Hardware Labs Black Ice Nemesis GTR 360 Radiator Review 28

Hardware Labs Black Ice Nemesis GTR 360 Radiator Review

(28 Comments) »

Value and Conclusion

  • The Black Ice Nemesis GTR 360 radiator from Hardware Labs retails for $125.95 from Performance PCs in the USA.
  • Good build quality
  • Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
  • Good scaling of thermal performance with airflow
  • Strong performance with high speed fans
  • Very expensive
  • Only two ports
  • Wider and longer than average, influencing case compatibility
Hardware Labs could have taken the easy route with the Nemesis GTR and simply increased fin density with their existing Nemesis cores to get a high-airflow optimized product. However, it is not easy to do so with splitter-type fins that are so thin, which meant they had to go back and engineer a new core. Perhaps, it was fitting that their automotive industry experience came into play here, and the use of shorter fins not only lead to high-airflow optimization but resulted in a reduction of the coolant's flow pressure drop and better scaling with medium airflow (~1500 RPM fans) and beyond.

These radiators literally come with a high price, however. A Nemesis GTR series radiator costs more than most other radiators, including their own Nemesis GTX radiator I suspect to be enough for most people. But many, including myself, were questioning where the replacement for the old GTX radiator was and now that question has been answered. With it, Hardware Labs now has the largest collection of radiators to meet just about any need, and I suspect filling this gap had to do with the Nemesis GTR more than anything else.

Overall, I do recommend it. Overclockers and benchers would find it handy, as would those with limited room for radiators in cases. If you are after the most bang for your buck, look elsewhere. This is bang-for-your-space material, and if thickness or noise are not an issue, strap on some ultra-fast 32 mm thick fans and watch your loop get as close to ambient temperature as never before.
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Aug 21st, 2024 10:28 EDT change timezone

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