XSPC launched their all new photon cylinder reservoir a few months back. This was a departure for the XSPC as they have traditionally pump/reservoir combinations that mount in dual 5 1/4″ bays. The photon is not a cheap design. It doesn’t use cheaper acrylic, or flimsy plastic mounts but instead uses a glass tube with solid metal clamps and mount. Unlike some of the XSPC products it does however save a few bucks by not having a fancy box:
However the packaging itself protects the pump well, which is of course much better than a fancy box that doesn’t protect the goods:
The photon comes in two sizes. The 270 is the taller, while the 170 is the smaller reservoir. The number refers to the approximate length of the reservoir section. The 270 version was sent for review, and of course once the pump is factored in, the actual total length is more like 345mm. This version of the reservoir ships with pump which arrives attached:
It is worth noting that XSPC sell an alternative lockring which is far more pleasing than the standard Laing style. Removing the pump and looking at the volute, we see that XSPC have continued their tradition of using a similar design to the default Laing top. This was the case in the standalone D5 top also.
At the top of the reservoir is the standard XSPC fill port. This is an oversized fillport as can be seen when comparing it next to 1/2″ barb:
An oversized fill port is useful when using a funnel because it easily lets air escape as the reservoir is filled. The downside is that it is incompatible with standard G 1/4 fittings unless you buy an XSPC adapter. Personally I’d like to see this oversized fillport go away as two G 1/4 fittings at the top would still allow for easy filling – one port for filling with coolant, and the other for letting air escape. Three would be even better as two can be used for filling and a third as an optional return line. Of course this would no doubt increase the price. The mount itself is a solid piece of metal that runs the length of the reservoir and screws into the reservoir clamps at the top and bottom. The clamps are not tight but hold the reservoir well yet still alow it to be rotated:
The reservoir has three standard G 1/4 ports that are on the side of the reservoir:
The center port is the return line, and the two outer ports are outlets.
Check the next page for details on the lighting!
I just purchased the AX kit with the xspc-photon-reservoir-with-integrated-d5-vario-pump.
I have only had a H100i in the past, so this kit will be my very first real system.
I would like to know more about how I can improve the performance as eventually I will
want to do more then what I will be cooling now. The kit will cool my CPU, and the ports
on my VII Formula. Eventually I will install a small rad and fan in the front of my 650D case.
When I want to also cool my two GTX 680 GPU’s….. I was wondering if I may need a second pump.
I dont understand all of the ports on the photon, except that two are in’s and one is an out.
The top can get a G1/4 fitting, I dont know if another pump can be added to the system.
Im such a newb at this, but everyone has a first time. LOL
Hey Mike – Yes everyone has a first time lol. Congrats on getting wet! Lol anyway, honestly a D5 vario will be plenty for a while, you might want to add a 2nd pump after the GPUs, but you probably won’t notice much difference unless your additional radiators or blocks are pretty restrictive. Yes you won’t be able to add another D5 to the photon itself, you can attach it anywhere in the loop to be honest, though try and avoid a 90 degree bend immediately after it, and when filling the loop make sure it’s got coolant before you power it up. Personally I would build your loop without it and monitor your coolant temperatures and load temps. Most likely you’ll be fine 🙂
[…] gefasst: XSPC D5 Photon 170 Reservoir/Pumpen Kombination Leider finde ich nur diesen Test dazu: Test Oder sogar diese Kombi: XSPC DDC Photon 170 Reservoir / Pumpen Kombination Wo ist der genau […]
You say the center port is outlet and the 2 outer ports are return , this is incorect as far as I know ,and in instructions and on XSPC website it is : if looking at res front on and up right ….the left hand side outlet , middle inlet, right side inlet
You say the center port is the return and the 2 outer ports are out lets, this is incorrect.
If upright facing you : the left hand side is outlet ,the center and right hand side are both inlets , and you can put a drain on one of the inlets if you wish, I asked XSPC about the drain,it’s fine to do this.
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