TFC Xchanger 480 - Crap quality!!!

[jonny_ftm]

Ok, I just received my TFC 480 from a-c-shop.de
They have a great service, and easy contact. I was shipped in just 3 days.

I'm a bit disappointed by some points with the TFC radiator than none pointed out:

1- The build quality is questionable compared to thermochill. Even if the finishing is much more clean than the thermochill, the overall steadiness of the TFC is far behind the thermochill. The radiator housing is easily bending when handled firmly while it is more robust on a thermochill. The overall radiator casing seems also much thinner

2- Still not persuaded? The TFC 480 weight is 1780g (I verified it) despite what they say on the web site (2500g they state is the total packaging by post they send you ) The PA120.3 on the other side is 1800g!!!. Guess what! A triple radiator heavier than the quad from TFC, and both are stated to be copper

Watson, there's a problem here I guess. Either they add aluminium despite their claims or the radiator is much much more thinner overall, or both at the same time

If only someone could verify they really use copper, I'm now really begining to doubt it (paranoia mode ON)

3- There's still some spacing between the fans. Yet, the TFC doesn't come with any neoprene gasket to completely seal the fans to the radiator. Just some 120mm silicone antivibration pads. I guess, a neoprene gasket with very low RMP fans will improve performance like on the thermochill. So, you'll have to make your own gasket

In anycase, now, based on their weight, these radiators are extremely overpriced and I'll recommand going for a PA120.3 instead of their quad crap

It could perform the best, but it is really light on quality at my opinion

Strange I'm the only one noticing this. Especially Martin's that handled both the PA120.3 and the TFC 480

[Zaskar]

The casing and weight difference is due to Thermochill using Steel (not stainless) for their casing. You can tell its normal steel due to the rust that will come up from under that non sealing paint if you Ever get water on it from cleaning, or anything like that.

[FuriousSalesman]

Zaskar is right. The casing is normal steel. That could explain the difference in weight.

[majestik]

The casing and weight difference is due to Thermochill using Steel (not stainless) for their casing. You can tell its normal steel due to the rust that will come up from under that non sealing paint if you Ever get water on it from cleaning, or anything like that.

Well, are you suggesting that TFC is using copper for the casing? Because copper is heavier than steel!

[Zaskar]

Well, are you suggesting that TFC is using copper for the casing? Because copper is heavier than steel!

No, by the way it very slightly flexes on the flat sides im going to assume its stainless steel, which is much more expensive then normal Steel (when buying in bulk) which would probably be why they didn't use thicker sheets.

[majestik]

So is a PA120.3, considering that MCR320 is $55.

[Zaskar]

IMO, you can slice it up anyway you want, but the TFC rads are way way over priced. I don't care what they make um out of, until the price comes down, based on the performance to price ratio, I don't see the value yet.

andyc

Depends on the person, the way I see it is if you would be buying a Thermochill, you already threw price/performance ratios out the window or you would be getting a half the price Swiftech. Your looking to get it because its the best, and when your spending that kind of money, an additional $20-25 to perfect on something that's already great is worth it.

[Anemone]

I tend to think the Swiftech's 1C less and $ saved is fine. I don't think TFC is bad, just think people had high expectations. Frankly none of these devices is very expensive, from a grander perspective of PC parts, but compared to each other we tend to think that $25 or $50 should get us tons more or tons less quality and really they all land in the general ballpark.

[Martinm210]

Interesting, I've had people ask me in about the weight worried that it was too heavy..

I'm not sure what sort of loading or bending moment folks would want to put on a radiator, but the TFC in structure appears to be plenty adequate to me for your typical radiator installations. The only thing I would really like to see done differently is the use of M4 screws instead of the M3 because it's harder to find M3 screws in longer lengths. But I figured I can always tap them out to 6/32 or M4, that's what I had to do on my PA120.3 when I lost the self tapping screws.

What are you doing to the radiator to bend it or what would you expect to see getting damaged? To me the fins are the only thing I could really see getting damaged, but that goes for any radiator.

