Date: September 26th, 2005
Article by: Joe Anderson (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited by: Nathan Glentworth (Owner / Head Editor)
Product was submitted by: Thermaltake
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PRODUCT PICTORIAL & SETUP
The pump included with the SE kit has a couple of upgraded features that are worth mentioning. Small, chrome springs have been included between the pump housing and the stainless steel hose connectors. These springs provide strain relief and reduce the possibility of kinking (and the resulting flow restriction) in this area. The power cable for the pump is considerably shorter, but is sleeved with a very tightly woven white material and includes a 4-pin Molex pass-through as well as a 3-pin connector.
As you can see, the SE pump is almost half the size of the original, giving the user more mounting options. Like the original pump, the SE version can be mounted at the bottom rear of a compatible Thermaltake chassis or elsewhere with the included Velcro strips.
A top view of the bay tank reveals the aluminum fill cap for the opaque plastic tank, surrounded by a black steel housing. The finish on the steel housing is a finger print magnet, although it will seldom be seen after installation.
The plastic reservoir has a puzzling shape that leaves me wondering why all available space isn't utilized for liquid storage. At any rate, the tank is relieved in the appropriate areas to prevent damage to the tank from mounting screws. Hose connections at the rear have the same spring strain relief feature as the pump.
When mounted in a 5.25-inch front bay, this is all that can be seen of the bay tank. Fluid level indicators let the user know if the system needs more coolant.
My associate, Mr. Bones, approves of the way the connectors are clearly labeled at the rear of the bay tank. I concur. Reversing these connections could lead to an overheated processor. (After receiving a lot of attention in a previous review, Mr. Bones got a big head and refused to collaborate with me on my last article. Fortunately, he has come to his senses. But, he still has a big head.)
