480mm Liquid Cooling Radiators
A radiator is just as important in a water-cooled system as the water cooler itself because the radiator must dissipate the heat absorbed by the water. This is achieved through its fin surface, which is cooled by a fan in the case of an active radiator. A 480-mm radiator can accommodate four 120 mm fans. 480-mm radiators are especially suitable for big towers as they offer excellent cooling performance and require a significant amount of space due to their size.
Material, cooling performance, and sufficient space are crucial
With the 480-mm radiator, as with all other radiators, it is important to consider the fans to be mounted on it, its cooling performance, and its material. Copper or brass is usually used as the base material for a radiator and may also be nickel-plated. The frame, on the other hand, is often made of stainless steel or aluminum. It is important to ensure that the material of the radiator matches the rest of the water cooling loop to prevent chemical reactions with other elements in the loop.
Most 480-mm radiators have two to eight G1/4 ports to connect them to the water cooling loop and 16 holes specifically designed for four 120-mm fans. Even with a 480-mm radiator, one should consider how many sources need to be cooled by a water cooler. If high-end components and multiple graphics cards are not used, a smaller radiator that consumes less power might be more worthwhile.
When purchasing a 480-mm radiator, it is essential to consider:
- Does the overall performance of the 480-mm radiator and fans match the components to be cooled?
- Is the case large enough for a water cooling loop with a 480-mm radiator?
- Is the material of the 480-mm radiator compatible with the other materials in the water cooling loop?
