6 Best Alternatives to the Tangxi 480mm Aluminum 18-Tube Radiator (2026)

How these alternatives compare

GMBYLBY G1/4 Thread 480mm PC

The GMBYLBY 480mm Aluminum Radiator matches the Tangxi in core size and material. Both use aluminum construction and G1/4 threads. This makes them directly interchangeable for standard desktop builds. The GMBYLBY option focuses on visual consistency for white-themed PCs. You get the same 480mm heat exchange surface area. The trade-off is minimal. You lose the specific 18-tube count detail of the Tangxi. However, the overall footprint and thread compatibility remain identical. Pick this if you need a matching aesthetic for your case. It provides the same practical cooling capacity without significant spec changes.

Bitspower 480mm Slim Black Radiator

The Bitspower 480mm Slim Radiator shifts from aluminum to copper. Copper offers higher thermal conductivity than aluminum. This model is also significantly thinner. It measures 1.97 inches in length compared to standard thicker radiators. This slim profile saves space in compact cases. You gain a more durable core material. The weight drops to 1.76 ounces, making it much lighter than the 1.81-pound Tangxi. You give up some raw surface area for the thinner design. Choose this for tight cases where standard thickness does not fit. The copper core improves heat transfer efficiency in constrained spaces.

DIYhz 80mm Aluminum Radiator

The DIYhz 80mm Aluminum Radiator is a drastic size reduction. It measures 80mm in length, compared to the 480mm Tangxi. This is a compact option for small form factor builds. You sacrifice massive surface area for extreme space savings. The weight is not listed, but the physical dimensions are much smaller. It uses standard G1/4 threads for compatibility. This is not a direct performance alternative. It is a spatial alternative. Pick this if your case cannot accommodate a 480mm radiator. You get basic cooling in a tiny footprint. The Tangxi remains superior for high-heat dissipation needs.

Clyxgs 80mm 12-Pipe Aluminum Radiator

The Clyxgs 80mm 12-Pipe Aluminum Radiator also targets small builds. It matches the DIYhz in size and material. Both are 80mm aluminum radiators with G1/4 threads. The Clyxgs model weighs 3.53 ounces. This is extremely light compared to the Tangxi. You give up significant cooling capacity for compactness. The 12-tube design is less robust than the 18-tube Tangxi. This is for users with strict space constraints. It fits where a 480mm radiator simply will not go. The performance is limited by size. Choose this only if your case dimensions force a smaller form factor.

greenDracaena 120mm Copper Radiator

The greenDracaena 120mm Copper Radiator offers a middle ground. It is larger than the 80mm options but smaller than the 480mm Tangxi. The core material is copper, which conducts heat better than aluminum. It measures 6.05 inches in length. This fits 120mm fan mounts. You gain material conductivity and a moderate size. You lose the massive surface area of the 480mm model. The weight is 13.6 ounces, still lighter than the Tangxi. This suits ITX builds with low-TDP CPUs. It provides better cooling than 80mm options in a compact space. Choose this for balanced performance in small cases.

Barrow 360mm Full Copper Radiator

The Barrow 360mm Full Copper Radiator uses a different length. It is listed as 480mm in attributes but named 360mm. This creates ambiguity in direct comparison. The core material is full copper. This offers superior thermal properties over the Tangxi aluminum. The model is black. You gain better heat transfer efficiency. The size listing conflicts with the name. This may affect fitment in standard 360mm or 480mm slots. Pick this if you prioritize copper conductivity. The weight and thickness are not specified. You might face fitment issues due to the naming inconsistency. Verify your case compatibility before choosing this copper alternative.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Tangxi 480mm Aluminum 18-Tube Radiator

Best for: Standard desktop water cooling builds

Radiator Size

480mm

Material

Aluminum Alloy

Thread Size

G1/4

Weight

1.81 pounds

View on Amazon: Tangxi 480mm Aluminum 18-Tube Radiator Affiliate link

This Tangxi radiator offers 480mm of cooling surface with an 18-tube aluminum alloy core. It weighs 1.81 pounds and includes G1/4 threads for standard fittings. A built-in water separator helps keep coolant mixed and protects your components. It suits builders needing a reliable, durable heat exchanger for desktop water cooling loops or industrial applications.

