For performance it was expected that the Photon would do as well as the standalone XSPC D5 top as they have similar volute designs and cylinder reservoirs do not typically affect pump performance much at all. The standalone D5 top did very well, improving on the Laing top across the entire range. This could not be said for the Photon when using a D5:

The XSPC tops however always do bit better with a D5 strong where they do at least do as well as the Laing:

This performance was surprising as although there are some 90 degree bends due to the input/output port positioning, this still should not affect the performance this much. Comparing to other tops with reservoirs shows the Photon near the bottom of the pack:

XSPC’s dual bay reservoir with D5 did a good bit better even though a bay reservoir is normally an even more compromized design. The D5 strong results follow suit:

Overall then it’s surprising and dissapointing just how the Photon performs. The other top/reservoir that performed badly was the AquaComputer which clearly had a poor interior flow layout possibly to accomodate more technology. It is unclear what is at fault with the photon, but it’s unlikely to be necessary. It’s suspected that the stand along XSPC top and Photon reservoir would perform much better and near the top instead.

Having said all of this the Photon is very good value for money. Glass reservoirs are not common and are more expensive to make. The Photon standalone reservoirs run from $55 to $65. AquaComputer’s Aqualis range run from $70-$130 depending on options. If we focus on glass reservoirs with the D5 top integrated then the price changes. The Photon with D5 Vario runs from $150-160, vs $205 for the AquaComputer. This is all the same price as you would expect for an acrylic reservoir so it’s nice to see so much more for the same price. Having said that if performance is a concern then the standalone Photon plus standalone top plus a standalong d5 vario pump would run $180-190.

Summary

XSPC always deliver strong value for money and the Photon is no exception to that rule. I had been disappointed by the AquaComputer’s performance and had hoped that XSPC would be able to deliver a glass d5 top/reservoir with the missing performance at a better price. However the performance is on par, and like the AquaComputer if you want performance and a glass reservoir you are still better off buying a good top and having an the glass reservoir separate from it. Overall the reservoir and top is very nice, particularly if you get the optional D5 lockring and I wouldn’t shy away from using it unless you really can’t take a performance hit. As it stands the Gold award eludes the Photon simply because of the unnecessary performance hit and so it lands a silver award instead.

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5 COMMENTS

  1. 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 🙂

  3. 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

  4. 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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