EK CoolStream CE 420 Radiator Review

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 EK CE 420 and SR2 would have generated. Worse performing radiators added to the test group would not affect the scores.

Push Only Thermal Performance

• 5/5
  

The CE 420’s Push Only APF result of 99.3% translated into a perfect thermal performance score of 5/5. It’s thinner core with a much higher FPI fin count was virtually equal to that of the SR2 which is thicker but has a lower fin count and thicker tubes.

The core dimensions meant it doesn’t scale as well as the SR2. It is best tuned for medium speed fans, although the lower and higher speed fans results were still very good.

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.
In Push/Pull the low and medium fan speeds produced it best results with the high speed falling slightly behind.

Overall Thermal Performance

• 5/5
  

The Master Performance score of 99 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 – 3.5/5

The CE 420 from EK features the now standard boxy outer casing which is quite stylish and yet inconspicuous at the same time. The paint finish is excellent and the outer casing can be easily removed for custom painting.

There is only one set of ports on the CE 420, no alternate ports, no ancillary port nothing. Also missing is tube protection plates under the fan mounting holes which we believe should be a standard feature these days even if the holes are no located directly above the tubes.

The core is slightly biased towards low to medium speed fans, due to it’s medium thickness, but still performs extremely well with higher fan speeds. because of it’s high FPI count.

With a very high FPI count the CE 420 will need cleaning more often than some other radiators. The medium restriction level will not pose any issues for pump power required when planning out your loop.

Summary – Silver Award 4.0/5

The CE 420 proved to be an excellent all round thermal performer against the other 420mm radiator that we compared against. It has a medium restriction level and a high FPI count.
The design is stylish, the build quality and finish are excellent, however there are no alternate ports.

It’s 45mm thickness and core design proved to be a perfect match for medium speed fans, while still having excellent results with both low and high speed fans in both Push Only and Push/Pull.

With the CE 420 currently retailing for $100 USD it offers some serious “bang for your buck” thermal performance and is possibly the best value radiator currently available for heat dissipation potential vs. cost. It is missing some features for sure, but not everyone needs 6 extra ports to choose from, so it is for this reason the CE 420 is a deserved recipient of our Silver Award.

In the end only you the end user can know which of the two radiators tested is best suited for you build, which style you prefer, which features are most important and which is within your budget. With the CE 420 being at least $50 cheaper than the SR2 420 MP, the price will be a deciding factor for many potential buyers. Both are great radiators with virtually equal performance, so it’s up to you: extra features or cheaper price because you can’t have both.

Where to buy:

• Performance PCs:     EK CE 420 $99.99 + shipping from USA
• EK Webshop:            EK CE 420 $99.99 + shipping from Europe