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 33 radiators range in thickness from 27mm to 84.5mm with core density ranging from 8 FPI to 30 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 MRC320-XP’s Push Only APF result of 90.8% translated into a performance score of 3.5/5. It has very good performance with high speed fans, but is an average performer with the lower fan speeds.
Push/Pull Thermal Performance
- 4/5
The Push/Pull APF result of 92.8 translated into a thermal performance score of 4 out of 5. The MRC320-XP proved to be a decent all-round performer with a Push/Pull fan assembly. It was closest to the winning radiator at 1300 RPM, but had it’s best ranking at 1850 RPM.
Overall Thermal Performance
- 3.5/5
The Master Performance score of 91.8 generated an above average score of 3.5. Performance was expected to be stronger than we saw with high speed fans, likely due to our sample having a 16 FPI fin count instead of the 20 FPI listed. Likewise low speed results were better than expected. The end result was a very balanced data set which while still favoring the higher fan speeds left us think this is a very good all round performer.
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 – 1.5/5
Many of the 360mm slim radiators on the market are lacking the features we like to see and the MCR320-XP is no exception. It has only one set of ports and it lacks 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.
However, our review sample had some quality control issues that can not be ignored. The port installations were poorly executed so ports slanted inwards at unacceptable angles. Additionally some of the mounting threads were skewed at odd angles and the fin count of the core was just 16 FPI when the manufacturer specifications list it as a 20 FPI radiator. While the satin “black” finish seems to be normal for Swiftech radiators, we believe the brown tinge and rough texture has room for improvement.
The core is biased towards medium to high speed fans, due to it’s 16 FPI core, however it still achieved competitive performance in our low speed fan tests. With a medium fin count the MCR320-QPK will not excessive amount of cleaning time to be set aside and it’s medium flow restriction level should not pose any issues for pump power requirements.
Summary – 3.5/5
The MRC320-XP proved to be a very good all round performer. There are some quality control concerns and it’s missing some features which are things that could be addressed with a revision upgrade. The MCR320-XP seems to be unchanged since release in 2005, maybe now is the time for Swiftech to revisit this popular model.
Pricing for the MRC320-XP is reasonable and is competitively priced against most of the alternative options and if you know that high speed fans are going to be fitted then the MCR320-XP is worth consideration. Given that most users will be running a slim radiator with Push Only fans, we believe the MCR32-QPK to be the better option as it has better performance with low to medium speed fans in Push Only and was only slightly behind with high speed fan performance
Where to buy:
- Performance PCs: Black $67.95 + shipping from USA
