420 vs 480 Radiator?

[Shadowman]

Is there any difference in performance between a 420 and 480 radiator? ( same thickness)  and which would you recommend between the two?

[Trav_X]

Technically the 420 has more surface area if they are the same thickness (1200mm^2 more) so TECHNICALLY the 420 performs better but it would be <1 degree difference so it really depends on how much room you got. 3 fans versus 4, so I'd say just go 420

[Shadowman]

2 minutes ago, Trav_X said:

Technically the 420 has more surface area if they are the same thickness (1200mm^2 more) so TECHNICALLY the 420 performs better but it would be <1 degree difference so it really depends on how much room you got. 3 fans versus 4, so I'd say just go 420

 

Thanks for that, which really good 420 radiator would you recommend? I just see a lot of 360's or 480's around.

[Trav_X]

2 minutes ago, Shadowman said:

 

Thanks for that, which really good 420 radiator would you recommend? I just see a lot of 360's or 480's around.

https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-coolstream-ce-420-triple

 

This is a good one, EK is good. Also I'd suggest looking at Alphacool. I'm not very knowledgable about actually radiators for full loops but I'd stick to the more popular brands  

[Shadowman]

The thing is i have a Phanteks primo case and water cooling currently i7 5960x and 2x Geforce Titan X in Sli. Phanteks primo case which can actually take 2x 480 radiators and i already have 1x 480 and wanted to get a 2nd one but seeing there is no difference in performance and the 420 might even be a bit better.(didn't know about the 420 surface area thing ) I think it's better going for a 420 3x 140 fans VS 4x 120 fans.

[Archnemesis]

I would vote for a second 480, simply because then it is 2x 480, rather than 1x 480, 1x 420. Though, if you aren't OCD like me, you could surely get away with the 420.