Swiftech releases Maelstrom 5 1/4" dual bay res

[gabe]

I am delighted to finally announce the release of the Maelstrom 5 1/4" Dual Bay Reservoir.

The product can either operate in a standalone mode, or be integrated with one or two MCP35x class pumps (all fitting in a dual bay).

5 versions are available:

- standalone
- with factory pre-installed MCP35X single pump housing (for those who already own an MCP5x class pump)
- with factory pre-installed MCP35X2 dual pump housing (for those who already own MCP35x class pumps)
- with factory pre-installed MCP35X pump
- with factory pre-installed MCP35X2 dual pumps

Pics gallery:

Standalone Front View


Standalone Rear View


With MC35X housing pre-installed - rear view


With MC35X housing pre-installed - housing detail



With MC35X2 housing pre-installed - rear view


With MC35X2 housing pre-installed - housing detail


With MCP35X pump installed



With mcp35x2 dual pump installed



Filled with various coolant colors - Notice coolant temperature controller and graduated level



Up to 3 return lines can be installed - Shown here with Swiftech Lok-Seal 3/4" compression fittings to illustrate compatibility



Anti Vortex/Anti bubbles design


Material:

- Face plate: Black anodized aluminum
- Reservoir: Clear Acetal
- Brackets: Nickel plated steel
- Fill cap: chrome plated brass
- Fittings: black painted (electrophoresis) brass
- Pump inlet: Black POM

Dimensions




Excerpt from Press Release:

The primary design concepts for this product line were modularity and compatibility with the MCP35x class pumps and their related accessories for upgrade purposes. Continuing the company’s long established tradition, the Maelstrom also includes a host of monitoring and operational safety features which combined together form a unique offering in the industry, such as: coolant temperature display, graduated level, anti-vortex design, multiple inlet ports, extra-large fill-port, and UV LED; its robust and elegant construction features a solid black anodized aluminum face plate with large cutouts allowing easy visualization of the coolant status. “When integrated with a single or dual MCP35X pump, the Maelstrom combines stunning looks with extreme performance features” said Gabriel Rouchon the company’s CEO “in this respect, I am equally proud of the fact that Swiftech® is now the only company in the world to offer an integrated pump with each major component of a liquid cooling system: with a radiator, the MCR-Drive™ radiator series, with a CPU waterblock, the Apogee™ Drive II, and now –at last, with a 5 ¼” bay reservoir: the Maelstrom! This unique ability will soon allow us to release new generations of complete liquid cooling kits catering to just about any user preference or case setup. Clearly, users and system builders now have more choices than ever before to configure their liquid cooling systems, and this is great news for the industry.”

[Utnorris]

That's friggin awesome Gabe and Stephen. Awesome job! If you already have the Swiftech dual MCP35x and housing can you attach it to the stand alone model?

[Slave1974]

That's what I am wondering. It looks like the housings are attached permanately.

[stephenswiftech]

That's friggin awesome Gabe and Stephen. Awesome job! If you already have the Swiftech dual MCP35x and housing can you attach it to the stand alone model?

Yes you can! Just get the standalone version, take out the removable reservoir standalone outlet and put your MCP35X or MCP35X2!

Stephen

[Utnorris]

That's awesome. Looks like I need to start planning to rebuild my server. Thanks for the answer Stephen.

[Conumdrum]

Ain't that as purdy as all heck! And a Dt temp monitor! Very very nice Gabe!

You folks do so well, thanks for pushing the envelope all the time, making neat stuff.

And you prolly hit Vegas a few times a year I bet. And I haven't heard the ' Time to go get beer yet'.

PM me, I'll find a special foodie spot just for you.

[gabe]

Ain't that as purdy as all heck! And a Dt temp monitor! Very very nice Gabe!

You folks do so well, thanks for pushing the envelope all the time, making neat stuff.

And you prolly hit Vegas a few times a year I bet. And I haven't heard the ' Time to go get beer yet'.

PM me, I'll find a special foodie spot just for you.

Thanks buddy, but I haven't hit the strip since CES 2012, and no plans (so far) to go back until 2013.. but I do appreciate the invite :-)

G-

[OCAUfedexpress]

what's the price?

