and louvered would be a bit more sensitive to dust accumulation.
Great job and thanks!
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