Aesthetics
The MMRS-SAP D5 pump top from Monsoon is a stunning looking piece of kit which will add huge WOW/Bling factor to any system that has one fitted in it’s water cooling loop. The machined aluminum parts are a perfect color match to Monsoon’s Modular Reservoirs Range, Premium Fittings and Dual-Bay Reservoirs. The SAP is currently available in 7 of the 10 colors in Monsoon’s range.
The MMRS-SAP is impressive aesthetically with subtle details and interesting color contrast on all of it’s parts. For users putting together showcase quality builds or simply want the best looking pump top – in our opinion you won’t find anything that will come close to this.
Installation and Mounting
Installing a D5 pump into the assembly was straight forward, although we would like to see a note included about the O-Ring Seal placement and even including a link to the official Monsoon MMRS-SAP video tutorial would be useful for many users. Mounting the MMRS-SAP onto a chassis panel is also pretty straight forward and made easier with the inclusion of a mounting bracket template.
D5 Vario users will likely be disappointed that there is no access to the adjuster dial when the end cap is fitted. Passing non-sleeved cables though the end cap is easy although sleeved cables become more challenging for all but a D5 with power wires only.
The SAP is a key component for users wanting to run duel pump system with an MMRS vertically mounted reservoir which has just a single D5 mount. With the SAP, users have the option of placing a second pump (in series) virtually anywhere in there loop. The same applies to users with single pump, dual bay reservoirs. Adding a second pump to the loop will add more flow, or each pump can be run at lower speeds and therefore typically run quieter. Dual pump systems also have redundancy; if one pump fails the other will “hold the fort” so to speak until the problem is rectified.
Performance
While the MMRS-SAP is a good looker, unfortunately it is not the best performing D5 top going around.
Performance with 100% power did not amaze us, but it was acceptable, having similar output to a stock Laing top with flow rates which most user’s systems will be running at. However, when the pump power was reduced to 80% and below, the performance output had a significant drop and was rather low in comparison to other D5 tops.
Of course it is possible that you have a low restriction loop and the output of the MMRS-SAP will provide an adequate flow rate. Or you might have been planning to run your pump at 60% and now you need 75% to get the same flow rate. The trade off here would be more noise to keep your components cool. So this reduced performance is not to be considered the end of the world.
Summary
One one hand we love the MMRS-SAP, on the other it disappoints us, which is making this summary all the more difficult to write. Because of the performance issues we feel that a coveted ER gold award can not be issued as there is clearly room for performance improvement on this pump top. We also feel that the end cap design could do with a few tweaks. BUT because performance is OK at full pump power and it just looks so darned good, the MMRS-SAP receives an Extreme Rigs recommendation and we believe it deserves to be on your short list of options to choose from.
Where to buy:
- Performance PCs: Monsoon D5 Stand Alone Pump Top $34.95 + shipping from USA
- European stock likely to be available late February.
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