The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Billet Labs turned a vintage cast-iron radiator into the working heat exchanger for a custom gaming PC—not just a decorative case. Tom’s Hardware reported that the radiator weighs 178 pounds empty and the filled system weighs 218 pounds. Inside are an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080; reported results range from quiet Halo 3 gaming to thermal limits under a combined stress workload.
How Billet Labs built a PC into a radiator
The radiator is part of the active liquid-cooling loop. HotHardware reported that it holds 18 liters (4.75 US gallons) and that the computer components are mounted out of sight beneath it on a custom 3D-printed bracket. The loop uses copper piping and an inhibitor intended for systems combining iron and copper. HotHardware’s February 24, 2026 report describes the fabrication and cooling setup.
Core components
Tom’s Hardware reported the following configuration:
- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card, cooled by an Alphacool water block
- Gigabyte Aorus Pro B850i Mini-ITX motherboard
- Enhance ENP 7660L-VT 600 W Platinum Flex ATX power supply
- Billet Labs prototype AM5 CPU block
- Three slim 120 mm fans
The report does not identify the exact Alphacool block model, so compatibility with a particular RTX 5080 card variant cannot be inferred from the component name alone. Tom’s Hardware’s February 24, 2026 report gives the component list and test figures.
#1 Best Overall
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing. OC mode: 2685 MHz/ Default mode: 2655 MHz (Boost Clock)
- SFF-Ready enthusiast GeForce card compatible with small-form-factor builds
- Axial-tech fans feature a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
- Vapor chamber ensures efficient heat transfer for lower GPU temps
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal heat transfer, lowering GPU temperatures for enhanced performance and reliability
Why the system weighs 218 pounds
The often-quoted 218-pound figure is for the filled system, not the radiator by itself. Tom’s Hardware reported the radiator at about 81 kg (178 lb) empty and the filled system at about 99 kg (218 lb). The 18-liter coolant capacity reported by HotHardware helps explain why filling the loop adds meaningful mass, but the sources do not provide a separate measured weight for every component or for the coolant alone.
How well does the radiator cool the PC?
The reports show that results depended on the workload. In Tom’s Hardware’s stress test, the system drew about 520 W for more than an hour; coolant stayed below 30 °C and the RTX 5080 peaked at 75 °C. Those are reported readings from this particular build, not a controlled comparison with a conventional radiator or independent benchmark testing.
Rank #2
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
HotHardware reported near-silent gaming and average frame rates in the 400 FPS range in Halo 3 at native 4K. In a combined Cinebench and Furmark load, however, HotHardware reported GPU heating and CPU thermal throttling. The gaming result and stress-test result describe different workloads, so neither should be treated as a universal measure of performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What made the build difficult
Getting an old radiator ready for a modern loop was a substantial part of the project. The coverage describes extended cleaning and flushing, with debris—including copper particles—damaging a pump. The loop also admitted air through inadequate seals, required repeated rework and suffered from filters that clogged quickly. These problems make the radiator an unusual custom project, not a plug-and-play cooling recipe.
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- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5080
- Integrated with 16GB GDDR7 256bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
Alex of Billet Labs, as attributed by Tom’s Hardware, said “the thermal mass is absolutely insane.” The same report quotes Alex saying “cooling something like a 5090 is probably out of the question.” The build’s reported RTX 5080 results therefore should not be taken as evidence that a larger, hotter graphics card would work in the same setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AI Performance: 1899 AI TOPS.
- OC mode: 2790 MHz (OC mode)/ 2760 MHz (Default mode)
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. Protective PCB coating guards against moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures
- Quad-fan design boosts air flow and pressure by up to 20%
- Patented vapor chamber with milled heatspreader for lower GPU temperatures
Rank #4
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Quad-fan design boosts air flow and pressure by up to 20%. Compatibility: 357mm (14.1") length, 3.8 slots, 6.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Patented vapor chamber with milled heatspreader for lower GPU temperatures OC mode: 2790 MHz/ Default mode: 2760 MHz (Boost Clock)
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad ensures optimal heat transfer, lowering GPU temperatures for enhanced performance and reliability
- 3.8-slot design: massive heatsink and fin array optimized for airflow from the four Axial-tech fans
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