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 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
- 4.5/5
The Monsta 280’s Push Only APF result of 95.6% translated into a performance score of 4.5/5.
It’s 62.5mm thick core combined with the low density FPI fin array proved to be a match made in heaven. While not taking out a 1st place it did finish 3rd in all 3 tests for Push Only.
Push/Pull Thermal Performance
- 3.5/5
The Push/Pull APF result of 90.6 translated into a thermal performance score of 3.5 out of 5. The Monsta 280 being the thickest radiator of the test group was expected to perform well in Push/Pull, however with 2 radiators that are ~20% thinner having better results it proves that core design can be better than brute force size alone.
The Nemesis 280 GTX which scored a perfect 100 in this category pushed all the other rad’s scores down.
Imagine for a second the results without the Nemesis GTX – the Monsta 280 would have placed second and had a Push/Pull AFT of 97.1 with a performance score of 4.5/5.
Overall Thermal Performance
- 4/5
The Master Performance score of 93.1 generates an above average performance score of 4/5. This system generated score does actually seem somewhat harsh given that the Monsta 280 placed 3rd in 5 out of 6 thermal tests conducted. Again the Nemesis GTX pushed many other radiator’s scores lower having an APF result of 98.2.
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.
Because the Monsta is so thick it did not score very well and placed last in our Thermal Performance Vs. Space Efficiency metric. Additionally it’s Value performance score was also very weak.
Features & Quality – 3.5/5
The Monsta 280 has steel side panels which keep this very large and heavy radiator feeling very solid. The end tanks are brass with copper tubes and fins which are spaced very evenly. The satin black finish was flawless and we are very pleased to see that a new cleaning method has been employed after manufacturing which brings Alphacool radiators internal cleanliness to acceptable levels.
The 84.5mm overall thickness of the sample is hard to overlook as the dominant physical feature of the Monsta 280, but coming a close second is the amount of G 1/4 ports which are fitted. With 3 each inlet/outlet ports to chose from plus an auxiliary port it has almost the maximum possible number of ports.
Also outstanding is the tube protection, having protection plates fitted plus a large shroud and supplied screws with a small amount of thread. The threaded fan mounting holes was the biggest problem with the Monsta 280 sample we received. Not being able to attach fans easily with the supplied hardware is a big cause for concern and this reduced the Monsta 280’s score in this category.
The core is well balanced for performance across all fan assemblies despite having a very low fin count of 10 FPI core. This low FPI count should mean the Monsta 280 will need cleaning less often than other radiators.
The very low restriction level will not pose any issues for pump power requirements when planning out your loop, even with multiple Monsta radiators in the system.
Summary – 4.0/5
The Monsta 280 proved to be a very good all round performer and placed third in 5 of the 6 thermal tests conducted. Not surprisingly then it took 3rd place in Push Only, Push/Pull and the overall score.
Unfortunately the excellent thermal performance didn’t translate so well into space efficiency or value.
It has a very low restriction level and a very low FPI count. The design is traditional looking if somewhat thicker than everything else on the market, and it has a multitude of port options.
Apart from the poor screw hole locations the build quality and finish are great, but with it currently retailing at $115 USD it is the most expensive radiator of the test group.
The Monsta 280 is going to be suited for a certain type of buyer. One who has ample room in their case to fill up. It is somewhat expensive compared to other 280mm radiators and there are thinner radiators which perform better than or equal to it. It’s hard to recommend the Monsta 280 over the Alphacool UT60 for example, which had very similar results in our tests at each data point.
Where to buy:
- Aqua Tuning : Black $115 + shipping
- Aqua Tuning : Black €109 (incl. VAT) + shipping
