Thermal Performance
Thermal Performance scores are derived from the relevant Performance Factor scores. We set this scale with 75% and below as the 0 mark, with each 2.5% increase from 75% in relative performance adding 0.5 to the awarded performance score.
Note: Our test group of 10 radiators range in thickness from 29.5mm to 84.5mm with core density ranging from 9 FPI to 21 FPI. This greatly differing array of samples means that the better performing thicker radiators (generally speaking) will actually make the thinner radiators scores appear worse. This is an unavoidable side effect of the scoring system and we again advise readers to focus on radiators which are suitable for the specific case scenario. Depending on the amount of variance in the results, this could end up with misleading scores based on the comparative performance.
Push Only Thermal Performance
- 2.5/5
The AX280’s Push Only APF result of 85.4% translated into a performance score of 2.5/5. It’s 21 FPI fin array is better suited for fan set ups with higher air flow, so it’s results were better in the 1850 rpm test. The fact remains though that there were two thinner radiators in the test group which had better performance than the AX280.
Push/Pull Thermal Performance
- 2/5
The Push/Pull APF result of 82.6 translated into a thermal performance score of 2 out of 5. The AX280 was the best performing radiator with a thickness of 40mm and under at Push/Pull 1850 rpm, however it was the worst overall at 750 rpm.
The Nemesis 280 GTX which scored a perfect 100 in this category pushed all the other rad’s scores down.
Overall Thermal Performance
- 2/5
The Master Performance score of 84.0 generates a below average performance score of 2/5. This system generated score does actually seem very appropriate as the AX280 in almost all the test was unable to match the performance levels of radiators which were 25% thinner.
Performance is not the be all and end all factor in making a purchase decision, though for many it is high on the selection criteria.
Features & Quality – 3/5
The AX280 features the aluminum outer casing which matches all of XSPC’s AX series radiators and has been released in the same black and white finishes. This means users who already have AX series radiators can expand the radage in their system while keeping the brand and style uniform when upgrading.
The stylish aluminum housing is strong and feels rock solid and is perhaps the AX280 best feature. Adding to it’s appeal is the ease at which it can be disassembled for custom painting.
There is only one set of ports on the AX280, no alternate ports or ancillary port are fitted so we were left wanting in this department. Also missing are tube protection plates under the fan mounting holes which we believe should be a standard feature these days.
The core is slightly biased towards for medium to high airflow, due to it’s 21 FPI core. With a reasonably high FPI count the AX280 will need cleaning more often than some other radiators.
The low restriction level should not pose any issues for pump power requirements when planning out your loop, even with multiple AX series radiators in the system.
Summary – 2.5/5
The AX280 proved to be an underwhelming performer in almost every thermal performance test we conducted. It did at least beat Alphacool’s ST30 but lagged behind the thinner Nemesis GTS rads that are slimmer and cheaper. It is best suited for medium to high speed fans, however could still be used effectively with low speed fans as the spread between the best and worst radiators with low speed fans is quite low.
It has a low restriction level and a high FPI count. The design is stylish, the build quality and finish are great, however there are no alternate ports.
The 40mm thick enclosure seems almost mis-matched to it’s 21mm thick core and we can’t help but think this is an inefficient use of space. Pricing for the AX280 is competitive at $75 which helped the value factor vs performance factor.
You won’t be considering the AX280 if outstanding performance is what you’re looking for, instead stylish looks, excellent quality and decent value for money are the highlights that should grab your attention.
For these reasons the AX280 is still an option we can recommend where space is at a premium.
Where to buy:
- XSPC Online Shop: White £58.97 (ex VAT) + shipping from UK
- XSPC Online Shop: Black £58.97 (ex VAT) + shipping from UK
very grateful for the work you continue doing, can’t wait for the rest of the 280mm radiator review to pop up.
cheers
Thanks a ton for including all the data from your 280mm tests. I am just about to purchase a 280 radiator and have been going back and forth between the 280GTS, 280GTS X-Flow, and CE280…except using 140 and 360 tests as a basis for my decision. The data shown here has helped me tremendously. Thanks!
Glad to have been on assistance.
We included a few extra plots this time and it’s probably getting close to data saturation point for many readers.
Let us know which plots are the most and least useful to you guys.
We can try to streamline a little if the vast majority prefer less plots.
We don’t really like to use spoilers, as we consider the data either useful or not.
Really appreciate all the work you and Stren put in. I personally think the radiator efficiency space/radiator relative average performance graphs arent needed (but appreciated). People reading these reviews Im sure are capable of figuring this stuff out on their own based on the thermal tests you provide and just a little extra homework. 🙂
Hey fast_fate, you guys have become my go-to site for water cooling information. I wish I had found your site a couple of years back when I first started on this WC obsession, you would have saved me some ca$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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