Which Rad (of these) for Low-CFM Fans?

[angelkiller]

I might be getting a new triple radiator soon. I need a rad that works well with low-cfm fans, as I plan to use 800rpm S-Flex(s).

For $45 shipped I could get either a

• Swiftech MCR-320
• Black Ice GT Extreme 360
• Black Ice GT Stealth 360

So which rad would work best with low-cfm fans? Thanks.

 

[kyle2020]

The Stealth is your best option with low CFM fans. Excellent rads too.

 

[phanbuey]

+1 to the stealth

The MCR works well for me, lower FPI = better for low CFM fans.

try the magicool elegant if you can find it... it looks funky but performs FUUUUNKKEYYY.

 

[EastCoasthandle]

No on the stealth. I have one and it's restrictive, thin Rad that requires decent CFM.

I am not really sure about the GT Extreme. The Swiftech MCR320 is suppose to made with low CFM fans in mind if I remember correctly. The general rule of thumb is that the denser the fins on the radiator the more CFM you need.

 

[Chicken Patty]

I might be getting a new triple radiator soon. I need a rad that works well with low-cfm fans, as I plan to use 800rpm S-Flex(s).

For $45 shipped I could get either a

• Swiftech MCR-320
• Black Ice GT Extreme 360
• Black Ice GT Stealth 360

So which rad would work best with low-cfm fans? Thanks.

I would stay away from HWLabs if you are using low RPM fans. HW Lab radiators are great, but you need some good airflowing through them, if not they won't perform as expected. If you want to have an idea of what I mean, check out this review below:

http://martinsliquidlab.i4memory.com/HWlabs480GTX-Review.html

I have a HW Labs GTX 480, but I run 110cfm Scythe's.

 

[Odin Eidolon]

MCR. for sure. Black ice rads have far too high fins per inch, they dont work well with low RPM fans. Even the Stealth has much more FPI than a MCR. Magicool Elegant is another excellent rad, but its expensive. XSPC RS series have good low-cost rads, almost on par with MCR

reviews:

http://www.realredraider.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=8970

http://www.realredraider.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=4924

http://translate.google.com/transla...fabrik.de/forum/showthread.php?t=5092&prev=hp

http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2008/05/23/radiator-shootout-1/4

 

[kyle2020]

I used a Stealth 240 with 2 XLF's running @ 900rpm and it kept my quad under 20 degrees idle / never went above 40?

Must just be personal experience, or I got lucky haha. Youd be better off listening to the experts

 

[Chicken Patty]

I used a Stealth 240 with 2 XLF's running @ 900rpm and it kept my quad under 20 degrees idle / never went above 40?

Must just be personal experience, or I got lucky haha. Youd be better off listening to the experts

maybe those are different, but the GTX's do need high flow fans. However just because you use 800-900 RPM fans doesnt mean you'll get bad temps.

 

[Odin Eidolon]

maybe those are different, but the GTX's do need high flow fans. However just because you use 800-900 RPM fans doesnt mean you'll get bad temps.

stealth has 30 FPI :shadedshu

you may still get good temps, but with other rads you'll get better temps!

 

[Chicken Patty]

stealth has 30 FPI :shadedshu

you may still get good temps, but with other rads you'll get better temps!

yeah, however get some good flowing fans, and they will most likely outperform the rest of the rads. They are really good rads, but for them to really shine you need the airflow thats all.

 

[Odin Eidolon]

yeah, however get some good flowing fans, and they will most likely outperform the rest of the rads. They are really good rads, but for them to really shine you need the airflow thats all.

yep of course with high CFM/pressure fans you'll get excellent temps. i prefer low-noise tho.

 

[Chicken Patty]

yep of course with high CFM/pressure fans you'll get excellent temps. i prefer low-noise tho.

Exactly. It depends what you want, if noise doesn't bother you. Some nice high flow fans and a HW Labs rad will keep a smile on your face. like mine

 

[Whilhelm]

I say go for the swifty. My MCR-320 has low speed S-Flex fans on it and I am pretty satisfied with the temps on my GPUS with such quiet fans.

 

[angelkiller]

Thanks for the replies everyone. From what everyone has said, it seems that the Swiftech MCR320 is the best one to get. Any last minute suggestions?

 

[Chicken Patty]

Thanks for the replies everyone. From what everyone has said, it seems that the Swiftech MCR320 is the best one to get. Any last minute suggestions?

i dont think you can go wrong with either. But for low noise fans, the swiftech is probably your better choice Keep us posted on what you do

 

[intel igent]

i don't think anyone mentioned the swifty MCR-320? might wanna give it a look

 

[mlee49]

Angelkiller, I would yet again confirm the Swiftech. I've greatly considered it for my radiator upgrade. Excellent price/performance ratio.

 

[Bjorn_Of_Iceland]

NO to stealth also. For low speed fans, take MCR320 instead. Best rad for the price range.

Heard the stealth are flow restrictive as well.

 

[Pete1burn]

Considered the XSPC RX360? Supposed to be the best rad for low-cfm fans. It's what I use.

 

[Odin Eidolon]

Considered the XSPC RX360? Supposed to be the best rad for low-cfm fans. It's what I use.

i dont think he really has got that kind of budget

 

[angelkiller]

Considered the XSPC RX360? Supposed to be the best rad for low-cfm fans. It's what I use.

I hadn't. Then I saw the price tag. That's why I haven't. The performance looks to be awesome with low-cfm fans, but that XSPC has Thermochill prices....

And to let everyone know, I just got the MCR320. After reading a review comparing the Black Ice rads to others, I realized that Black Ice rads are awful with low speed fans and only average with high speed fans. Hmmm. Note to self: no Black Ice rads ever.

Thanks for the help guys. Really appreciated.

 

[Odin Eidolon]

I hadn't. Then I saw the price tag. That's why I haven't. The performance looks to be awesome with low-cfm fans, but that XSPC has Thermochill prices....

And to let everyone know, I just got the MCR320. After reading a review comparing the Black Ice rads to others, I realized that Black Ice rads are awful with low speed fans and only average with high speed fans. Hmmm. Note to self: no Black Ice rads ever.

Thanks for the help guys. Really appreciated.

nice choiche. BI rads are a good option IMO for fans >2000rpm

 

[kyle2020]

What about the XSPC RS models? They seem to be quite cheap over here and decent performance too?

 

[EastCoasthandle]

Now that you've made your mind up. Here is some food for thought:
-Rads cool best when placed outside the PC case. Remember the cooler the ambients temps the better

-Keep a can of air nearby to remove dust from between the fins. With a low CFM fan those fins can get clogged which can increase temps.

-Shake the radiator after you fill your loop to remove any trapped air pockets. Depending on where you placed the Rad it may also mean shaking your entire PC Case to accomplish this.

 

[Chicken Patty]

Now that you've made your mind up. Here is some food for thought:
-Rads cool best when placed outside the PC case. Remember the cooler the ambients temps the better

-Keep a can of air nearby to remove dust from between the fins. With a low CFM fan those fins can get clogged which can increase temps.

-Shake the radiator after you fill your loop to remove any trapped air pockets. Depending on where you placed the Rad it may also mean shaking your entire PC Case to accomplish this.

you don't have to necessarily shake it if he doesn't feel comfortable with it. But if its attached to the case, you can tilt the whole case/radiator and it'll also help the trapped air pockets get out