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 SR2 280 MP’s Push Only APF result of 96.7 was equal 1st place and translated into a performance score of 4.5/5.
It had top 2 finishes in each of the three fan speed tests and ranked 1st at the 750 rpm data point.


Push/Pull Thermal Performance

  • 4/5

The SR2 280 MP’s 93.4% APF Push/Pull result was the second highest result and translated into a thermal performance score of 4 out of 5. It’s ranking was down a bit on the low speed test, but placed second in both the medium and high fan speed tests.

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 SR2 280 MP would have placed 1st and ended up with a performance score of 5/5.


Overall Thermal Performance

  • 4.5/5

The Master Performance score of 95.1 generates an overall performance score of 4.5/5. It’s a fantastic result for a low fin count radiator to achieve such great overall 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 SR2 280 MP ranked accordingly when radiator only and radiator + fan thickness was considered. In our Value Vs. Performance metric the SR2 280 MP didn’t do so well, primarily because thinner radiators always get better results in this comparison. Being the most expensive radiator of the group did not help to improve it’s ranking either.

 

Features & Quality – 4.5/5

The SR2 280 MP has Hardware Labs legendary Black Ice® DNA built in. The build quality was almost perfect, although there was one minor imperfection on a port installation. The matte black paint finish is excellent and is also offered in a satin white finish.

Apart from it’s physical size, the amount of G 1/4 ports which are fitted is the stand out physical feature of the SR2 280 MP. 4 ports are fitted to each tank which is the maximum possible. Having 8 ports in total to select from will assist in cleaner tubing runs and perhaps even hidden tubing when setting out your loop. Depending on the installation orientation a fill port or drain tap can be easily incorporated as well as temperature sensors. Unfortunately HWlabs radiators (including the SR2 MP series) are not fitted with an ancillary port, but we have hopes this will be added in future revisions.

Tube protection plates are fitted under the M4 threaded mounting holes, however the provided screw lengths were not able to be used to mount the radiator.

The SR2 280 MP has a 9 FPI louvered fin array spaced very evenly between it’s 3 layers of 1.6mm tubes. With such a low FPI count less dedicated cleaning needs be set aside to keep performance at peak levels. It has a low restriction level meaning 3 or even 4 SR2 MP 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 SR2 280 MP proved to be an excellent all round performer and finished 2nd place overall in our thermal tests.  It’s best comparison result was with Push Only fans, finishing in 1st place after taking 1st position with low speed fans and was 2nd in the both medium and high speeds fan tests. With Push/Pull fans the SR2 280 MP was no slouch either, finishing in 2nd place overall behind the high speed optimized Nemesis GTX.

The number of port options is undoubtedly the main draw-card for the SR2 MP series. Having 8 ports to select from is the most currently available. Now we just need to see the ancillary port added on the far end to complete the set. While the ports are recessed, be aware that when stop plugs are fitted they will protrude from the housing, so please take consideration for the extra width/thickness into account.

For potential buyers, be prepared to purchase some M4 x 30mm screws, as you’ll likely be frustrated that the screws sets provided can not be used to actually install the radiator.

That super minor issue aside the SR2 280 MP radiator is an awesome radiator. Because it is 60mm thick it won’t fit in every case, but if you can fit it, you will not be disappointed. It quickly became our favorite radiator for cases that accommodate a thick 280mm radiator because of it’s awesome all round performance, fantastic build quality and finish and of course all those port options.

It is the most expensive radiator of the 10 in our test group, but as the old saying goes in this case at least “you get what you pay for“. Sure we have some very minor niggles but the overall quality, features and excellent performance far overshadow them.

The SR2 280 MP earns another ER Gold for the Hardware Labs team.

 

 

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HWLSR2280MP BIO-1

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2 COMMENTS

    • They should be as the core is the same. The restriction may change slightly depending on the ports used I suppose.

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