Performance Evaluation and Testing of EKWB Predator 240 XLC
Performance Evaluation and Testing of EKWB Predator 240 XLC
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The EKWB Predator 240 XLC has undergone rigorous testing on the watercooling test bench. This process has yielded clear and reliable results regarding load capacity, performance, noise levels, and most importantly, the maximum capacity when integrating a graphics card into the cooling loop before needing an additional radiator. I tested the 240 (2x120mm) model, so remember that the larger 360 model offers even greater potential due to its 33% more radiator cooling area.
Overview
The EK Predator 240 XLC is delivered as a sealed cooling loop, yet it can be expanded to accommodate additional components within the watercooling system. EK has chosen standardized, G1/4 fittings to allow users to disassemble and reassemble the loop, enabling integration of common watercooling parts if desired. The pump at its core is a compact DDC model, widely used in custom loops for reliability and efficiency. It is securely mounted to the radiator and features polished, chrome EK compression fittings. The radiator housing has a matte black finish and a textured, matte black interior. The core is approximately 30mm thick, while the housing itself is about 40mm thick, offering a standard size for most custom loops. The radiator layout has a consistent fin pattern with thorough paint coverage, avoiding bent fins or thin paint areas.
The cooler includes two Vardar 1900RPM 120mm fans, neatly mounted with rubberized retaining rings that require an Allen key for removal. The fans are matte black and grey, matching the industrial aesthetic. Silver EK compression fittings are used for all connections, and rubberized EK-Tube ZMT tubing (matte black) is used for coolant transport. The unit comes fully assembled and filled with glycol coolant, ready for installation. It includes a tube of EK thermal paste instead of factory-applied paste, along with standard mounting screws and an SATA power adapter with PWM support. The installation manual is helpful, offering clear instructions for future expansions.
I discovered the compression fittings to be very tight, requiring pliers for adjustment. Exercise caution to avoid damaging the fittings, as scratches are undesirable. I wrapped them in tape before using pliers for easier handling. The coolant appears to be a clear glycol, likely EK-branded as recommended for their products. The cooler holds around 300ml of coolant.
Examining the pump with tubing and fittings removed reveals a sticker indicating its specifications: DDC3.1 PWM, 12vDC, 6 watts draw. DDC pump modifications are common in enthusiast loops, so this pump should perform similarly. However, since it voids the warranty, I’ll set this aside for now.
Flow rate testing showed approximately 0.5 gallons per minute, slightly below expectations compared to the 1.5 gallons per minute reported by similar DDC pumps on the same test setup. This suggests either a minor voltage drop or tighter constraints in the EK radiator and Supremacy block. Further investigation revealed that the pump draws 6 watts, while the standalone DDC pump draws 15.5 watts, indicating a significant power increase when the EK 240 is used.
Thermal test setup and procedures
The EK Predator 240 XLC is designed for a CPU paired with a full watercooling loop. For this test, I expanded the thermal load to simulate single CPU speeds, overclocked CPUs, and included a graphics card. Fans operate at 1200, 1600, and 1900 RPM with both push and pull configurations. Each test lasts 20 minutes, with a 20-minute ramp-up between loads. I used a Kill-a-Watt meter to measure power draw, confirming the pump’s 9.6 watts and the EK 240’s 8.9 watts.
Thermal load tests in watts reflect the components’ thermal design power (TDP). The goal is to evaluate cooling performance under various loads. A 5C delta is excellent, 10C good, and 15C average. The data collection involves gathering extensive information, charting results, and analyzing trends over 32 hours of testing.
These tests help determine the actual power consumption and thermal efficiency of the cooler under different conditions.
Fan noise levels during testing
Fan noise is subjective, but we can quantify it using decibels. Decibels are a logarithmic scale, meaning each 10dB increase doubles the perceived noise. My readings at 0, 1200, 1600, and 1900 RPM showed noise levels well below 30dB, with a slight edge in pull mode. At full speed, the radiator and fans can handle up to 10C delta at 300 watts. This suggests compatibility with a graphics card, overclocked CPU, and stock GPU without needing extra radiators.
Cooling performance of watercooling
Cooling effectiveness depends on the temperature difference between coolant and ambient air. This is measured as a delta (DT). A lower delta indicates better performance. In water cooling, 5C is excellent, 10C good, and 15C average. The data shows tight performance across all speeds, with minimal variation between fan orientations. At full speed, a 10C delta is achievable at 300 watts, allowing for overclocked components without overheating.
In summary, the EKWB Predator 240 XLC is a high-quality cooler built with reliable components. Its industrial design may deter casual users, but its potential is clear. Most boxed coolers restrict expansion, while others may not handle increased flow demands. The EK Predator series strikes a balance between mounting flexibility and robust cooling, making it suitable for users who want to expand their loop later.
Fan noise at different speeds
Fan noise is often subjective, but we can measure it in decibels. Higher decibel levels indicate louder operation. My readings showed noise levels well under 30dB at all speeds, with a slight advantage in pull mode. At full speed, the radiator and fans can manage up to 10C delta at 300 watts. This means adding a graphics card and overclocked CPU should still keep temperatures manageable.
This analysis highlights the importance of understanding TDP and temperature delta when evaluating cooling solutions. The data collected provides a clear performance graph across all speeds, helping users make informed decisions.
Great job!
The fan noise is extremely low at 20fpi rad, indicating a cutting-edge blade pitch design to boost static pressure. Are you planning to test fans with higher static pressure or adding more fans to enhance cooling through push/pull effects?
The predator's build quality meets my expectations. Thank you for your dedication, the excellent photos and careful attention to detail are impressive.
I had considered the 'optional' fans concept for testing and initially planned to use my 3000 RPM Ultra Kaze, but then realized I lacked comparable fans for the 280 rad on the Corsair H110i GTX. Still, I might develop a supplementary testing set later to explore further. My goal was to evaluate whether I could stay within the retail specifications for fair comparisons without incurring extra costs. It’s clear this topic interests many, including myself. The main difficulty lies in the time required to execute a full test suite for both push and pull at all load levels. Running 3000 RPM fans at maximum speed means only one push and one pull test, followed by changing the load. The biggest confusion was deciding to undervolt the DDC pump. Compared to the one I have on my bench, it showed a significant difference in flow. It would be useful to observe these variations with a fully-volted DDC on this cooler, which raises questions about the reasoning behind that choice.
I understand you're referring to additional context in a different discussion, not the main content.
The device operates using a SATA power adapter and can be controlled via PWM, though it doesn't draw power from the MB header, only the PWM signal.