EK Launches Stand-Alone VTX Pumps As A DDC Alternative

[GFreeman]

EK, the leading Europe-based premium liquid-cooling gear manufacturer, is releasing a stand-alone VTX pump, perfect for compact loop environments. These VTX pumps, which are already featured in pump-reservoir combos, boast a DDC-compatible mount, remarkable head pressure, and efficient flow rates in a small footprint - making it ideal for smaller cases. The pumps can be used with all reservoirs and distribution plates compatible with DDC pumps, providing an alternative option.

EK-LOOP VTX PWM MOTOR
For its small footprint, the VTX pump offers great hydraulic characteristics with flow rates of up to 1100L/h and a maximum head pressure of 5.3 m. The VTX is not equipped with a heatsink since its efficient pump motor doesn't require additional external cooling. That is one of its advantages over the DDC variants.



Pump electrical and mechanical properties:

• Motor: Electronically commuted spherical motor
• Rated voltage: 12 V DC
• Power consumption: 18 W
• Maximum pressure head: 5.3 m
• Maximum flow: 1100L/h
• Maximum system temperature: 60°C
• Materials: NORYL GFN2, EPDM O-rings, Copper Coils, Stainless Steel Shaft, Graphite Bushing
• Power connector: 4-Pin Molex and 4-Pin PWM FAN connector

Operational regime:

• PWM duty cycle: ~ 11-100%
• Default behavior: Runs at 100% duty cycle when no PWM feedback signal is present

The VTX pump is water-lubricated and must not be run dry to prevent permanent bearing damage from occurring. It uses a 4-pin Molex for power and a 4-pin PWM fan header for control and readout.

Availability and Pricing
EK-Loop VTX PWM Motor is made in Slovenia, Europe, and is available for purchase through the EK Webshop and Partner Reseller Network. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the EK-Loop VTX PWM Motor is €77.90, VAT included.

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[dgianstefani]

Neat

 

[Alan Smithee]

Molex in 2024???

 

[Leiesoldat]

I'm assuming that head pressure of 5.3 mm in the fourth line is an extra "m" and should be 5.3 meters of head pressure. Looks to be corrected in that bullet list.

This appears to be a happy medium between DDC and D5 pumps. DDC has good pressure but crap head pressure while D5 is good on the head but lacks on overall pressure. D5's are also hard to kill off. I can understand using Molex because SATA connectors are incredibly fragile.

 

[GFreeman]

I'm assuming that head pressure of 5.3 mm is an extra "m" and should be 5.3 meters of head pressure.

Fixed.. Thanks!

 

[Voodoo Rufus]

Lei, I think you're confusing rates and pressures.

1. Where's the P-Q curve, EK?
2. I'd prefer SATA connector, or all PWM-header power for those boards that can support it.

 

[dgianstefani]

Lei, I think you're confusing rates and pressures.

1. Where's the P-Q curve, EK?
2. I'd prefer SATA connector, or all PWM-header power for those boards that can support it.

Having to connect a molex cable to my PSU to power my D5 pump is irritating.

It's 2024, we've had better options for decades at this point.

Still, so few manufacturers use SATA power or other alternatives.

 

[Voodoo Rufus]

I've considered hacking up a PSU PCIE power wire to a D5 before. No junk connections that way.

 

[thesmokingman]

I'm assuming that head pressure of 5.3 mm in the fourth line is an extra "m" and should be 5.3 meters of head pressure. Looks to be corrected in that bullet list.

This appears to be a happy medium between DDC and D5 pumps. DDC has good pressure but crap head pressure while D5 is good on the head but lacks on overall pressure. D5's are also hard to kill off. I can understand using Molex because SATA connectors are incredibly fragile.

Wrong, it's flow vs head pressure. High flow is a waste, you want head pressure period.

 

[bogami]

EK has improved the DCC model and is an excellent pump. The high rotational capacity of the liquid in itself adds pressure through the kinetically accumulated energy, and if the magnige to moves 0.4 degrees per circle, it is enough. There is a set of parts that will improve the thermal values. A good pump is an important factor, my D5 pumps served me well for 14 years and stell pumpeng.

 

[Puffy23]

I'm assuming that head pressure of 5.3 mm in the fourth line is an extra "m" and should be 5.3 meters of head pressure. Looks to be corrected in that bullet list.

This appears to be a happy medium between DDC and D5 pumps. DDC has good pressure but crap head pressure while D5 is good on the head but lacks on overall pressure. D5's are also hard to kill off. I can understand using Molex because SATA connectors are incredibly fragile.

I think you might be confused. Head is pressure, just expressed differently (the height of an unrestricted water column). Perhaps you meant DDC has good pressure, but crap flow rate?

2.31 feet of head pressure = 1 pound per square inch
1 metre of head pressure = 9806 pascals (or 9.8 kpa)

 

[Voodoo Rufus]

P-Q curves sure would be nice instead of maximum pressures and flow rates.

 

[mkppo]

Having to connect a molex cable to my PSU to power my D5 pump is irritating.

It's 2024, we've had better options for decades at this point.

Still, so few manufacturers use SATA power or other alternatives.

I finally got rid of the last molex which used to power the D5 pump. Had to buy a Corsair link powered by a 6 pin PCI-E which neatly connects t the XD5 Elite pump with a single cable.
Overpriced though.