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 16mm to 34mm with core density ranging from 8 FPI to 30 FPI. This greatly differing array of samples means that the better performing radiators can actually make other 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 MCR320-QPK’s Push Only APF result of 91.6% translated into a performance score of 3.5/5. It’s 13 FPI fin array produced a better than expected result with high fan speeds which contributed to achieving it’s good score. The best comparison result was with low speed fans in which it placed 3rd, while it’s 4th place 1300 RPM result was not far behind. Overall the MCR320-QPK was a very good performer with Push Only fans.
Push/Pull Thermal Performance
- 3/5
The Push/Pull APF result of 89.9 translated into a thermal performance score of 3 out of 5 (painfully close to being bumped up to a 3.5 score). While not getting totally blown away MCR320-QPK proved unable to to match the thermal dissipation levels of those radiators with denser cores.
Overall Thermal Performance
- 3.5/5
The Master Performance score of 90.8 generated an above average score of 3.5. For a radiator designed and marketed for low to medium fan speeds this is a fantastic result and as mentioned previously, the MCR320-QPK proved to be a great all-rounder.
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
There is only one set of ports on the MCR320-QPK, no alternate ports or ancillary port are fitted on this model, yet alternate ports are available on an upgraded version. We hope to see additional ports fitted on the MCR320-QPK in the next revision. Also missing are tube protection plates under the fan mounting holes which we believe should be a standard feature these days.
The construction looks great and the unit feels very solid without any twist or flex. The port end tanks design is well thought out and keeps air from getting trapping in the radiator by eliminating dead flow spots.
The core is slightly biased towards slow to medium speed fans, due to it’s 13 FPI core, however we saw good performance still in our high speed fan tests. With a reasonably low fin count the MCR320-QPK should require cleaning less often than most other radiators. On the topic of cleaning, be prepared to perform a very thorough and time consuming clean out prior to use.
The medium flow restriction level should not pose any issues for pump power requirements when planning out your loop, even with a couple of MCRx20 series radiators in the system.
Summary – 3/5
The MCR320-QPK design seems to have remain unchanged for an eternity, and perhaps with good reason. Our tests showed it to be a radiator capable of good all round performance. However we feel there is room for improvement and a revision upgrade might be in order. We would like to see the extra ports that the non-K version sports, screw protection plates would be welcome and a better finish would be the icing on the cake.
Like all slim radiators the MCR320-QPK is best suited for a Push Only fan assembly. It had it’s best thermal performance comparison result with 750 RPM Push Only fans, yet was still very competitive with the 1300 and 1850 fan speeds in our Push Only tests.
At around $68 USD the MCR320-QPK is reasonably priced. It has the bare minimum of options fitted yet it still performs well. At the end of the day we feel that Swiftech have let this radiator fall behind the competitors. Even with our list of minor gripes, we feel the MCR320-QPK should still be on your list of slim 360mm radiator options to consider, particularly if you intend on running slow to medium speed fans.
Where to buy:
- Performance PCs: Black $67.95 + shipping from USA.
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