Pros

• 480mm length provides ample surface area for heat dissipation
• 18-tube aluminum alloy construction ensures durability
• Built-in water separator keeps coolant mixed and safe
• G1/4 threaded fittings for standard compatibility
• Lightweight at 1.81 pounds

Cons

• Aluminum core is less corrosion-resistant than copper
• No included pump or fittings
• Limited to G1/4 thread standard

Good fit if

• You need a 480mm radiator for a standard PC loop
• You want a lightweight aluminum heat exchanger
• You value built-in safety features like water separators

Skip if

• You require copper core construction for maximum corrosion resistance
• You need a pump included in the package
• You are building for a space-constrained case under 480mm

Verdict: Tangxi 480mm 18-Tube Aluminum Radiator is a solid choice for standard desktop water cooling builds where weight and size are key factors. It fits users who prioritize durable aluminum construction and standard G1/4 compatibility over premium copper cores.

2 Also great

GMBYLBY G1/4 Thread 480mm PC

Best for: White-themed PC builds needing 480mm cooling

Radiator Size

480mm

Material

Aluminum

Thread Size

G1/4

View on Amazon: GMBYLBY G1/4 Thread 480mm PC Affiliate link

The GMBYLBY 480mm radiator uses pure aluminum fins and tubes. It features 18 watercourses with a central isolation device to prevent water crossing. The 7.0mm U-shaped dissipation zone and S-shaped fins increase heat exchange efficiency. G1/4 threads connect to your loop. This unit suits builders seeking high surface area in a standard 480mm form factor.

Pros

• 480mm size for high airflow compatibility
• 18 watercourses for increased heat dissipation area
• G1/4 thread ports for standard fittings
• Central water isolation device for hardware safety
• Pure aluminum construction with U-shaped dissipation zone

Cons

• Aluminum material has lower thermal conductivity than copper
• No mention of anti-corrosion coating for longevity
• White lacquer exterior may not match dark builds

Good fit if

• You need a 480mm radiator for high heat loads
• You prefer a white exterior for your case
• You want a design with central water isolation

Skip if

• You require copper for maximum thermal performance
• You need a black finish for your build
• You want a radiator with anti-corrosion treatment

Verdict: GMBYLBY 480mm Aluminum Radiator offers solid heat exchange specs for its size. It fits white-themed builds needing reliable 480mm cooling performance.

3 Best premium

Bitspower 480mm Slim Black Radiator

Best for: compact cases needing 480mm cooling

Radiator Size

480mm

Material

Copper

Thread Size

G1/4"

Dimensions

1.97 × 3.94 × 3.94 inches

Weight

1.76 ounces

View on Amazon: Bitspower 480mm Slim Black Radiator Affiliate link

This Bitspower Leviathan unit is a 480mm aluminum radiator with a black powder coat finish. It uses high-quality copper material and 16 FPI copper fins for heat exchange. The build includes two G1/4" threaded ports for tubing connections. Its slim profile measures 1.97 inches in depth. This design suits builders who want a compact cooling solution that fits into tight cases while maintaining durable construction.

Pros

• 480mm size for high heat dissipation area
• Constructed with high-quality copper material
• Features 16 FPI copper fins
• Includes two G1/4" threaded ports

Cons

• Only two G1/4" ports instead of four
• Aluminum core construction limits thermal performance vs full copper
• No mention of included mounting hardware

Good fit if

• You need a 480mm radiator for a standard case
• You prefer a slim 1.97-inch depth profile
• You want a durable black powder coat finish

Skip if

• You require four G1/4" ports for complex loops
• You need a full copper core for maximum efficiency
• You want a thicker radiator for higher airflow

Verdict: Bitspower 480mm Slim Copper Radiator offers a compact cooling solution with durable copper fins. It fits well in cases where space is limited but you still need a 480mm footprint.

4 Best budget

DIYhz 80mm Aluminum Radiator

Best for: small form factor PC builds

Radiator Size

80mm

Material

Aluminum

Thread Size

G1/4

Dimensions

4.72 × 3.15 × 0.98 inches

View on Amazon: DIYhz 80mm Aluminum Radiator Affiliate link

This is an 80mm aluminum water cooling radiator with a 25mm thickness and G1/4 inch ports. It uses pure aluminum fins with black oxidation paint to improve heat dissipation across low and high airflow speeds. The compact 120 by 80mm footprint fits small cases. It suits builders needing a small footprint for CPU or VGA cooling in tight spaces.

Pros

• Compact 120 x 80mm size for small cases
• Pure aluminum fins with black oxidation coating
• G1/4 inch fitting threads for standard tubing
• Lightweight 150g construction

Cons

• 80mm size is smaller than the 480mm alternatives
• Aluminum material offers less thermal mass than copper
• Single 8-pipe row limits total surface area

Good fit if

• You need a radiator for a compact ITX case
• You are cooling a low-heat component like an industrial drive
• You require a lightweight, small-footprint heat exchanger

Skip if

• You need high cooling capacity for a high-TDP CPU
• You prefer copper radiators for maximum heat transfer
• You require a 480mm or larger radiator size

Verdict: DIYhz 80mm Aluminum Radiator is a compact option for tight builds. It fits users who prioritize small size over raw cooling power.

