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 from 75% in relative performance adding 0.5 to the awarded performance score.
Note: Our test group of 10 slim 360mm radiators range in thickness from 25mm to 34mm with core density ranging from 13 FPI to 30 FPI. This greatly differing array of samples means that the better performing radiators will often make the weaker performer’s 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
- 3.0/5
The BP-NLS360’s Push Only APF result of 89.9% translated into a performance score of 3.0/5. It’s 20mm thick, 17 FPI core produced an average overall result having it’s best comparison at 1300 RPM.
Push/Pull Thermal Performance
- 2.5/5
The Push/Pull APF result of 87.0 translated into a thermal performance score of 2.5 out of 5. The BP-NLS360 performed weaker than most of the competition with a Push/Pull fan assembly. This fan set-up is not what the radiator was designed for and so while the data is published for evaluation, Push/Pull is not recommended for this radiator.
Overall Thermal Performance
- 3.0/5
The Master Performance score of 88.4 generated a 3 out of 5 score for overall thermal performance. While it’s score of 3 is seemingly average, 88.4 was the 2nd worst of the 10 slim radiators in the test group.
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.
Features & Quality – 2/5
The BP-NLS360 is a back to basics, slim and narrow 360mm radiator with just 2 ports. It has the mandatory inlet and outlet ports but offers no additional port options which is important to builders of custom loops nowadays. The ports locations are sensibly positioned (considering the short overall length of the radiator) so that large fittings can be used without conflicting with fan positioning.
The deep matte black finish on our review sample was excellent and blemish free. Screw protection plates are fitted under the attachment hole which we always like to see, however the actual mounting holes are recessed which meant that the screw clearance between the holes and protection plate was very short. This meant that the provided 30mm screws required washers when attaching standard 25mm thick fans and leaves a great deal of doubt that the provided screws will be usable for a Push Only intake fan installation.
The 17 FPI split fin core is geared towards a medium fan speed set-up while it’s thin tube array which was highly restrictive offered similar performance at all flow rates.
The very high restriction level of the BP-NLS360 should be taken into consideration when assessing pump power requirements for you loop, especially if considering using more than one of the BP-NLS series radiator.
Summary – 2.5/5
The BP-NLS360-F2PB proved to be an average performer with a Push Only fan assembly but as expected did not perform so well in Push/Pull. It is best suited for medium speed fans due to it’s thin core and medium density split fin array. It should also be remembered that this is not just a slim radiator, but also a narrow one that might fit in some locations that other slim radiators would not. Our only other narrow radiator in the group is EK’s SE and thermally that performed far worse, so while the thermal performance seems average, in reality for the total size it is above average.
The finish was great, yet the side panels were a little flimsy and the recessed screw holes are a major roadblock for an easy installation
The performance and minor design/manufacture issues we can deal with, after all the BP-NLS360 is a re-brand from another company and for those those concerns Bitspower are not entirely to blame. Our biggest concern with the BP-NLS360 is that it is a re-brand, with nothing new or different to entice potential buyers, and yet a Bitspower brand tariff has been applied. The Bitspower branded version reviewed costs $30 more than the unbranded version. We think this is simply too much to be acceptable, and for this reason alone we can not recommend this radiator.
When the price falls in line with the competition, the BP-NLS360-F2PB may be a more attractive slim 360mm radiator option. In the mean time, it is only really for the hard-core Bitspower fan boys (and girls) only because there are certainly better options available for features, performance and price.
Where to buy:
- Performance PCs: Black $79.95 + shipping from USA.
Another great and detailed review from you guys.
It’s interesting that the Leviathan *cough* L-series *cough* is noticeably not as good as the 360GTS considering similar characteristics with what looks to be a shroud with inverted sides as the only variation. I was considering getting an L-Series but I think for a small, slim radiator to fit in offset top mounts like my Arc Mini R2 I’d be more likely to look at the Magicool G2 Slim, or Darkside LP360 versus this. The Magicool seems to be a sweet spot radiator for slim versus performance. The original GTS seems to be top but the 133mm width can occasionally cause problems with clearance in cases with said offset top mounts.
I love that you summarize the thermal performance with immediate competition so I don’t have to flip back and forth between tabs to compare slim or thick radiators.
Keep up the great work!
I send all my water cooling buddies here when they ask about “is this enough radiator for my setup?”
Comments are closed.