Introduction
Welcome to my Swiftech MCP35X2 review, possibly the ultimate in “Smart PWM Monster Pumping Performance”. After reviewing the Swiftech 35X single pump, I found myself making room for the powerful smart pump as part of my daily use and CPU block testing rig. While manual speed control pumps move water fine, they can not be controlled automatically without more advanced (and expensive) controllers. PWM controlled pumps offer a larger operating range and can be controlled with nothing more than a motherboard CPU header. Just before CES 2012, Swiftech announced an arsenal of exciting new and innovative products, one of which was taking the previous flagship 35X success and marrying it together in a package of two (The MCP35X2). Two pumps in series provides nearly double the head pressure and also adds the pump redundancy safety benefit if one pump stops working. When Swiftech asked if I’d be interested in reviewing, I was happy to accept as I thought it would also make the perfect test pump for my new radiator test bench having all that range, power, and precision(easily repeatable) PWM control.
I would like to give special thanks to Gabe from Swiftech for providing this product review sample:
That’s a lot of smart PWM pumping power in the palm of your hand.
Before digging into the review, let’s first have a look at the product specifications and notes from Swiftech’s site:
Specifications
- Ready for upcoming 5 1/4″ bay reservoir solutions by Swiftech.
- 2 year warranty
Product Description
The MCP35X2 is the dual motor version of Swiftech’s flagship MCP35X pump. The product is designed to provide extreme flow rates in loops that include multiple devices, for example multiple radiators and triple or quad SLI/Crossfire liquid cooled graphics cards; pump redundancy also provides maximum safety in mission critical systems: if one pump fails, flow will continue to circulate thru the system thanks to the second pump. The unit features:
- 12VDC and PWM controlled, allowing variable speed control thru the motherboard from 1300 to 4500 rpm, and linked with Swiftech’s PWM splitter cable for simultaneous pump speed adjustments using only one PWM motherboard header.
Technical Specifications
Motor type 2x Electronically commutated, brushless DC, spherical motors Nominal voltage 12 V DC Operating voltage range 9 to 13.4 VDC Max. nominal power (@12 V) 18 W x 2 Max. nominal current (@12 V) 1.5 A x 2 Max. nominal head (@12 V) 27.9 ft (8.5m) Max nominal discharge (@12 V) ~ 4.17 GPM (15.8 LPM) Maximum pressure 22 PSI (1.5 BAR) Temperature range Up to 140 °F (60 °C) Electrical power connector 2x Molex 4 pin PWM + RPM Signals 2x 4-pin connector RoHS Compliant Port thread standard G1/4 MTBF 50,000 Hours Weight 15 oz Dimensions (not including fittings) L4.9″ x W2.8″ x H1.6″ (L126 x W72 x H41mm)
You just made my mind up on what pump/s system to get for my own personal rig. As well as the pumps i will be recommending in my shop. I love this pump setup. Swiftech have done a really good job with this product and for that matter the single unit system too.
e, jednakowoż teraz
przyjechało mocne pociągnięcie. Elke Zamknięcie sznurka
wyskoczył w dłoni, zniknął w zaroślach. Huk tratowanych
flor roslinnych,
skończony potężnym beknięciem. Wcześniej po wszystkim.
Hey Martin. I’m putting together my first water cooled computer and since the basement ambience is 5-15 degrees celsius cooler (depending on time of year), I’m planning to put a remote radiator there. The extra length of tubing will be about 8-10 feet round trip.This dual pump will come in handy with its extra head. The temp advantage, and noise isolation makes it appropriate to have the pump by the radiator and keep all noise out of my home office. I haven’t got everything figured out yet, for example – I’d like to keep the reservoir at the highest point to enable air bubbles to exit there, rather than by the pump/radator. I still don’t know how to handle cabling, and placing the pump remotely will complicate the PWM controlling off the motherboard+the 12V power supply. I’m not totally clear as to what it will mean in terms of maintenance either (i.e. opening loops, running up and down the stairs etc). Any suggestions, or warnings are welcome.
I have seen it done before. My only suggestion is to use larger ID tubing as the length does start adding some restriction. A nice large reservoir would make filling easier too. I would probably place it right before the pump. It’s a good setup that way. Been done before.
Question: Would you recommend two swiftechs 35x with a single top connected with a tube to avoid vibrations or would you recommend a dual top like for example the EK-DDC Dual TOP V.2 G1/4 – Black Acetal?
I think either option works fine. Dual top is just more compact and cleaner looking.
I have another question: is there any advantage of using a different pump top for Swiftech Extreme Flow Dual 12v DC Pump like the EK Water Blocks EK-DDC Dual TOP V.2 G1/4 instead of the original dual pump top of swiftech or is it just for aesthetics?
Mostly aesthetics, it’s a pretty optimized top already. I found the 35x top and xspc tops to be pretty close depending on the barb used so I assume the same is true for the dual top.