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 Nemesis 280 GTX’ Push Only APF result of 96.4 was equal 1st place and translated into a performance score of 4.5/5.
It had a relatively low score with low fan speeds but placed 1st in both the medium and high speed fan tests.


Push/Pull Thermal Performance

  • 5/5

The unprecedented 100% APF Push/Pull result translated into a perfect thermal performance score of 5 out of 5. Hardly a surprising score given how dominant the Nemesis 280 GTX was taking 1st place in all 3 of the fan speed tests.  We can rest easy at night comfortable that our auto scoring system is working correctly.


Overall Thermal Performance

  • 5/5

The Master Performance score of 98.2 generates an overall performance score of 5/5. We have seen 5/5 scores generated previously but in much smaller test groups. The fact that the Nemesis 280 GTX was able to achieve a perfect score in a test group of ten radiators shows it does indeed have excellent all round performance.

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 thickness the Nemesis 280 GTX ranked accordingly when only radiator thickness was considered, but jumped up to 4th place for Push/Pull when fan thickness was also factored in. This was a surprisingly good result.

In our Value Vs. Performance metric the Nemesis GTX 280 finished in accordance to it’s thickness.

 

Features & Quality – 4/5

The Nemesis 280 GTX has Hardware Labs legendary Black Ice® DNA built in. The build quality is excellent, the matte black finish is flawless and it is offered in white and red finishes also. Hardware Labs has earned it’s reputation for setting the standards of PC radiators by releasing quality products like this.

The Nemesis 280 GTX has a stylish modern look that puts a twist on a two ported radiator. There are only two ports though, and also no ancillary port is fitted because of the “Opti-Flow” internal tube layout and coolant flow path. In some installation scenarios setting up Opti-Flow means that tubing would have to cross over one another, which is less than ideal when putting together a clean looking loop.

Based on previous testing (Nemesis GTX 360) Opti-Flow does offer superior thermal performance with a low flow rate, while at flow rates of 1.0GPM and above the difference in results was not significant enough to get overly concerned about making sure flow was set up one way or the other.

Tube protection plates are not fitted which is unusual for a Hardware labs radiator, particularly in this instance where one of the tubes was directly under the mounting holes.

The Nemesis 280 GTX has 16 FPI listed for it’s split, non louvered fin array. Given this medium density some dedicated cleaning time should be set aside to keep performance at peak levels. It has a medium restriction level meaning 2 or perhaps even 3 Nemesis GTX series radiators can be installed into a loop without getting overly concerned about reducing the flow rate by too much.

Summary – 4.5/5

The Nemesis 280 GTX proved to be the best all round performer of the test group and was the dominant radiator in our thermal tests placing 1st in 5 of the 6 data points at which we tested.

Only having two port options is our only major complaint with the Nemesis 280 GTX. We understand that only 2 ports are fitted due to it’s unique internal flow path and without this we likely would not get the same level of outstanding performance. So the trade off between it’s number of ports and performance is one with which we can live with.

Not having tube protection plates is a minor concern and one that purchasers should be aware of.
With the supplied 28mm screws there is no issue to speak of. However, as only one set of long screws is supplied, users intending to run Push/Pull fan assemblies will need to supply additional screws which leaves potential for damage if too long a screw is used. Please exercise caution.

The Nemesis 280 GTX looks fantastic, is offered in a range of colors and has excellent build quality. Add to that, Best Push Only Performance, Best Push/Pull Performance and Best Overall Performance and we have a radiator that is almost irresistible. For these reasons the Nemesis 280 GTX has thoroughly deserved being a recipient of an ER Gold Award.

 

Award

 

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Why is such a thick rad not multiport? At least have 4 ports for easy top filling, and a temps sensor….. would help a ton.

    • Hey Drew – The Nemesis GTX rads have this front to back flow that makes adding alternative input/output ports quite hard because the end tank is split in half in the different way to a u-flow rad. Now that’s not to say it can’t be done with some tubes and more welding – but it would complicate things and push the price up. However ports could be added at both ends for functionality without being allowed for input/output – i.e. for filling/draining/temp sensors. This would give more functionality at least without requiring more complicated internal tubes and welding.

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