Phextwin said:
Umm aren't they essentially the same thing?
They are pretty much all dual pass copper finned radiators. Frankly i cant see the difference between then, aside from the obviouse things that come with a commercial rad such a 120.2 (fan holes and threaded barb holes etc). Restrictiveness ultimatly depends on the specific model of radiator.
The big, glaringly obvious one? thickness?
2" thick heatercores (as i think most american ones are) are inefficient for low noise cooling, as they offer a large amount of restriction.
1700+ @ 2.1ghz, 1.9vcore, estimate 75w heatload. Used cpuburn to get to full load, left for 1 hr in a 19 degree C room. Fan, lowish speed (60ish cfm).
Rad one - mitron 120mm unshrouded 1" thick commercial rad
Rad two - 150x150mm square 2" thick HC
mitron was something like 24.5ish C, the HC was 22-23. The heatercore dropped away pretty quickly at lower rpm; unfortunately i cant find the numbers. The important thing to remember here, of course, is the fact that the HC had the distinct advantage of a MUCH greater surface area, and the additional shrouding.
Thickness shouldnt be under-estimated if you're looking for quiet performance.