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School me on watercooling pumps

1K views 33 replies 11 participants last post by  grayfox11 
#1 ·
I'm in the middle stage of a 1/2 year plan to complete my first water cooling PC. I've built 5 air cooled PC's but decided to give water cooled a shot. One thing I have noticed through all my research is there isn't really much out there on pump types. Ive seen the reservoir combos which doesn't interest me except for the XPSC D5 Photo 170mm, but I like options. Why is it common in the industry for companies to sell the motors and then the "Top" separate? Aside from material color, are there any significant flow rate changes per model? Also what is it about the D5 that seems to be the standard? Anything else I should be considering that I might not be in the know about?

Specs
Fractal Define S
1 3x140mm Alphacool on top
1 2x 1240mm Alphacool in the front
3 Fractal SP 140mmFans
2 Fractal SP 120mm fans
3 Fractal case fans
Pump?
Hardline
I5-7700k
H270F Strix MB
128gb M2
240 SSD
2 x2tb HDs
a 1060 or a Radeon 480, TBD
Seasonic 550
 
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#2 ·
Aside from being able to run a pump without an aftermarket pump top if so desired, the aftermarket tops are sold separately because some people like to try match their aesthetics to the rest of the watercooling components, and D5 pumps in particular may last multiple watercooling builds. Some companies such as EK and Bitspower do frequently sell the Pump with an included Top though too.

No significant differences in specs across each brand's version of the D5 - they're all the same pump with a different naming label. Keep in mind that D5 pumps come in two varieties: the "Vario" type is not PWM controlled but instead has a small 5-step dial on the back of the pump housing where you can specify a continuous running speed, while the other type is "PWM" and operates exactly how you would expect.

D5's are simply renowned for their combination of reliability, lower noise output, and ubiquitous presence in the watercooling scene. There's a large range of parts that are designed to fit with them
smile.gif
 
#3 ·
I would stay with everything at 120mm as the amount of things available for the 140mm is limited.
the D5 pump works well, I have never owned a different style. they last 7 to 10 years when running 24/7.

why alpha cool radiators?

I use the monstra 360mm radiators on my own build, but I use them for a different reason than most.
rolleyes.gif


there are better radiators than alpha cool, at the thinner sizes.(30mm to 45mm)

the only good alpha cool radiators, are there thick ones.(60mm to 80mm)
 
#4 ·
I know I want a PWM style pump. My current builds all run off molex with speed switches which means I have to open the case to adjust if things are going to heat up. I don't want the hassle next time. I plan on going PWM with a 8 way fan splitter. That should give me more than enough connections for all my fans.

I don't necessarily have any brand loyalty Alphacool, they were in the budget and I wanted to ensure I had clearance in the top of the defineS with the fans. the 30mm fit the bill with little fan depth protruding past the case roof. I do have plenty of room left for the 2x120mm rad in the front, which I haven't purchased yet. Maybe Ill get a deep rad there as space is not a concern there.
 
#5 ·
PWM D5 will do you nicely.

D5's come in 4 flavours,PWM,Vario,fixed speed and Strong.
The strong is for 24v,the rest for 12v.
 
#6 ·
You don't need PWM but I understand that it is a plus. I have a D5 variable speed and speed 2-3 is more than enough and silent. 4-5 is scary.

Considering that you will be using a i5 and a 1060 or 480... going watercooling is just plain useless. It looks cool but it's still a major pain to set-up and maintain. I would at least get a i7 and a hotter video card (1080 TI / Titan) if I was going for WC or else it is just wasted money.
 
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by B NEGATIVE View Post

PWM D5 will do you nicely.

D5's come in 4 flavours,PWM,Vario,fixed speed and Strong.
The strong is for 24v,the rest for 12v.
I didn't mention single speed as it is kind of a redundant design at this point. I'm still yet to encounter a reason why someone would buy a Strong..?
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by fleetfeather View Post

I didn't mention single speed as it is kind of a redundant design at this point. I'm still yet to encounter a reason why someone would buy a Strong..?
Quad SLI with 8 cores cpu. Need extra reason?

Motor are much more efficient with higher voltage instead of amperage. At a certain point you just can't feed extra power and ramping up voltage is the only other way.
 
#9 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by fleetfeather View Post

I didn't mention single speed as it is kind of a redundant design at this point. I'm still yet to encounter a reason why someone would buy a Strong..?
ask toolmaker...he is running 2 of them lol
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Just a nickname View Post

Quad SLI with 8 cores cpu. Need extra reason?

Motor are much more efficient with higher voltage instead of amperage. At a certain point you just can't feed extra power and ramping up voltage is the only other way.
Even still, doesn't a regular 12V D5 still have enough head pressure for 5 points of significant restriction (and a reasonable length of tubing)? I'm sure we are all aware of the negligible impact that flow rate has on loop temps, so I'm assuming the "power" you're talking about is head pressure related..
Quote:
Originally Posted by sli_shroom View Post

ask toolmaker...he is running 2 of them lol
Well, anyone can choose to buy and run whatever they want haha, but that doesn't necessarily mean that their build required it
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#11 ·
I bought 2 D5 PWM to be safe and my water sure runs fast. I have 7 points of restriction. Toolmaker did some experimenting and found that flow rate significantly affects temperature. It doesn't make sense to me but I'm not one to question the scientific method.

It also adds peace of mind knowing that the loop still runs if 1 pump in the series fails.
 