5 Also great

Clyxgs 80mm 12-Pipe Aluminum Radiator

Best for: Small 80mm cooling needs

Radiator Size

80mm

Material

Aluminum

Thread Size

G1/4

Dimensions

4.1 × 3.1 × 1.06 inches

Weight

3.53 ounces

View on Amazon: Clyxgs 80mm 12-Pipe Aluminum Radiator Affiliate link

This Clyxgs unit is a compact 80mm heat exchanger designed for small form factor builds. It features 12 aluminum tubes and G1/4 inch fittings. The black oxidation paint on the fins aims to improve thermal efficiency. At 27mm thick, it fits tight spaces. It suits users needing a small radiator for CPU or industrial cooling.

Pros

• 12 aluminum tubes for heat dissipation
• G1/4 inch fitting thread
• Compact 80mm size
• Black oxidation paint on fins

Cons

• Only 80mm size available in this listing
• No mention of pump or fan compatibility
• Limited to DC12V rated voltage

Good fit if

• You need a small 80mm radiator
• You are building a compact PC
• You use G1/4 inch tubing

Skip if

• You need a larger 120mm or 240mm size
• You require copper construction
• You need a thicker 45mm radiator

Verdict: Clyxgs 80mm Aluminum Radiator fits users with tight space constraints. It offers basic cooling for small builds using standard G1/4 fittings.

6 Best 120mm

greenDracaena 120mm Copper Radiator

Best for: compact ITX builds with low-TDP CPUs

Radiator Size

120mm

Material

Copper, brass, stainless steel

Thread Size

G1/4"

Dimensions

6.05 × 4.76 × 1.1 inches

Weight

13.6 ounces

View on Amazon: greenDracaena 120mm Copper Radiator Affiliate link

This 120mm radiator uses copper fins and tubes for superior heat transfer compared to the aluminum alternatives on this list. It features brass headers for corrosion resistance and dual G1/4 ports for universal fitting compatibility. At 29mm thick, it mounts a single 120mm fan. It is designed for compact ITX builds or low-to-mid TDP CPU cooling where space is limited.

Pros

• Copper fins and tubes for higher thermal conductivity
• Brass headers resist corrosion and seal G1/4 ports
• Dual G1/4 BSP ports fit major custom loop brands
• Compact 120x120x29mm size fits small form factor cases

Cons

• 120mm size offers less cooling surface than 480mm options
• Single fan mount limits airflow potential
• 1-year warranty is shorter than industry standards

Good fit if

• You are building a small form factor ITX PC
• You need a compact radiator for a low-TDP CPU
• You prefer copper construction for better heat transfer

Skip if

• You require high cooling capacity for overclocked CPUs
• You need a radiator larger than 120mm
• You want an aluminum build to match other components

Verdict: greenDracaena 120mm Copper Radiator fits builders who need maximum cooling performance in a minimal footprint. It is the right choice for ITX cases where larger radiators simply will not fit.

7 Also great

Barrow 360mm Full Copper Radiator

Best for: compact copper cooling loops

Radiator Size

360mm

Material

Copper

Thread Size

G1/4"

Size

480mm

View on Amazon: Barrow 360mm Full Copper Radiator Affiliate link

This Barrow radiator uses a full copper construction for heat exchange. It measures 360mm in length and 28mm in thickness. The unit features high-density red copper fins and a revolving heat dissipation passageway. It includes dual G1/4 inch ports for tubing connections. You should consider this if you prefer copper over aluminum for its thermal properties in a custom loop.

Pros

• Full copper construction with high-density red copper fins
• Dual G1/4 inch threaded ports for compatibility
• 28mm thickness for standard fan mounting
• Revolving heat dissipation passageway design

Cons

• 360mm size is shorter than the 480mm alternatives
• Black finish may not match all builds
• Single channel circulation compared to multi-channel designs

Good fit if

• You want copper for better thermal conductivity
• You need a 360mm radiator size
• You require G1/4 inch fittings

Skip if

• You need a 480mm length
• You prefer aluminum construction
• You want a silver or white finish

Verdict: Barrow 360mm Full Copper Radiator offers a compact copper solution for custom loops. It suits builders prioritizing material conductivity over maximum surface area.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• kingdel desktop computer alternatives
• fockety thermostatic radiator valve alternatives