Hardware Labs Nemesis 280 GTS X-Flow Radiator Review

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 X-Flow’s Push Only APF result of 91.8 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 was a great all rounder finishing in equal 5th overall and equal 1st among the slim radiators.

Push/Pull Thermal Performance

• 3/5
  

The Push/Pull APF result of 87.9 translated into a thermal performance score of 3 out of 5. As expected the thicker rads pulled away in the performance comparisons. However among the slims the Nemesis 280 GTS X-Flow was at the top taking equal 1st place.

Overall Thermal Performance

• 3/5
  

The Master Performance score of 89.9 generates an overall performance score of 3/5, painfully close to achieving a 3.5. It was ~8.5% behind the overall winner but 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 X-Flow ranked very well in our Thermal Performance Vs. Space Efficiency metric and the Value Vs. Performance in which it came 1st and 2nd place respectfully.

Features & Quality – 4.5/5

The Nemesis 280 GTS X-Flow has Hardware Labs legendary Black Ice^® DNA built in. The build quality is excellent 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 one of the main physical characteristics of the Nemesis 280 GTS X-Flow 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.

BUT it is the X-Flow ports which really make this radiator stand out. In most systems X-Flow ports can effectively be used to create much cleaner tubing runs and use less tubing. In both vertical installations (at front) OR horizontally mounted at the top or bottom of the case X-Flow ports could be of benefit to many users.

However, 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. The single pass nature of the X-Flow design resulted in medium restriction levels, meaning multiple GTS X-Flow radiators could be used without having to be too concerned about their impact on the system flow rate.

Summary – 4.0/5

The Nemesis 280 GTS X-Flow proved to be a very good all round performer and was equal best of the slim radiators in 4 of the 6 thermal tests.

The Nemesis 280 GTS X-Flow is extremely hard to over look as the best option for low speed fans in the 280mm radiator test group. It ranked second with both Push Only and Push/Pull fans, beating out many radiators which are twice as thick.

The cross flow port locations may not be suitable for every build, and the design dictates that it’s slightly longer than the regular 280 GTS, but if your case (or available space) is limited so that only slim radiators can be used we highly recommend the Nemesis 280 GTS X-Flow.

While both Nemesis 280 GTS variants we tested are virtually equal in thermal performance, we favor the X-Flow version because it is much less restrictive due to it being a single pass radiator.

The Nemesis 280 GTS X-Flow looks great, has best in class performance and is great value for money. For these reasons it is being awarded with the rarely issued ER Gold Award.

Where to buy:

• Performance PCs : NEMESIS-280GTS-XF Black $63 (USD) + shipping