ModMyToys is a relatively new brand to the water cooling scene. They are Performance PC’s own in house brand in a similar way that NewEgg has the Rosewill brand. However unlike Rosewill these are not designed as cut price alternatives and are designed to compete with the best parts out there.
These fittings use real functional carbon fiber to “lighten weight and transform fittings into miniature works of high-tech art”. While any weight savings are negligible when compared to the weight of a fully loaded case, the carbon fiber aesthetic itself is very popular among modders. This is partly to blame on the ease of use of 3M di-noc “carbon fiber look” vinyl flexible wrap. These fittings however are not simply wrapped with “faux” carbon fiber tape but have a real carbon fiber ring that connects the two halves of the compression fitting ring. The ring itself is also used in a way that plays to the strength of Carbon Fiber. When the lock ring is tightened it will be placed in tension rather than compression which is where Carbon Fiber really shines.
The fittings are manufactured by Monsoon and share the same tool for tightening. This means reliable waterproof seals and no sore fingers. The fittings are also priced fairly for such a unique product. They are more expensive than the regular monsoon fittings as they are priced from $6.33 up to $8.95 each depending on size and quantity. This compares with $6-7 for the regular Monsoon fittings and $7.95-$10.50 for the equivalent Bitspower fittings. I would recommend always buying a “Modders Six Pack” when possible as not only is it cheaper but it also includes the wrench for tightening down the lock rings.
The fittings come in 7 color combinations and are currently available in 3/8″ ID x 5/8″ ID, 7/16″ ID x 5/8″ OD and 1/2″ ID x 3/4″ OD sizes. In addition 3/8″ ID x 1/2″ OD will be available soon. The review samples shown here are all the largest 1/2 x 3/4 size.
White with Black Carbon Fiber:
White with Red Carbon Fiber:
Red with Black Carbon Fiber:
Black with Red Carbon Fiber:
Chrome with Black Carbon Fiber:
Black Chrome with Black Carbon Fiber:
Black with Black Carbon Fiber:
In the photos you can clearly see the three parts to the lock ring – the metal top and bottom that are powder coated and the carbon fiber ring that joins them. These are then joined with industrial strength aviation adhesives so you don’t need to worry about it failing. Yes even planes are glued together these days and if it’s good enough for a plane then I’m pretty sure it’s good enough for this application! In my own testing I torqued these down as hard as I could and it was completely fine.
The color choice really depends on what you’re matching them with. For example here are some block/fitting color combinations that I think really work:
EK Supremacy CPU Block with Chrome/Black
DT Sniper with White/Red
MIPS IceForce with Black Chrome/Black – Note that the 1/2 x 3/4 looks too big on this small block, I would recommend smaller fittings for such a block.
Koolance CPU-380 with Black/Black:
EK Supreme HF with Red/Black:
Bitspower Summit with Black/Red:
Swiftech Apogee HD with White/Black – again a smaller fitting would work better:
As these fittings are manufactured by Monsoon they are also compatible with all of Monsoon’s accessories including rotaries, light-ports, silver bullet plugs, stop fittings and temperature probes. Note that they are all compatible even if you buy the different sizes, for example, in some of the photos I use a 5/8″ OD rotary with a 3/4″ OD fitting. It works but doesn’t look quite right. Here are some examples:
Black 45 degree rotary with light port and Red/Black fitting:
Black 90 degree rotary with chrome stop plug and chrome/black fitting – note that the rotary is in the 5/8 OD size, the correct version would match the diameter of the fitting:
Here’s a different angle showing the stop plug. Note that you don’t have to buy a T-style rotary and a stop plug just to make a 45/90 degree turn. Instead there are normal 2 port rotaries that have a colored end cap instead. More on that in the rotary review.
Black 90 degree with temperature probe and black/red fitting and Primochill LRT UV Red tube – again here the rotary is the 5/8 OD size and this is why the outer diameter doesn’t match as it should:
Conclusion
Overall these fittings are a welcome new addition to the world of water cooling and are priced fairly. They are up to Monsoon’s high manufacturing quality. While some of you may worry about the long term issues of Carbon Fiber, the technology has come so far and is now so ubiquitous that I believe this to be non issue. I saw no issue even when torquing the lockring down really hard with the supplied monsoon tool. When combined with the array of matching monsoon fittings and accessories then there are virtually endless options for the aspiring modder.
Overall 10/10
Where to buy: Performance PC’s
