Home Water Cooling Radiators HWLabs SR2 140 Multi-Port Radiator Review

HWLabs SR2 140 Multi-Port Radiator Review

Nov 8, 2015

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 in relative performance adding 0.5 to the awarded performance score.

Push Only Thermal Performance

4/5

The SR2 140 MP’s Push Only APF result of 92.5% translated into a thermal performance score of 4/5 and a tie for 3rd place. It had great results at each fan speed we tested, but it’s best comparative result was with low speed fans.

Push/Pull Thermal Performance

3.5/5

The Push/Pull Performance results were dominated by the Nemesis 140 GTX while our SR2 140 MP came in a clear second place.

Overall Thermal Performance

3.5/5

The Master Performance score of 92.4 generates a respectable overall performance score of 3.5/5 especially given how dominant the winning radiator was. Based on the numbers generated this gives the SR2 140 MP a third place overall finish. However our test error margin is on the limits here with the 2nd to 4th place rads, so effectively we have to call a three way tie for 2nd place.

Features & Quality – 4/5

Like all HWLabs radiators, the SR2 140 Multi-Port radiator has excellent packaging, but it is lacking bubble wrap protection. Screws are provided for installation and mounting of a single 25mm thick fan. We believe that most users will not be able to mount the radiator to their case without purchasing addition M4 x 30mm screws.

The build quality of the SR2 140 MP is excellent as is the “Black Carbon” finish of the review sample. The 8 port options are unprecedented and excellent, but there is no auxiliary bleeder/fill port fitted. Tube protection plates are included to protect the core which has a very low 9 FPI count. Downtime for cleaning will be minimal because of the low density core. It has a very low restriction level so pump power should never be an issue even when running multiple SR2 series radiators in the system.

At 60mm thick the SR-2 140 MP is unlikely to be compatible with all installation scenarios, particularly in smaller cases. If it can fit in your chassis then the 8 ports provide opportunities for shorter, neater tubing runs, perhaps even hidden tubing runs. The extra ports add flexibility for installation orientation while also increasing the ease in which temp sensors and drain valves can be placed in the loop.

Fitting of port plugs will add ~8mm to the overall width, which could cause compatibility issues with some installation scenarios, so be sure to check the width of your intended location. Having to purchase additional screws to mount the radiator is not ideal, but something you will soon forget once the installation is complete.

Summary – Silver Award 4/5

The SR2 140 Multi-Port has so much potential for creating easier and neater tubing runs and proved to be an excellent all round thermal performer. The build quality and finish is great and for these reasons it receives our Silver Award.