Is this compatible with a D5 pump?

[stren]

Nice work!

Love the built in temperature sensor. It would be sweet if you could also build in an LED bar graph for measuring the approximate speed of each pump (like the old audio ones so you can tell at a glance how the pumps are running).

Personally I wish it was a 3 bay though so that there was more room for water in the reservoir (and more pressure) but then I guess it would be less popular (so many of the midsize cases only have 3 bays now). As a 2 bay res it looks great though

[gabe]

what's the price?

Is this compatible with a D5 pump?

Link to pricing

D5 compatible: no, strictly MCP35 series (350/355/35X) compatible.

[Merman]

Yes you can! Just get the standalone version, take out the removable reservoir standalone outlet and put your MCP35X or MCP35X2!
Stephen

Very nice, looks like I'm out the cost of my new res.

I realize with the 35X pumps the tops are not coming off but are any of the warranties voided if purchasing the stand alone unit and attaching a 35X pump???

[stephenswiftech]

no warranty will be voided when installing MCP35X/MCP35X2 to Maelstrom Standalone.
[no need to disassemble the pump! the top/housing attaches directly to the reservoir]

[musicfan]

Looks gorgeous. Nice job. I use a Swiftech mcres because my older bay res would not fill or bleed air easily.

Do you have thoughts on filling & bleeding with this new product? Any "how to" videos how to save time? Thanks.

[gabe]

Fill-and-bleed with this product is totally non-issue.

[OCAUfedexpress]

Link to pricing

D5 compatible: no, strictly MCP35 series (350/355/35X) compatible.

Dangit!!

I was gonna buy if it did I can just throw my D5 away lol!

[gabe]

Dangit!!

I was gonna buy if it did I can just throw my D5 away lol!

Of course, this is perfectly understandabe No worries, you might use it in your next build !

[Slave1974]

Yeah, I am going to buy the single pump version, and APD2 for my second pump.

How much does this thing vibrate? My Drive whines loudly.

[bds71]

LOVE the built-in temp sensor!! best idea yet

[OCAUfedexpress]

LOVE the built-in temp sensor!! best idea yet

I'm suprised no other bay res had this lol!

It's almost like a fan controller for reservoirs lol!

[Merman]

I have another question about adding 35X pumps. If starting out with one pump and then adding a second pump in the future can the second 35X pump be added along side or is the 35X2 housing required???

[Evantaur]

my jaw just dropped, awesome work!

[stephenswiftech]

I have another question about adding 35X pumps. If starting out with one pump and then adding a second pump in the future can the second 35X pump be added along side or is the 35X2 housing required???

you will need the MCP35X2 housing.

[Merman]

Ok, thanks.

If I want to upgrade in the future I would be better off buying a new 35X2 with the housing than being cheap and buying the housing and one new pump. I'm a bit slow but I get it.

[MagisD]

Where can I pick up a Maelstrom-DPH ,need the unit and DPH. Looks to be cheaper bundled I'm rebuilding and still wana keep the org 2 MCP35X i got off you ;-)

[CRFX]

Just installed my Maelstrom, it looks awesome. Using it with a single pump as well as the APD2. I had an old MCR-X20 Drive so I swapped the pump over to the Maelstrom and it fit fine. The large fill port on top is fantastic, don't even need to use a funnel anymore to fill the system. The temp sensor is also a nice addition and is visible from any angle.

My only concern is with both pumps running over 3400rpm the pump inlet would start sucking in air. The little inlets in the tube surrounding the pump inlet don't supply enough water with both pumps running at full speed, which causes the water level in the tube to drop, allowing air to get sucked into the pump. The only way I found to stop air from getting in was to fill the res completely leaving almost no air at all, which was kinda a pain.

Yeah, I am going to buy the single pump version, and APD2 for my second pump.

How much does this thing vibrate? My Drive whines loudly.

I have a Drive as well with a bit of vibration. Took some work to dampen it to not rattle my whole case. I moved the pump from the drive to the Maelstrom and the vibration was much less. Probably cause of the more solid mounting of the Maelstrom to the case. I've noticed the APD2 vibrates a lot less, maybe it's just slight differences in the balance of the pumps.