Thermal Performance
Thermal Performance scores are derived from the relevant Performance Factor scores. We set this scale with 72.5% and below as the 0 mark, with each 2.5% increase from 75% in relative performance adding 0.5 to the awarded performance score.
Note: In such a small test group of just two radiators the performance scores do not have a lot of other data to be compared against. Depending on the amount of variance in the results, this could end up with misleading scores based on the comparative performance.
As it turned out that was not the case with the two radiators that we tested because of the surprisingly close results.
We must mention that there are likely to be better performing 420mm radiators available which if tested and the results added to our group data would lower the scores that the HWL SR2 MP and EK CE would have generated. Worse performing radiators added to the test group would not affect the scores.
Push Only Thermal Performance
- 5/5
The SR2 420 MP’s Push Only APF result of 99.2% translated into a perfect thermal performance score of 5/5. It’s thicker core with a low 9 FPI fin count was virtually equal to that of the EK CE which is thinner but has a higher fin count and narrower tubes.
It scaled well as the fans speeds were increased and so achieved great results at all three of our fan speed tests despite being targeted towards the low fan speed market.
Push/Pull Thermal Performance
- 5/5
The Push/Pull Performance result is pretty much a carbon copy of the Push Only with a score of 5/5 being generated.
Again the results showed excellent scaling, so it performed extremely well at all fan speeds.
Overall Thermal Performance
- 5/5
The Master Performance score of 98.9 gives a perfect overall performance score of 5/5.
Without more radiators in the test group, it really is difficult to add more perspective, however what is very clear is that there is no performance advantage between these two greatly differing models.
Features & Quality – 4.0/5
The SR2 420 MP has HWLabs renowned build quality built into its DNA. It feels solid and weighty and is well constructed. The paint finish was not without some imperfections which is unusual for HWLabs. In addition to matte black a satin white finish is also available.
The amount of extra ports introduced on this revised SR2 MP model is certainly welcomed. These ports will surely be a major attraction to many rig builders and it could be argued that the extra ports are the SR2 420 MP’s main feature. These extra ports are what HWLabs radiators have been missing for years, so we are very pleased they have caught up with the competition with the inclusion of additional ports. BUT, the SR2 420 MP is still missing a dedicated fill/drain port on the return end tank.
The inclusion of tube protection plates is a welcome feature.
The core of the SR2 is slightly biased towards low to medium speed fans, but still performs extremely well with higher fan speeds.
With a very low FPI count the SR2 will need cleaning less often and it’s very low restriction level mean could mean less pump power is required when planning out your loop.
Summary – Silver Award 4.5/5
The SR2 420 MP proved to be an excellent all round thermal performer against the one other 420mm radiator that we compared against. It has a low restriction level and a low FPI count
The design and build quality are excellent. However the finish on the test sample was not perfect.
Be sure to take some measurements of the intended installation location prior to purchase, keeping in mind that unused ports will add an additional 4mm to the size to account for a port plug. So if both side ports are unused, the rad is effectively ~8-10mm wider, which could be a deal breaker for some chassis, particular if front mounted.
While thermal performance is an important factor in deciding which rad to purchase, with the SR2 MP the design may be the difference between choosing it or another model. The extra ports are a major feature of this radiator and the port choices could mean cleaner tubing runs or even hidden tubing plus the option to install other accessories like temp sensors or drain taps. Users with pedestals, basements or lofts are going to rejoice with the new found freedom the side ports will bring to loop assembly.
If you have the available space to accommodate the 60mm thickness (plus fans) it really doesn’t get any better than this!
Having made that statement the design and build quality of the SR2 MP does come at a cost, literally. The SR2 420 MP is currently retailing at $156 while the EK CE is $56 cheaper at just $100. That is a huge price difference and can somewhat be attributed to the differing sizes and the amount of materials required for manufacture, plus extra time required for the SR2’s port installation.
In the end only you the end user can know which is best suited for you build, which style you prefer and which features are most important to you. The SR2 while matching performance can not match the CE in it’s “bang for the buck”, but the SR2 offers superior flexibility for loop design. Your choice!
Where to buy: Performance PCs:
Thank you for the hard work! The section about testing methods was especially interesting. I have to wonder though… a silver award with a score of 4.5 out of 5? Is this a “goldish” silver or satin nickel silver? 😉
We discussed the appropriate award to be issued and in the end it came down to 3 reasons why we did not issue gold.
The price point is very high compared to the radiator in the review.
We would like to see the ancillary port introduced.
And to a lesser degree the review sample had a few issues with the paint finish.
So while the SR2 MultiPorts are an excellent radiator choice, we feel there is still room for a little improvement.
Let’s call it a Goldish Silver 🙂
HWL doesn’t list the non-multiport version any longer on their website and that is unfortunate. For a lot of reasons, multiport isn’t ideal in all circumstances. If there are stop fittings installed, there will likely be clearance issues.
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