So my pump just died and I need a replacement...

pre · 28 Nov 2009 at 02:06

In the meantime I'm back to using the Intel cooler.

In a way I've been wondering how long it would last as about a month ago the fan didn't start up and I remember been a bit cagey about the bearings dying when I first bought it.

Was using a Laing DDC-Pump 12V Ultra with a D-tek Fuzion (V1) and was wondering what the current popular options are as I tend to stop bothering reading hardware news until something dies or it's time for an upgrade. Preferably something with a good track record for reliability.

So can someone recommend me a replacement pump (and maybe a block - primarilly looking at something thats easy to install with same or better performance as having to remove the motherboard to remove the block was a pain in the proverbial at 2am)...

Pump would just be cooling a Q6600 with 120.3 rad.

jak731 · 28 Nov 2009 at 02:19

Seems decent.

neo-omega · 28 Nov 2009 at 02:37

was there any warning that the pump was about to give out? Did it start making a buzzing noise or anything like that or did it simply stop working with no warning?

Hesky82 · 28 Nov 2009 at 02:51

Im still using my trusty Swiftech MCP655 (Laing D5 Vario) in my CPU loop.

I prefer it to the Swiftech MCP355 (Laing DDC+ Ultra 18W) I use in the GFX loop.

The D5 was as quiet as my Laing DDC 9W before I fitted a PT top and under-volted it to use in a HTPC.

Ive done quite a bit of pump "rolling" and I've tested quite a few awful pumps. Always gone back to Laing based pumps, definitely my personal favourites!

I was pretty impressed with an old AquaXtreme 50Z a while back, but the D5 had much better flow rate so it was soon replaced.

I would say a D5 Vario is a safe bet, there just such an improvement over the old D4's.

setter · 28 Nov 2009 at 03:06

Ive been considering a watercooling setup myself, i was considering the swiftech MCP655, ive been reccomended to add the ek top to this pump.

Hesky82 · 28 Nov 2009 at 04:17

Yup, adding a EK top to a D5 is a good idea

The rev.2 top adds extra flow and head pressure over the stock top.
Also you can use any size barbs you fancy.

Annoying thing is the top isn't compatible with my neat UN Designs bracket, so its sitting gathering dust until I can figure out a way I can mount it with the pump

pre · 28 Nov 2009 at 16:35

I had an AquaXtreme 50Z prior to this and tbh I think I was more impressed with it that the DDC 12v Ultra + DDCT-01s Custom Acetal top combo that's just died. Anyone know why these were discontinued?

neo-omega said:
was there any warning that the pump was about to give out? Did it start making a buzzing noise or anything like that or did it simply stop working with no warning?

Not really, although I think it did run very warm. A quick google says they need active cooling or they burn out?

I think I will prolly go for the D5 Vario + EK top v2 as they seem to be better made...

Hesky82 · 28 Nov 2009 at 17:00

pre said:
I had an AquaXtreme 50Z prior to this and tbh I think I was more impressed with it that the DDC 12v Ultra + DDCT-01s Custom Acetal top combo that's just died. Anyone know why these were discontinued?

I have no idea, the pump was branded as a Switech MCP-600 initially which later got discontinued, then it was re branded as an AquaXtreme 50Z and then that was discontinued.
The AquaXtreme 50Z is very similar to a D5 basic, the Vario D5 version is the one to get as it out flows both and has similar head pressure to the DDC ultras (the DDC+ strong point).

pre said:
Not really, although I think it did run very warm. A quick google says they need active cooling or they burn out?

They shouldn't do, I've never actively cooled my DDC pumps.
They dump heat into the watercooling loop, so no need for additional cooling.

They are designed to function in less than ideal conditions and withstand temps of up to 85c, there though little pumps. A watercooling loop shouldn't worry them.

pre · 28 Nov 2009 at 21:50

Hesky82 said:
They shouldn't do, I've never actively cooled my DDC pumps.
They dump heat into the watercooling loop, so no need for additional cooling.

They are designed to function in less than ideal conditions and withstand temps of up to 85c, there though little pumps. A watercooling loop shouldn't worry them.

Mine would have been a DDC-2 as it was bought in 06. - I believe the current revisions are 3.2 so yours are probably fine. Only lasted 3 years - not quite the 50000 hours before failure I was hoping for. This seems to be a good read for those worried about their older DDCs.

engstrom0304 · 28 Nov 2009 at 22:36

Did you flush your radiator thoroughly before you used it. ie with vinegar and boiling water etc? If not then make sure you do before installing the new pump, otherwise the new one will break as well.

pre · 30 Nov 2009 at 20:10

engstrom0304 said:
Did you flush your radiator thoroughly before you used it. ie with vinegar and boiling water etc? If not then make sure you do before installing the new pump, otherwise the new one will break as well.

When it was last drained. I don't think this was the issue but thanks all the same.