Alphacool Eisbrecher Pro XT45 360mm Radiator Review

The Data

As all our testing for 360mm radiators are performed with the exact same equipment, using the exact same methods we have decided to (try and) keep each radiator’s pages uncluttered by posting our testing methodology, test set-ups and equipment used in a single location. To see exactly how the tests were carried out, details of the test set ups and equipment used, please head over to the RRU Test Setup page.

Restriction Test

It is generally agreed that radiators are one of, if not the least restrictive components in the water cooling loop. There are some exceptions however, so this must still be verified through testing:
The above photo is for referencing the restriction test bench The Eisbrecher Pro XT45 is not loaded so please disregard the data in the picture as it does not relate to it’s test results.

Here is the raw data at the tested flow rates, displaying the measured Differential Pressure across the radiator as flow rate was increased.
The table numbers indicate that the Eisbrecher Pro is a low restriction radiator. Numbers in isolation sometimes only tell half the story. By plotting against other components it more easily shows the whole story.

We use a HeatKiller 3.0 CPU block as the reference in this next plot for two reasons. Firstly there is little chance of the plot being cluttered by curves overlapping and secondly it gives a reference point against a fairly common loop component of average restriction.

As with all previous radiator restriction plots, we have limited the maximum flow rate displayed to 2.0 GPM as we suspect there are very few systems that operate above 2.0 GPM. For more information on how to read a restriction plot check out our guide.
This plots indicates the Eisbrecher Pro is a very low restriction loop component when compared to a CPU block of average restriction, but what about other radiators?

The next three plots show the restriction level at three different flow rates compared to the other 360mm radiator that have been tested. We consider the chosen GPM rates to represent systems which have low, medium and high flow rates.

We had expected the XT45 360 and the Eisbrecher Pro XT45 360 to record identical results for restriction. However that did not prove to be the case. The table numbers above do make the difference appear large while the plot below may offer a better perspective of their differences.
The only explanation we can offer why we see different results for what is essentially the same core is that the port extenders on the Eisbrecher Pro are slightly smaller in diameter than a standard G1/4 port as fitted on the regular XT45.

Finally for restriction let’s put the Eisbrecher Pro’s 1.0 GPM results into the mix of every radiator that has been on the restriction bench.

When put into context with all the radiators at 1.0 GPM, the Eisbrecher Pro fits our criteria for a medium restriction radiator. This means consideration for pump power is not overly important, even if intending to run a couple of these radiators in your loop.
Onwards to Thermal Performance!