Hardware Labs Nemesis 280 GTS Radiator Review
Welcome to another Extreme Rigs 280mm radiator review. Today we’ll be looking at the Nemesis 280 GTS from Hardware Labs. It is one of 16 slim models available in the GTS and GTS X-Flow range of Nemesis radiators that fall under HWLabs Black Ice® banner.
The Nemesis 280 GTS measures in at just 30mm thick and is therefore well suited for small form factor builds where space is at a premium or for larger builds where extra raddage is required, but room for a bigger/thicker radiator may not be available.
In this review of the Nemesis 280 GTS we’ll take a close look at it’s construction & quality, analyze the performance data by comparing it’s results against other 280mm radiators and then conclude with a summary.
As we reviewed the Nemesis 360 GTS last year, we may make a comparison or two between the 280 and 360 variants. The 280mm version only has ~10% less surface than the 360, so there may be some interesting data which we can highlight.
Firstly a big thanks to Hardware Labs for providing the review sample of the Nemesis 280 GTS. Since we commenced our radiator testing, their commitment to our independent tests has been exemplary. Extreme Rigs couldn’t publish the reviews we do without the continued support offered by our sponsors, so a big thanks to all the crew at Hardware Labs.
Before we start we would again like to say thanks to Noctua for providing the NF-A14 Industrial PPC-2000 IP67 PWM 140mm fans. We use these fans for all our 140mm based radiator thermal performance testing because they have great static pressure which is required to get the best performance from even densest of radiator cores and of course, their proven reliability.
What’s in the Box?
The Nemesis 280 GTS sample arrived in full retail packaging. The front features an image of the radiator and Nemesis logo, along with the model number in large bold lettering that leaves us in no doubt what the package contains.
On the back is a technical drawing along with a list of features.
After removing the outer retail sleeve we find a sturdy cardboard box with a Black Ice® seal.
The seal advises to check screw length if using screws other than those provided, which we’ll discuss in more detail shortly.
Opening the box, we see the familiar packing layout which HWLabs use for all their radiators. The packaging is strong and secure, but it we feel it lacks a bubble wrap back to avoid possible scuffing/scratches on the paint during transport.
On the right hand side the supplied accessories are placed under a lift up flap.
The accessories consist of the following:
8 x M4 x 28mm Phillips Head screws.
8 x M4 x 5mm Phillips Head screws.
NOTE: Also supplied were 4 x stop plugs but I have omitted them because I believe it was packing error as the Nemesis 280 GTS only has 2 x G 1/4 ports and therefore has no need for any stop plugs.
The shorter screws measure in at ~5mm and have 2 possible uses. Firstly is for directly mounting the radiator to a case panel. Alternately they could be used to attach mounting brackets for reservoirs or pumps.
The longer screws measure 28mm. These are the perfect length for mounting a 25mm thick fan directly to the radiator, however in most instances they are not long enough to mount a fan between radiator and case panel. If using a mounting bracket, or placing fans between the case panel and radiator, you will probably need to provide your own M4 screws of suitable length. In most instances M4 x 30mm screws will be suitable.
Be warned though, with ONLY a 25mm thick fan, 30mm length screws are too long and the supplied 28mm screws must be used.
In the following photo a stainless rule was placed on top of the screw protection plates and a 30mm length screw tightened until it just touched the ruler. Notice there is also a washer under the screw head, so without the washer and ruler in place, 30mm is too long.
Always check screw length for compatibility.
Onwards to technical specifications!
Another great radiator review! I love the exact TDP dissipation numbers at different fan speeds.
The GTS series looks like the radiator to beat in the thin category. I especially like the fact that these are non-louvered designs which seem to require less static pressure than louvered, and obviously “store” less dust. I have both the white GTS and GTX radiators in 280mm, as well as an L-Series which is a bit easier to fit because it has the reduced width. All have been great even at low fan speeds. I have a crossflow 280GTS and a 280GTS L-series in a modified Corsair 350D with hih airflow front panel, with push only Thermaltake Riing fans (140mm) and they cool my i7 5960x at 4Ghz and my 980Ti at 1.55ghz (I got lucky) amazingly at 1000 RPM. Highest temps on the i7 5960x at 1.20 volts are 65 celsius (except with Prime 95 AVX which goes to 75) and the 980Ti is only at 43 celsius at full bore, and my water temps are only around 6-8 celsius Delta-T. Amazingly quiet and cool. I could theoretically add another 980Ti to the loop with only a slight increase in fan speeds and not have to worry about over-subscribing the water cooling loop, based on the heat dissipation potential shown here.
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