NexXxoS ST30 Full Copper X-Flow
Let’s start alphabetically with Alphacool and the NexXxoS ST30 Full Copper X-Flow 120mm. The manufacturer seems to be really fond of the word “worldwide”, but they are allowed to be, because everything is supposed to be made of copper, apart from the threaded inserts.
Let’s let the manufacturer speak for himself before I comment on this:
And yes, it really is what it says on the tin. The fact that the threaded inserts are no longer made of soft copper is based on the well-known saying “after hard comes loose”. All in all, the manufacturer is playing with open cards here and the customer gets what he orders. However, the solder is a little oxidized (see pictures), but this does not detract from the functionality, only the appearance. But who is going to look? There are no flux residues, which indicates that it has been properly rinsed. However, the rather soft M3 screws, whose threads quickly give way in the threaded holes of the chrome-steel housing and wear out, are a little negative. This could certainly be made more stable.
| Assembly | Manufacturer’s specification | Material testing |
| Pre-chamber / terminal | Copper | Copper (100% Cu) |
| Threaded inserts G1/4 | Brass | Brass CuZn42 (58% Cu, 42% Zn) |
| Channels/tubes | Copper | Copper (100% Cu) |
| Solder used | n.a. | Tin (100% Sn) |
| Cooling fins | Copper | Copper (100% Cu) |
| Frame / side panel | Steel | Chrome steel (80% Fe, 20% Cr) |
| Screws | – | Galvanized steel (100% Fe) |
| Other accessories | – | – |
| RoHS labeled on box | RoHS certified | |
The results are quite impressive. After the table, which already anticipates and summarizes a lot, we now come to the test results including pictures and further details.
Pre-chamber / terminal and solder
The soldering quality is acceptable, but not perfect. Some of the channels are clogged with solder on the narrow sides. This can certainly be made a little nicer. Nothing is clogged, but optimal is a little different.
I have already mentioned the solder, the surface is slightly oxidized, but this does not have a negative effect on the cooling circuit later, the layer is too thin and the quantity too small. Let’s just call it an optical defect.
The material of the entire chamber is made of the promised copper, which fits.
The outside of this chamber, i.e. what the customer can see and touch, is made of, we guessed it, coated copper. So here, too, we kept our word.
Let’s move on to the soldered threaded inserts, which should only be made of brass for reasons of durability. Copper is simply too soft and would require greater care when screwing them in. However, with a ratio of around 58:42, this alloy is durable enough.
Cooling ducts and fins
The most important part in the middle are the cooling channels and the fins, both of which the manufacturer specifies as pure copper. Let’s first take a look at the cut as such. The channel carries the slotted fins, which improves the heat exchange with the air and creates slight additional turbulence. However, this also makes the radiator somewhat more restrictive, but it can certainly cope well with less air.
Let’s take a look at the measurement of the cut duct and find pure copper, i.e. what was promised.
The same applies to the cooling fins, which are also pure copper.
Housing and accessories
Finally, we come to the frame for stabilization and assembly, as well as the enclosed screws. Hidden under the black powder coating is durable chrome steel with 80% iron and 20% chrome content, which is quite a lot. If too much force is used, the soft screws quickly turn into melting butter. So please be careful, because tighter than tight is not possible. Only broken.
Which brings us to the screws…
… which are made of simple, galvanized steel. I have already commented on this several times.
Interim conclusion
The Alphacool NexXxoS ST30 Full Copper X-Flow 120mm is a well-manufactured full copper radiator, whose material specifications are correct and which, apart from minor optical negligence on the inside, did not exhibit any conspicuous features. Apart from the overly soft screws, this is a fair offer without inconsistent and misleading advertising claims. Let’s see what the next radiators have to say…
- 1 - Intro, Samples and Equipment
- 2 - Alphacool NexXxoS ST30 Full Copper X-Flow 120mm
- 3 - Aqua Computer airplex radical 2/120, Alu-Lamellen
- 4 - Bykski CR-RD120RC-TN-V2, D30 V2 Full Copper
- 5 - EKWB Quantum Surface P120M - Black
- 6 - Hardware Labs Black Ice Nemesis GTS - 120 XFlow
- 7 - Watercool HEATKILLER RAD 120-S Black
- 8 - Summary and Conclusion
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