Radiator Alphacool R27-S480 480 mm, 18 FPI, copper fins

Alphacool R27-S480 is a 480 mm liquid cooling radiator with copper fins and a fin density of 18 FPI. Designed for custom water-cooling loops, it provides a compromise between airflow resistance and thermal transfer, making it suitable for CPU and GPU cooling in compact and full-size builds. The radiator supports standard 120 mm fan mounting and is built to integrate with multi-fan configurations to increase cooling capacity while maintaining predictable pressure drop across the fin stack.

Advantages

The use of copper fins ensures efficient heat conduction from coolant to air, while the 18 FPI fin density balances static pressure requirements and airflow for a wide range of fans. Its 480 mm length allows installation of up to four 120 mm fans, enabling scalable cooling performance for higher heat loads. The radiator’s construction and port layout are intended to be compatible with common fittings and hoses used in custom PC water-cooling systems.

Suitable for

• Custom CPU water-cooling loops in mid-tower and full-tower cases
• GPU or combined CPU+GPU cooling configurations requiring a 480 mm radiator
• Multi-fan setups using standard 120 mm fans to increase heat dissipation
• Systems where a balance between airflow restriction and thermal transfer is desired

Key specifications

• Radiator length: 480 mm compatible with 120 mm fan spacing
• Fin material: copper fins for enhanced thermal conductivity
• Fin density: 18 FPI (fins per inch) offering moderate airflow resistance
• Fan compatibility: supports up to four standard 120 mm fans
• Intended use: liquid cooling radiator for CPU and GPU loops

How to use

Mount the radiator to a compatible case location supporting a 480 mm radiator or to an external bracket. Install up to four 120 mm fans in the preferred airflow orientation and secure them to the radiator. Connect inlet and outlet ports to the rest of the loop using appropriate fittings and hoses, ensuring proper sealing. Fill the loop with compatible coolant, purge air from the system, and monitor temperatures and flow to verify correct operation before full load testing.

Recommendations

For best results, pair the radiator with fans that match its 18 FPI density: higher static-pressure fans are recommended if using low RPM operation or dense fan grilles. Regularly inspect for dust and clean the fins to maintain airflow and thermal performance. Ensure fittings and hoses are compatible with your loop to avoid leaks and maintain pump efficiency.