D5 pumps

qbazdz

qbazdz

qbazdz

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Joined
27 Oct 2009
Posts
1,379
Location
West Sussex
Hi All,

I am considering an upgrade to my existing D5 pump which is the very original VPP655 Vario with 3pin speed output and power via 4 way molex.
I heard that the newer ones weren't an actual improvement but there is such a selection now that I kind of lost track what is what.

Any recommendation for what would be an actual upgrade and what to avoid?
I run big a** 1/2" ID pipes ;)

I was thinking the Alphacool Apex for the added PWM control.

Thanks!
 
Most modern D5s should be fine. The major brands are usually all built by the same company (Laing aka Xylem) anyway.
My Aquacomputer D5 is SATA powered and has PWM.

What will make the bigger difference is the volute chamber, which differs between manufacturers. Mostly it's just down to reading some reviews.
Also, the restrictions in your loop will be a factor. If you have lots of restrictions, a high pressure DDC pump may be better than a high flow D5.
 
I ran a pair of VPP655 Vario's and had zero problems. Set them to 4 or 5 and forget about them. I never felt I was missing out on having PWM controlled pumps and it's not as if they were noisy when mounted on foam anyway.
 
never had issues with any of the Varios.. i prefer those to PWM as you have more control, albeit requiring you to set it yourself.

I heard PWM can be problematic when filling/bleeding the loop as they don't run at max speed when you start it up, but either way both pump types work as what you would expect.

Also noticed there are 2 types of power, one being a lower powered version than the other.. those with a metal ring/base are the originals while those using plastic/pom/acetal are the lower powered variants
 
stuie said:
Why are you wanting to change? I still run my original d5 vario that's 12 years old. Still running no issues
Click to expand...
I am not sure if this is now position/age or tank/top that my Vario is on, but its the only think I can hear :) before it used to be coil whine on the GPU that was the standing out sound from the silent PC, but now its the pump.
I wanted to get a 2nd one as I am expecting mine is on its way out.. Not keen to spend the money straight away but finding out why it seems noisy may be harder then getting a 2nd pump to try?

Mine is about the same age as yours now and it has a very gentle life.
 
qbazdz said:
I am not sure if this is now position/age or tank/top that my Vario is on, but its the only think I can hear :) before it used to be coil whine on the GPU that was the standing out sound from the silent PC, but now its the pump.
I wanted to get a 2nd one as I am expecting mine is on its way out.. Not keen to spend the money straight away but finding out why it seems noisy may be harder then getting a 2nd pump to try?

Mine is about the same age as yours now and it has a very gentle life.
Click to expand...
A d5 is a d5 they do make some noise as long as it doesn't sound like it's crunchy then it's probably just vibration. I cut up a kitchen sponge to put under mine for isolation

That being said I recently stripping mine down and cleaned it so maybe it just needs some maintenance?

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D5 Pump Impeller Replacement

This guide focuses on how to replace a D5 Pump Impeller in your aquarium with a few additional tools. The impeller is the part of the pump that is...
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All D5 and DDC pumps vibrate, just at different speeds(RPM's).
it all depends on how you mount them, if you want them on show and mounted clean there going to vibrate into the case. if you have them on a pad the can run silent at most RPM's
the PWM's ones are very good but im sure all D5's are made in the same place so dont buy into a brand just buy a PWM D5...


im4gine3 said:
I heard PWM can be problematic when filling/bleeding the loop
Click to expand...
unplug the PWM cable and it will run at 100%
 
Interesting.. thanks for the feedback. Ill have a look next strip down. Its definitely not a grinding sound so hopefully just annoying vibrations lol
 
I used to run dual D5 pumps in series thinking that's better but had to lower the speeds down to 3. Now its just a single D5 at speed #5. I always decouple the pump using rubber/sponge pads or better yet use the tubing to "hang" the pump to the res. That way the vibrations are dampened.
 
As above really, pretty reliable pumps. I run the same as you with the rpm setting on the pump itself. However I have an XSPX dual D5 res (run in series) and with this I can run them really low rpm maybe just a tick under the 1 setting completely silent with no vibrations and with no loss in cooling performance. Also I have an external rad setup with no loss in head pressure or flow. Alpahcool 1x420 1x280 monsta.
 
Still running my old XSPC D5 Vario, also 3 pin speed sensor and molex power. Not seen any need to change just yet, although I did consider the Aquacomputer D5 NEXT. More for the look and feature set than actual necessity.Vibrations are minimal, mounted under a tube reservoir, using EK Revo pump mount.
 
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