HWLabs SR2 140 Multi-Port Radiator Review

Technical specifications as listed by Hardware Labs:

• Built-in 8-PORT Inlet/Outlet manifold system
• 140 mm x 1 fan Xtreme+ form factor 3-row radiator
• 172mm x 153mm x 60mm (L x W x H)
• 9 FPI 45 Micron Copper Fins
• Optimized for sub-800 rpm ultra-stealth fans
• Supercruise^™ optimizations for scalable performance with higher speed fans
• 50% more tubing area than the Black Ice^® SR1-140
• Increased internal coolant flow rates optimized for multi-stage cooling configurations
• Standard G 1/4″ inlet/outlet fittings
• Standard M4 mounting threads
• Compatible with Black Ice^® GTX^® 140 and Black Ice^® SR1^® 140 radiators
• Custom Black Carbon^™ high quality finish
• Fully ROHS Compliant
• 100% Made from conflict-free materials
• Industry standard Black Ice^® quality
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects^*

Thanks to HWLabs we have a couple of Technical Drawing of the SR2 140 MP, but note that none of the dimensions take consideration for the extra 4mm that each port plug requires:

I made mention above of the extra 4mm on each port adding to the dimensions. The following photo shows that each port face is flush with the casing, a ruler is placed over one of the side ports. So whatever plugs you use, their thickness should be added for a final dimension size.

Dimensions Measured on the Radiator Tested:

The (+4) and (+4 +4) are the addition measurements if the supplied port plugs are fitted.

Radiator Core Dimensions:

The core is made of a three rows of 16 tubes arranged in the standard U-Flow configuration. The fin arrangement is made of single louvered fins and the review sample had a fin count of 9 FPI which matches HWL specs. This low fin count on it’s thick core should equate to some very good push only thermal results just as we saw on the longer but narrower 360mm version of the SR2 MP.

The following picture is a reference which shows a typical U-Flow coolant flow path, where the coolant travels up all the tubes on one side (left in pic) of the rad and then returns down the other side. U-Flow is most easily recognized when the port end has 2 separate tanks such as the SR2 140 MP.

The single louvered fins are very evenly spaced and our sample measured in at 9 FPI.

Please Note: alternate lighting was needed to get a decent picture of the fins.  This distorts the color of the finish and it is not a true representation of the “almost” black shade of the “Black Carbon” paint finish.

Zoom in a little and we can better see the even fin spacing and the louvered fins.

Finish and Features

HWLabs calls the finish “Black Carbon”, which is an accurate description. The finish on our sample of the SR2 140 MP could almost be described matte black.  However it is more like an extremely deep charcoal grey. It has a subtle yet stylish look which should work in great with almost any build’s them

The SR2 140 MP is also available with a Satin White finish. Picture courtesy of PPCs.

The SR2 140 MP is equipped with 8 ports in total, 4 each inlet and outlet to choose from and HWLabs describe the port tanks as a manifold system.

We have seen side ports before, but not combined with 3 other alternatives for each side of the radiator. This “manifold system” offers the most ports of any radiator currently available and is the stand out feature of the SR2 MP series.
Extra ports offer installation flexibility and the option to install coolant temp sensors or a drainage valve without having to use a T or splitter fitting.

On the return end tank there is no auxiliary port fitted, which unfortunately is something which is missing on all HWLabs radiators.

The auxiliary ports often come in so handy as a drain or fill port option on vertical installations, so again it is on our wish list for a future revision.

Care has been taken during painting to ensure paint did not get into either of the G ¼ ports.

The SR2 140 MP has screw protection plates fitted under each mounting hole.

The mounting holes are located over the side tubes, so it’s great that HWLabs chose to fit the protection plates.

The SR2 140 MP looks great when paired up with some black fittings…
Add your chosen fan/s, and it’s ready for business.

With Push/Pull fans fitted the overall thickness is 110mm and probably won’t fit in all locations. Best to do some measuring first.

So here we have a ~60mm thick 140mm radiator with a low fin count which has 8 usable G 1/4 port options. The build quality is excellent, as is the “black carbon” paint finish.

Let’s see how it performs…