Details
The Alphacool HPE-45 Full Copper 280mm Radiator - White is a 280 mm radiator for two 140 mm fans, 45 mm thick, in white. The thinner radiator in the same fan size is the HPE-30 Full Copper 280mm Radiator in white.
Properties
- Fans
- 2x 140 mm one-sided / 4x both-sided
- Size (L x W x H)
- 314.5 x 144 x 45 mm (+/- 3%)
- Thickness
- 45 mm
- Ports
- 4x G1/4 IN/OUT, 1x G1/4 fill/drain port
- Material
- copper fins, pre-chambers and channels, brass threads, stainless steel outer housing
- Fin density
- 16 FPI
Full Copper
For more than a decade, Alphacool says, it has dominated the market with its Full Copper radiator series. Alphacool calls its extensive portfolio of radiator variants unique worldwide, "just like our manufacturing process, which enables us to craft all water-bearing parts and cooling fins from pure copper". Thanks to their exceptional performance, Alphacool says, these radiators can effortlessly dissipate even extremely high waste heat. Alphacool sees that as making them indispensable in many sectors of the cooling industry. Its data sheet adds that 100% of the internal structure is made of copper.
The next step in evolution: HPE
This radiator uses the same materials as the previous NexXxoS models but takes a technical step forward. Its internal structure is denser: the number of water channels and copper fins has been increased. Alphacool says this design ensures a larger water volume is in direct contact with the cooling fins, significantly enhancing heat transfer. With the increased number of fin rows and their shortening, it also results in a much more efficient utilization of the cooling surface, according to Alphacool. The data sheet puts the difference at 1.2x increased water throughput and 20% more efficient heat transfer compared to the NexXxoS standard.
Alphacool reports comparison tests with the conventional NexXxoS radiator, which have demonstrated that the HPE radiator can achieve a performance improvement of 4.5K. At higher ambient temperatures and fan speeds the performance gap between the HPE and standard NexXxoS radiators increases progressively, Alphacool says, with possible performance gains of up to 6K. These are Alphacool's own tests, and it publishes no fan speed, flow rate or heat load for them.
What the loop needs
Under "Connection options & mounting", Alphacool writes that the radiator features two IN or OUT connections with G1/4 threads in the pre-chamber area. On the opposite side, there is a fill or drain port for filling and draining the water circuit. Alphacool's technical data counts 4x G1/4 IN/OUT and 1x fill/drain port, each with a thread length of 5 mm at most. One connection is the inlet and one the outlet, so the radiator takes two fittings.
It takes two 140 mm fans on one side or four on both sides, on M3 threads. The radiator comes with all necessary screws for case and fan installation: 8x M3x5 case mounting screws and 8x M3x30 fan screws, plus an Allen key. Additional screws are typically not required.
Safety first
The radiator is equipped with special protective plates beneath all mounting holes, so screws cannot be inserted too deeply. This keeps the cooling fins and water channels underneath protected from damage.
Patented screw plugs
All HPE radiators use Alphacool's patented screw plugs. Protruding screw plugs often prevent a radiator from being installed flush. These are fully recessed into the radiator, flush with its surface, allowing for what Alphacool calls easy and seamless installation in the case. A plug tool for them is in the box.
Technical data
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 314.5 x 144 x 45 mm (+/- 3%) |
| Quantity of cooling channels | 28 |
| Material cooling fins, pre-chambers & channels | copper |
| Material threads | brass |
| Material outer housing | stainless steel |
| Threads | 4x G1/4 IN/OUT & 1x Fill-/Drainport G1/4 (max. 5 mm thread length) |
| Possible fan size | 140 mm |
| Possible fan assembly | 2x one-sided / 4x both-sided |
| Thread size fan mounting | M3 |
| Pressure tested | 0.8 Bar |
| Maximum working temperature | 60 °C |
| Fin density | 16 FPI |
| Weight | 1130 g |
| Color | white |
Notes
- Use only clear, transparent water cooling fluids. Alphacool warns that the particles and additives in pastel liquids can clog and permanently damage water cooling products such as radiators, pumps, coolers and hoses, which can result in voiding the manufacturer's warranty as well.
In the box
- 1x Alphacool NexXxoS HPE-45 Full Copper 280mm Radiator, White
- 8x M3x5 case mounting screws
- 8x M3x30 fan screws
- 1x Allen key
- 1x Plug tool
Alphacool's data sheet is a PDF. Its 3D model of the radiator is an STP file, and the 3D viewer shows it from every side.