Unless you're seeing some sort of damage from mounting, I wouldn't be worried about the weight. I'm actually looking forward to lightening the solid steel armor with two 480's on it, my PC must weigh a good 50lbs the way it is right now.

I'm not a big fan of any particular brand, in fact I'm planning a case upgrade with the TFC 480 and two PA120.3's, they are both the best rads you can buy for low speed fans.

[Lloyd]

So is a PA120.3, considering that MCR320 is $55.

The only swiftech rad i had looked and felt cheap as chips ( i'll never use them) but i hear people rave about them all the time? Go FIGURE!

Just my opinion - each to their own?

I'm gonna get one (TFC) just to make my own mind up

[hotdun]

I'm a noob but couldn't be happier with my MCR320QP's. Low/Medium speed fans.....awesome....and cheap....

http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/Swif...20-Review.html

[RickCain]

Interesting observation.... My TFC 360 seems to be several notches above my TC in regards to build quality. Add in the packaging and TFC is far ahead IMHO.

[jonny_ftm]

IMO, you can slice it up anyway you want, but the TFC rads are way way over priced. I don't care what they make um out of, until the price comes down, based on the performance to price ratio, I don't see the value yet. And TBH, the quality of the one I got is nothing to jump up and down about. Had that cheap knock off feel to me. But again, just my impression.

andyc

Yes, I also felt that cheap knock off feel. Well, I looked at the radiators much closer, since I have a PA120.3 and a PA120.2 still waiting to be mounted. When you knock at the radiator water chamber (top of the radiator, the side where the barbs are tightened), with the TFC you have a cavernous sound like of a barrel made of a thin metal sheet. When knocking at the thermochill chambers (since they are two separated, unlike with the TFC), you have the feeling of more solid and thik copper sheet

So definately, even the copper housing is much thicker in the thermochill. If one of the two should die with corrosion, the TFC would die sooner for sure

Anyway, just my impression and a fact. The TFC could be a great radiator, but maybe I expected too much from its building quality. It really looks cheap to me compared to my PA120.x radiators and even my MCR220-QP one. I'm also still concerned by the weight of it

[jonny_ftm]

By the way,

GTX 480 is 2Kg and the MCR320-QP is 1Kg400, but it is only a triple rad without any casing

It's not only a question of weight, but it's really that cheap touch feeling I got for the price of it

[Bojamijams]

<3 my GTX480.

And I do agree, Feser really is far too overpriced. They seem to be hopping on the WC bandwagon and trying to gain attention with flashy packaging.

Oh and acidic water too. Cause that cools better!

[71 (Bryan)]

ill stick with my mcr even we got screwed on the new block by the same brand

[IanY]

*HOW* were you "screwed" by the new block?

Its not released yet. Its not for sale.

Did they take your money? Did they promise you a block by a certain date?

[IanY]

Are TFCs made in China (innocent question.. not sacarsm)?

[IanY]

How long more can TCs be made in the UK?

[71 (Bryan)]

With wages what they are in Germany, I highly doubt it's made there....

Maybe Vietnam....

maybe thats why they are so expensive, you never know

[IanY]

All it takes is an enterprising company to build a TC/TFC/BI GTX style radiator in China (as in something better than a MCR), and then dangle it in front of your noses for $60. Let's see how long you can withstand the "I don't buy China" mantra

[71 (Bryan)]

iwould buy anything made in china as long as its of good quality and works

[71 (Bryan)]

you do have a point

[Zaskar]

I for one, will stick with my Made in England (not made in China) radiators........


ThermoChill PA rads ......................... FTW

Guess your going to be replacing all your high quality Bitspower fittings with Thermochill and EK ones then right?

[Zaskar]

Did I mention fittings..?? NO

I believe it was very CLEAR I was talking about RADIATORS.......


GET IT, GOT IT, GOOD...........

Hahaha, maybe you can get radiators and fittings locally in Texas made from solid Iron or widdled from a piece of wood