EKWB EK-CoolStream XE 480 Radiator, Quad, Black

I am absolutely wowed and blown away by how much lower my temps are now that I went from a smaller radiator to this size. Having a 480 monster radiator like this cooling off your processor lends the confidence of knowing you can handle what you need to with it. I have 2 connected to my i9 7980XE and it never feels like my computer breaks even close to a sweat because even a single one is overkill and two is just downright ridiculous and adding resistance to a system that would work just fine with one of these huge radiators, but I digress. This radiator is just as good as the rave reviews say and I'm happy to say I won't be going anywhere else for radiators. I do recommend flushing the radiator for a good amount of time until you see absolutely no particulate in the water though. If black particles are coming out of the radiator that seem like they could clog your loop then it's your responsibility to clean these radiators enough that they aren't leaking particulate. I know they say "pre-flushed" but I've gotten 3 so far and none of them came out clean without a BUNCH of hottish warm distilled water flooded through them. I usually buy a bunch of distilled water at the store and just poor them through it after heating the water and then I shake the radiator while the slightly hot water is in the radiator to loosen up the particulate like manufacturing flux and solder. If you poor the water back into a white bowl and look into it, you will see that the water you just shook that was inside the radiator is now black full of metal particulates. These are what you need to get clean. When you pour water into the radiator, shake the radiator for a minute, and pour out the dirty water into a white bowl and no particulates show up. Then you know it's clean. :)

I am disappointed in this purchase. Please note though that I have made other purchases from this supplier very recently and have been so far pleased with exception to this one.The pictures shown show variances between the radiator I received directly from the manufacturer last week compared the purchase I made here. These are the exact same models. These issues were identified because I intended to have these mounted side by side. After attempt to install the two, I noticed slight differences which leads to question whether this was refurbished or fake. But certainly not in a new condition.The first picture shows that there is a missing screw which should have been installed. This was noticed soon after I mounted the radiator and had trouble aligning it correctly with my other radiator.In the 2nd picture is the top of the radiator. The top radiator is the manufacturer purchased one, while the bottom is the purchase here on Amazon. You can tell how it was made, that the corners are built differently. You can also tell that they are slightly offset.The third picture is where I first identified there was a problem. It is clearly offset. When trying to install it onto my case, it was the difference of the originally manufactured model on the top fit perfectly, while I had trouble trying to get this one installed. When looking further, even my fans were offset between the two. If you look very closely, you can also see a difference in the paint grain. The manufacturer purchase (top radiator) has a smoother grain texture than the bottom.In this forth picture, you can see the misalignment of the back plugs along with the the side panel being slightly pulled away, causing a gap on the bottom edge.It seems very evident that there is a difference which leads to suspicion whether or not this is the real deal, refurbished, or clearly should not have passed any quality inspection.I stress again that I have made other recent purchases from this seller and have not had any problems with exception to this purchase here. I do expect a solution on the matter and will update this review accordingly.

When I ordered my EK-CoolStream XE 480 rad it says it's in "very good condition", I mean the sides are fine but one of the caps is cracked to hell and some fins are bent bad enough its showing copper. Not super worried about it because fans will be blocking it. I just don't think it deserved a very good condition is all.I don't doubt it could have happened in shipping but I don't know that for sure, I will surely enjoy this product either way

Ordered 2 one leaked everywhere, burn fittings can only be put in the extension port fitted so if you need to do a draining valve you will need y pieces. Disappointed seeing as everything else I have is made by ek and I am an ek lover but the rads are just not up to there normal level.