#12 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by fleetfeather View Post

I didn't mention single speed as it is kind of a redundant design at this point. I'm still yet to encounter a reason why someone would buy a Strong..?
I disagree. The single speed D5 is still very quiet therefore a valid choice.

The Strong is the better pump for larger and more elaborate loops,because they dont fit your profile doesnt make them less useful.
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by B NEGATIVE View Post

I disagree. The single speed D5 is still very quiet therefore a valid choice.

The Strong is the better pump for larger and more elaborate loops,because they dont fit your profile doesnt make them less useful.
Hmm, is the single speed any quieter than a Vario at the same equivalent speed setting?

Lol, it's not about fitting "my profile" at all, it's about fitting "any profile" - I ended up asking what scenarios a Strong is really a smart choice for, because the vast majority of builds (rather than just my own builds) probably don't equate to such a scenario. That is perhaps one of the best definitions of something that is less useful haha..

As I hinted at previously, I only mentioned the Vario and PWM because, given the context, they appear to be all that's really relevant...
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by 0451 View Post

I bought 2 D5 PWM to be safe and my water sure runs fast. I have 7 points of restriction. Toolmaker did some experimenting and found that flow rate significantly affects temperature. It doesn't make sense to me but I'm not one to question the scientific method.

It also adds peace of mind knowing that the loop still runs if 1 pump in the series fails.
I'm fairly sure skinnee labs did a test regarding the effect of restriction of flow rate, and found a <1C rise in loop temperature as a result of the significant restriction of adding 30 right angle adapters to a loop...

Perhaps I have gotten my wires crossed though
smile.gif
 
#15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by fleetfeather View Post

Hmm, is the single speed any quieter than a Vario at the same equivalent speed setting?

Lol, it's not about fitting "my profile" at all, it's about fitting "any profile" - I ended up asking what scenarios a Strong is really a smart choice for, because the vast majority of builds (rather than just my own builds) probably don't equate to such a scenario. That is perhaps one of the best definitions of something that is less useful haha..

As I hinted at previously, I only mentioned the Vario and PWM because, given the context, they appear to be all that's really relevant...
Of course not,its the same pump mechanically.

If you want the best performing pump outside of an Iwaki then the strong is the way to go. Otherwise the PWM is the best bet for sure.

0451,you only need to hook up the PWM to the CPU fan header,control the pump thru the mobo with CPU fan fail warning on,the pump fails and you will know very quickly. No need for a second pump.
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by fleetfeather View Post

Even still, doesn't a regular 12V D5 still have enough head pressure for 5 points of significant restriction (and a reasonable length of tubing)? I'm sure we are all aware of the negligible impact that flow rate has on loop temps, so I'm assuming the "power" you're talking about is head pressure related..
Longer loop with more components oppose a greater flow resistance and friction and thus requires more power to run at equivalent flow speed.
 
#17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by 0451 View Post

I bought 2 D5 PWM to be safe and my water sure runs fast. I have 7 points of restriction. Toolmaker did some experimenting and found that flow rate significantly affects temperature. It doesn't make sense to me but I'm not one to question the scientific method.

It also adds peace of mind knowing that the loop still runs if 1 pump in the series fails.
Well, to some the scientific part of the method was a bit lacking. In other more detailed and controlled testing it has been shown that flow rates provide rapidly diminishing returns. That is one of the reasons we have the 1gpm recommend optimal flow rate that is often mentioned.
 
#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Just a nickname View Post

Longer loop with more components oppose a greater flow resistance and friction and thus requires more power to run at equivalent flow speed.
I definitely recognise that added restriction will produce a reduced flowrate, and that a 24V pump is going to be capable of a higher flowrate than a 12V pump at any given amount restriction.

My criticism is that people seem to have a poor understanding of the 'flowrate:temperature' relationship, and this is leading to this false impression that a 24V pump is required (or even desirable) when it in reality it isn't.
 
#19 ·
Poor OP wanted a guide to pumps but got d5 versioning war
redface.gif
 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by fleetfeather View Post

I definitely recognise that added restriction will produce a reduced flowrate, and that a 24V pump is going to be capable of a higher flowrate than a 12V pump at any given amount restriction.

My criticism is that people seem to have a poor understanding of the 'flowrate:temperature' relationship, and this is leading to this false impression that a 24V pump is required (or even desirable) when it in reality it isn't.
Im sorry,are you aiming this at me?
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by fleetfeather View Post

Not aiming it at anyone in particular

Yes, everyone is aware that you have experience with various watercooling builds and that you do some work for EK now...
redface.gif
I dont 'do some work for EK', I work at EK full time,I was headhunted and moved to Slovenia to do this.
 
#25 ·
My only complain with EK and the D5 is that the ball bearing (very easy to replace) is worth the pump's price. Perhaps there might be friendlier pump to service on the market... if so I would definitively get that instead (personally looking for one). 80+$ pump with no component supply? Please. It breaks my heart to throw away a fully working unit because the bearing is shot.
 
#26 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Just a nickname View Post

My only complain with EK and the D5 is that the ball bearing (very easy to replace) is worth the pump's price. Perhaps there might be friendlier pump to service on the market... if so I would definitively get that instead (personally looking for one). 80+$ pump with no component supply? Please. It breaks my heart to throw away a fully working unit because the bearing is shot.
EK didn't design the D5, nor is the bearing serviceable, it's a xylem thermotech product. The only pump that does have a ready supply of parts is the eheim.
 
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