Review : Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo

The CORSAIR Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo features a high-performance D5 PWM pump, integrated RGB lighting and in-loop temperature sensor to drive the world’s most demanding custom cooling systems.

Corsair Hydro X pump res

We bought and used the Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo in our own Golden NxT.
The Golden NxT is a H500P with lots of space and we opted to put the CORSAIR Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo on the right side of the case.
We will discuss looks, integration, pump, reservoir and packaging.
The loop on the Golden NxT has changed several times being this one the final loop.

Packaging

The Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo comes like all other brands very well packaged and it comes with a support bracket to mount the reservoir/pump onto the fans or like we did onto the case. All bolts are included.

Looks

When we saw the Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo, we immediately fell in love. The design is nice and compacted. It was certainly designed with a particular look and that look you can see throughout the whole line of water-cooling apparel of Corsair. The acrylic reservoir of 330ml is enough for most loops. The pump is concealed in the bottom and is wrapped with black plastic. For us this is ok but it can’t match the looks of the singularity pump/res combo. Mind us saying that Singularity is asking way more than 169 euro 🙂
The Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo comes with sleeved cables.

Integration

Rubberized feet holding the pump/reservoir

The mounting of the Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo can be done in several ways. Corsair supplies an adapter you can use to mount the pump/res onto the fans for example or onto the cases pads. The only thing we came across is that the pump/res bends down a bit because of the weight and so your reservoir seems to be hanging down. The bracket can slide for further positioning.
The other thing that can be for some a plus for some a reason not to buy is that this res RGB lightning works with Corsair’s iCue. So you will also need the Lighting Node Pro or Commander Pro with the last one comes with a steep price. We already had the Lighting Node Pro so for us it was a no brainer. We can however imagine that people who don’t have it, it can be a block for buying this.

Pump

Pumping 800L/H

The CORSAIR Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo is ready to drive the world’s most demanding custom cooling systems. A Xylem D5 PWM pump provides powerful flow rate for multi-block loops and is adjustable via PWM to maximize cooling capacity or minimize noise.
With an integrated G1/4 temperature sensor the Corsair XD5 Reservoir Pump provides real-time coolant temperatures from inside your cooling loop. For testing and filling purposes start your pump without powering your main components, for easy and safe filling. With a rubberized mounting system the Reservoir Pump reduces pump vibrations and noise, so your custom cooling loop is seen, not heard. Corsair have paid great attention to detail as the XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir’s cabling is individually sleeved in premium paracord, ensuring your custom cooled system build looks great.

Reservoir

Corsair Hydro X

The integrated 330ml reservoir puts your custom cooling system’s coolant front-and-center, with stunning angular design and an integrated fillport that makes filling, flushing and topping-off coolant easy. It is shiny and well designed, the RGB is located in the top of reservoir.
Filling is easy and a third port can be used for drainage.

Full Specifications

EditionHydro X Series XD5 
Product TypePump/Reservoir Combi 
Pump Specifications
PumpYes
Pump TypeXylem D5 PWM 
Max. RPM4800 rpm
Max. Hydraulic Performance800 L/h at 2.1m pressure head 
PWM Duty Cycle Range20-100 %
Pump Voltage12 V
Max. Power Draw30 W
Reservoir Specifications
ReservoirYes
Reservoir Capacity250 mL
Fluid Chamber ConstructionPMMA (Transparent Acrylic) 
Combined Specifications
Port ThreadsG1/4″ BSPP 
Temperature MonitoringIntegrated G1/4 Temperature Sensor 
LED Lighting10x RGB LEDs 
ControllerCommander Pro/Lighting Node PRO Required for iCUE 
Power Connector1 x 4-pin Molex (AMP Mate-N-Lok)
Power Cable Length450 mm
Signal Connector1 x 4-pin fan header (KK254)
Signal Cable Length450 mm
Cabling FeaturesIndividually SleevedPremium Paracord
Max. Coolant Operating Temperature60 °C 
Compatible MetalsBrassCopperNickel-Plated BrassNickel-Plated Copper
Compatible CoolantCORSAIR XL or equivalent
Mounting SystemRubberized 
Installation Locations120mm Fan Mount140mm Fan Mount
Product ColourBlack 
Dimensions83 x 188 x 83 mm (WxHxD)
Weight508 g
Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo
  • Packaging
  • Looks
  • Integration
  • Pump
  • Reservoir
4.1

Conclusion

The Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo is a very good looking and powerful pump that holds itself between the great players like EKWB and Bitspower. With a price tag of 169  euro we think it’s a strategic price again when looking towards EKWB and other big players on the market. Some points are lost when looking at the integration and how the pumps is mounted in some cases. On the other hand, Corsair delivers a stunning looking Pump/Reservoir combo with a smooth running D5 and last but not least the RGB with iCue integration is a plus for the users who already have iCue running.

2 Replies to “Review : Hydro X Series XD5 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo”

  1. Love the review. I just bought this myself, and I am trying to figure out if 800L/H is the same 1500L/H D5 that most companies sell, just Corsair is putting a more reasonable number on it, or if they actually sell a slower Variant.

    Also, wanted to mention, that while Corsair only officially sanction the use of this Pump with the Corsair Commander Pro or Lighting Node Pro, 2 Things I own and hate because I can’t stand the lack of reliability of iCue. its actually INCREDIBLY easy to get to work with your Motherboard. For Instance, my motherboard is an ASUS Crosshair VII Hero, so it uses AURA Sync. There are pin out guides for both Corsair’s RGB Strips (Which is the same pin out that this Pump Uses) and the Pin out for Aura Sync RGB, which just uses the Standard aRGB 5v Pinout. If you aren’t comfortable with Soldering you simply get some Dupont Cables, and use those to wire your Pump RGB Connector to one of your Mobo Headers. There are only 3 Pins, a Data, a Ground, and a Hot, just make sure to match both sides to their correct Pin out, and when you turn on your PC, you will see your Motherboard Controlling Your Pump. This same Method can be used to Sync All RGB Products that have a pin out (So obviously not RGB Keyboards or Ram) to each other easily. Hope this helps someone get over this stupid expensive add on that is not even reliable.

    The Pump itself is awesome though!

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