MNPCTech Aluminium Radiator Grill
The Grill Itself
Published: 20th July 2009 | Source: MNPCTech | Price: $69.95 |
The Grill Itself
I think that is enough of packaging especially with MNPCTech’s very simplistic packaging policy. Once you remove the packaging you can feel the quality that oozes out of the product. Moving your finger across the surface is like touching marble, the aluminium is very well machined and finished with a smooth radial brushed effect. The very smooth finish gives a great impression, I am still caressing it now... The grill is overall very well finished, however there were some minor scratches that where caused before we received the grill. There are a few other scratches caused by myself during testing. These are the only defect that I could see, even on a very close inspection.
The backside of the grill does not does not have any finish on it. It is left in the same state as the plates were before machining; scratched, and with a very weird texture. This does not affect the looks of the grill when installed. The sides and bevelled edges on the other hand, still have the machining marks, although they are all very uniform and in a way match the brushed effect. The bevels are at 45° removing the majority of sharp edges, which if you are like me is most definitely a good thing. There are still pointy corners, but if they were rounded to the visual appearance of grill will be diminished.
The grill like all of MNPCTech’s products has a very slight brushed effect. By having the grill made of an aluminium alloy (6061 AKA aircraft aluminium) has both its positives and negatives. The grill is surprisingly light for being made of a solid block of aluminium. At 428g the grill is pretty hefty for a grill, especially when compared to the hundred or so grams of a standard radiator grill. The alloy on the other hand is also very soft, it scratches very easily with a pair of keys having the ability to destroy the finish that the grill arrived with and even a finger nail will leave its marks.
The grill part itself is from the fan grill “brain”, it has 5mm holes that are individually drilled out. There is still some debris in the holes but a quick wash is all that is needed to clean them out. One of the main concerns of the grill is air restriction, due to a relatively small area that air can get through each intake. This concern was unnecessary the holes in the grill proved enough to allow the Xilence fans to pull a decent amount of air, although as with any fan grill the performance decreases, but you get looks and protection from the fan blades. It is not fun getting your toes stuck in a fan.
Most Recent Comments
Nice grill, but painful price :X I'd prefer to do something similar inroof.
Shiny....
It can be anodised right? So I don't necessarily think that people are going to hate it.
It can be anodised right? So I don't necessarily think that people are going to hate it.
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Originally Posted by name='zak4994'
Shiny....
It can be anodised right? So I don't necessarily think that people are going to hate it. |
case modding link on the first page is dead.. Also you have a double 'that' in the conclusion.
Apart from that nice review mate
... Took a rather run of the mill product (even a fancy pants version) and wrote a few pages on it that were interesting.
Still toooooo expensive for me for what it is.. Chuck in postage and possible taxes and it's crazy.
Apart from that nice review mate
... Took a rather run of the mill product (even a fancy pants version) and wrote a few pages on it that were interesting.Still toooooo expensive for me for what it is.. Chuck in postage and possible taxes and it's crazy.
far too pricey !
Yes been Ali it can be anno'd which costs about £6 a piece, minus UK shipping
Yes been Ali it can be anno'd which costs about £6 a piece, minus UK shipping
This looks nice, but is very very pricey, however it is machined out
Good review.
Good review.
You can purchase these rad grills, including Black anodized version through performance-pcs.com in the US
had to re read the review .. then it came across my mind the Card looks more expensive than the grill ...lol ...
But on another note.. a big one. Wont these restrict the air flow like hell and disturb the natural balance of the air flow. There must be a hit on the CFM out lay with these.
If not then wow ....
But on another note.. a big one. Wont these restrict the air flow like hell and disturb the natural balance of the air flow. There must be a hit on the CFM out lay with these.
If not then wow ....
Good review rather useful as i was lookin at a rad grill just another option, but I have to agree it does look rather restrictive 
does overclock3d hav anything to test cfm?
does overclock3d hav anything to test cfm?Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='diablo170'
does overclock3d hav anything to test cfm?
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:bornleet:Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='VonBlade'
In these credit crunch times we need to find a cheap solution. I think that CFM can be tested by seeing how long it takes to inflate a bin liner, and static pressure can be measured by using increasingly heavy GSM paper until it stops being lifted by the fan.
:bornleet: |
I know. I was just being tongue-in-cheek.
Although, theoretically, using a fan to inflate something like a black bag and measuring how quickly it inflates could be, with some clever capacity/time math, a measure of how accurate the manu's figures are.
I reckon a Delta would win :P
Although, theoretically, using a fan to inflate something like a black bag and measuring how quickly it inflates could be, with some clever capacity/time math, a measure of how accurate the manu's figures are.
I reckon a Delta would win :P
To be honest if you going to do a review of such items then this is a enthusiast site and details like this is quite important relay.
Any one can make a CNC grill and retail it off. Its nothing special but to create a rad grill that not only looks good but performs well is another matter.
Astectics are good for modding but all so its important to get the right balance between astectics and performance.
I may be missing the point but when it comes to new and innovative ideas you need to look at both points and for that reason i don't think this item in it self deserves the points it got. Its seems a little one sided. Fan grill are two a penny but good fan grills are another matter completely.
Plus to add the price of the item is overly expensive its just not economically a viable option to most of your target market.
Any one can make a CNC grill and retail it off. Its nothing special but to create a rad grill that not only looks good but performs well is another matter.
Astectics are good for modding but all so its important to get the right balance between astectics and performance.
I may be missing the point but when it comes to new and innovative ideas you need to look at both points and for that reason i don't think this item in it self deserves the points it got. Its seems a little one sided. Fan grill are two a penny but good fan grills are another matter completely.
Plus to add the price of the item is overly expensive its just not economically a viable option to most of your target market.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='VonBlade'
In these credit crunch times we need to find a cheap solution. I think that CFM can be tested by seeing how long it takes to inflate a bin liner
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Bit Tech blatantly steals VBs idea
They used it in last months Custom PC magazine too.. Tested 100 fans or so.
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MNPCTech Aluminium Radiator Grill