airplex radical 2/120 with aluminum fins
The second manufacturer in the alphabetically sorted test is Aqua Computer with the airplex radical 2/120 with aluminum fins. This radiator differs considerably from the conventional and therefore from all other radiators tested today in terms of design and choice of material. Nevertheless, or perhaps precisely because of this, a look at and inside the radiator is of course highly interesting.
Let’s let the manufacturer have his say again before I comment on this:
The pre-chamber is also the terminal and is made from a single casting. The choice of polyacetate (POM), which Aqua Computer lists under the trademark Delrin for this material group, kills several birds with one stone. The copper tubes are pressed into the POM and therefore do not require a single solder joint, as the cooling fins are also pressed onto the tubes. In addition, no threaded sleeves for the G1/4 connections need to be soldered in because the threads for the inlet and outlet can be conveniently and durably cut into the POM. Nice idea and, above all, cleanly implemented
| Assembly | Manufacturer’s specification | Material testing |
| Pre-chamber / terminal | Polyacetate (POM) | Polyacetate (POM) |
| Threaded inserts G1/4 | Cut into POM | – |
| Channels/tubes | Copper | Copper (100% Cu) |
| Solder used | not required | |
| Cooling fins | Aluminum | Aluminum (100% Al) |
| Frame / side panel | Stainless steel | Chrome steel (60% Fe, 40% Cr) |
| Screws | – | Chrome steel (60% Fe, 40% Cr) |
| Other accessories | – | – |
| RoHS shown on box | No specification | |
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
In the first picture, we can clearly see the two horizontal channels in the terminal for the inlet and outlet, as well as the part of the cut G1/4 thread at the bottom right. The POM is solid and it was the mess already mentioned on the first page, because the black chips wanted to stick everywhere like burrs.
The round cooling channels are cleanly pressed in without solder and have an exact curve without any clogging solder residue. In terms of flow, this solution is certainly better than the rather narrow and flattened channels of the conventional design.
The material of the entire chamber consists of the aforementioned POM. There is nothing more to test at this point, as there are no extra threaded inserts.
Cooling channels and fins
The most important parts in the middle are the cooling channels and the fins. Viewed from above, the whole thing looks like this:
Let’s take a look at the cut as such. The round channel carries the attached and pressed-on fins.
Now let’s check the measurement of the cut tube and find pure copper, which is exactly what we were promised.
The same applies to the cooling fins made of aluminum, which was not used as an alloy. The advantage over e.g. 4000 alloys is that pure aluminum expands more than most alloys when heated, which increases the contact pressure on the clamping surfaces of the fins on the tubes when heated and thus also helps to reduce the heat transfer resistance.
Housing and accessories
Finally, we come to the frame for stabilization and mounting, as well as the enclosed screws. Hidden under the black powder coating is durable chrome steel with 60% iron and 40% chrome content, which is a lot. Soft screws would quickly go off with a little too much force, but Aqua Computer has of course thought about this.
Which brings us to the screws…
… which are made of galvanized chrome steel. This is also hard enough for the hard side parts.
Interim conclusion
The Aqua Computer airplex radical 2/120 with aluminum fins is an exceptionally high quality radiator with a cooling circuit made only of copper. The material specifications in the specs are correct and it is an above-average radiator with no conspicuous features. It is an extremely fair offer without inconsistent and misleading advertising claims. It makes you want to read the next story. Or not, depending on your point of view…
- 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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