EKWB Predator 280 (w/ QDC Fitting) Liquid Cooler Review

Rating: 9.0.

EKWB are a well-known brand in the enthusiast PC market. Their custom watercooling gear looks amazing and is of top quality – but for a beginner, building a custom loop can be a daunting and confusing process. That is why EKWB have released their Predator 280 all-in-one cooler – it is an easy way to get custom EKWB components in your build at a reasonable cost. It even allows you add in your graphics card to the loop, too, thanks to the use of Quick Disconnect fittings.

Priced at £194.99, you may think this is quite expensive for a simple AIO cooler. However, buying all the EKWB parts separately – the radiator, CPU block, pump, fittings, tubing and coolant – comes out a significantly higher cost. That makes the Predator 280 seem like a comparative bargain. It also has the additional party trick of being able to cool your GPU as well – EKWB supply pre-filled waterblocks separately which you can mount to your graphics card and hook up to the Predator 280 thanks to the Quick Disconnect (QDC) fittings used. We will have a look at all of this in the review, so let's get started.

Specification

• Dimensions: 335 x 142 x 68mm (L x W x H)
• Fan type: EK-Vardar F2-140ER Predator Edition (480-1600rpm)
• Tube length: ~400mm (15.75in)
• Fitting type: EK-ACF Fitting 10/16mm
• QDC type: 10mm barb fitting
• Coolant type: EK-Ekoolant EVO Clear
• Pump type: EK-SPC 60A
• Total liquid capacity: ~320mL
• CPU socket compatibility: – Intel LGA-1150/1151/1155/1156, Intel LGA-2011(-3)

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