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

  • 3.5/5

The Nemesis 280 GTS’ Push Only APF result of 92.2  translated into a performance score of 3.5/5.
It’s 19mm thick core combined with the medium density FPI fin array proved to be a great combination for Push Only. It ranked very well with low and high fan speed, but was really a great all rounder finishing in equal 5th overall and equal 1st among the slim radiators.


Push/Pull Thermal Performance

  • 2.5/5

The Push/Pull APF result of 87.3 translated into a thermal performance score of 2.5 out of 5. As expected the thicker rads pulled away in the performance comparisons, but among the slims the Nemesis 280 GTS was at the top taking equal 1st place.


Overall Thermal Performance

  • 3/5

The Master Performance score of 89.8 generates an overall performance score of 3/5, painfully close to achieving a 3.5. It was ~8.5% behind the overall winner came in equal 1st among the slim radiators. 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 of it’s thinness the Nemesis 280 GTS ranked very well in our Thermal Performance Vs. Space Efficiency metric and the Value Vs. Performance in which it came 1st place in both categories.

 

Features & Quality – 4/5

The Nemesis 280 GTS has Hardware Labs legendary Black Ice DNA built in. The build quality is excellent with and the matte black finish is flawless. It is quality products like this that that has earned Hardware Labs the reputation of setting the standard for PC radiators.

The 30mm thickness is the standout physical characteristic of the Nemesis 280 GTS and offers fantastic performance for builders putting together small form factor builds or those wanting to add extra cooling capacity to larger builds but are limited on mounting options.

There are only two G 1/4 ports and there is no auxiliary bleeder/fill port fitted. Tube protection plates are included to protect the medium dense 16 FPI core.  Given this some dedicated cleaning time should be set aside to keep performance at peak levels. It has a very high restriction level so consideration of pump power and expected flow rate is advised particularly if multiple Nemesis GTS series radiators are to be installed in a loop.

Summary – 3.5/5

The Nemesis 280 GTS proved to be a very good all round performer and was best (or equal best) of the slim radiators in 4 of the 6 thermal tests, sometimes outperforming radiators which were 50% thicker.

The fantastic thermal performance comes with a price though, it is very restrictive, almost excessively restrictive even, and this is the only real downside to the Nemesis 280 GTS. If the port locations are suitable or perhaps even more convenient for your build we suggest considering the Nemesis 280 GTS X-Flow which is virtually equal in thermal performance but is much less restrictive due to it being a single pass radiator.

The Nemesis 280 GTS looks great, has best in class performance and is fantastic value for money. With a caution thrown in about the restriction level we have no hesitation in recommending the the Nemesis 280 GTS and are issuing it with a coveted ER award.

 

Where to buy:

 

 

 

  • Performance PCs : Black $60 (USD) + shipping
  • Performance PCs : White $70 (USD) + shipping
  • Performance PCs : Red $70 (USD) + shipping
  • Performance PCs : Primer $60 (USD) + shipping

 

HWLabs-logo

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

1 COMMENT

  1. 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.

Comments are closed.