Phobya G-Changer 280 Radiator Review
by Dark MantisWell I am sure we are all familiar with the standard radiator concept. But this is different! Firstly the physical size is changed to
make it more efficient. This is one of those cases where "bigger is better" It is made to fit a couple of 140 mm fans as opposed to
the usual 120 mm offerings as well as being much deeper too. This model's actual radiator fins are 45 mm deep compared to the more
normal 25 - 30 mm. So as you can see there is almost twice as much volume just in the extra depth, when considered with the extended
width which is another 20 mm and length of an extra 40 mm it holds an immense volume of coolant compared to an ordinary rad which is
very important for a radiator as that is where all the heat transfer to the open air is done. It also doesn't restrict flow
measurably.
Phobia weren't happy to just leave it there though. They also looked at how the transfer of heat worked and decided they could
improve on the standard design. They came up with a new idea which they call G-Channel technology for advanced heat transfer making
it even more efficient. This is more expensive to make but is an investment as far as the end user is concerned.
The radiator comes as a kit with silicon vibration gaskets for the fans to help cut down annoying noise, a couple of blank plugs for
the unused ports on the rad, one set of 8 black allen M3 bolts and one set of 8 chrome philips head bolts all of 30 mm length, one
set of short fixing screws again M3 threaded and a spare air bleed bolt. I would have preferred to see M4 bolts used as they are more
standard and a bit meatier.
On the business end there are four instead of the usual two ports. Either one on each side can be utilised as inlet and outlet ports.
The spare ones can be used for temperture gauge, fillport or pressure release valve if or anything else you can think of or of course
just use the supplied plugs to blank them off.
On the opposite end is a small bleed screw which can help with the dispersal of any air in the system. As mentioned earlier a spare
is included in case of loss. On each side is stamped the Phobya logo.
I have this coupled with a pair of XIGMATEK XLF fans @ 1000 rpm installed on a Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD5 motherboard and i5 2500K CPU.
This is overclocked to 4.6 GHz and I can run Prime95 to 100% processor usage for hours on end and still only reach 50 degrees CPU
core temperature with an ambient temp of 25 degrees. On my setup it will maintain a water temperture within a couple of degrees of
ambient on idle and within four when stress testing. Obviously works well.
It comes as standard with a three year warranty but as with all of Phobya's products you need to register it with them soon after
purchase. This can be done via their website
http://phobya.com/
If you need this size and performance of radiator I would certainly recommend this Phobya and give it a rating of 9/10
Review sample supplied by CandC Central
http://www.candccentral.co.uk/
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