EK is adding more options to its Quantum Line Kinetic TBE products with DDC pump-based combo units. These new DDC-powered combos offer very high head pressure and good flow rates in a small footprint, oh and they sell at 180 EUR a piece.
This makes them very convenient for smaller cases that house powerful hardware with multiple water blocks. EK-Quantum products come with sophisticated addressable D-RGB 5 V LEDs that can be controlled through your motherboard's RGB control software or EK-Loop Connect controller unit. Besides the upgraded loop routing capabilities of the new small form factor combo units, EK is putting a lot of emphasis on the D-RGB implementation with no visible LED hotspots.
The most popular small form factor cylindrical pump-res combo on the market is redesigned, upgraded, and better in every way. The top is now featuring three G1/4" ports. One of the ports can be used with the included nickel-plated brass internal tube, which helps prevent the splashing of the coolant inside the reservoir if the top is to be used as an inlet. This reduces the chances of air being sucked in by the pump and foaming of the coolant as well. Any of these ports can also be used for filling the system or adding additional upcoming accessories (thermal probes, LEDs, etc.) The internal tube can not be used in conjunction with the anti-Vortex insert on 120 models due to height restrictions.
Another three industry-standard G1/4" ports are available in the bottom combo housing. Aside from the main front-placed In and Out ports, it features a backside port usable as either an optional inlet or a drain port. Mounting is done through four pillars on the bottom of the pump-reservoir combo unit. The addressable LEDs are placed in a ring directed toward the coolant. Any unwanted hotspot of the D-RGB LED of the combo unit is covered by a CNC-machined aluminium piece.
The tube itself remains unchanged, with a diameter of 60 mm. This means that it remains compatible with the previous generation of EK cylindrical reservoir tubes. The anti-cyclone insert is pre-attached, modernized, and more discrete.
For its small footprint, the DDC 3.2 pump offers great hydraulic characteristics with flow rates of up to 1000L/h with a maximum head pressure of 5.2 m. The DDC motor is cooled by the integrated heatsink on the bottom of the enclosure.
The EK-Quantum Kinetic TBE DDC tubular pump and reservoir combo units are available in four versions - two height variants marked with 120 and 160 (representing the total height of the unit in millimeters) and two material choices for each of the size variants.
The EK-Quantum Kinetic TBE comes in black POM acetal and cast acrylic (plexi) variants, both having addressable D-RGB implementation inside the housing.
Inside these combo units, a digital (addressable) 3-pin 5 V D-RGB LED strip is installed and it connects to the motherboard's 3-pin LED header or can be connected to any other supported 5 V 3-pin addressable D-RGB LED controller. This product is compatible with all major motherboard manufacturers' D-RGB control software. The arrow marking on the 3-pin LED connector is to be aligned with the +5 V marking on the D-RGB header.
Availability and Pricing
EK-Quantum Kinetic TBE pump-reservoir combos are made in Slovenia, Europe, and are available for purchase through the EK Webshop and Partner Reseller Network. MSRP, VAT included are 169 and 179 EUR.
