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Enermax NEOChanger RGB Reservoir and Pump Kit Review

The RGB craze didn’t stop on PC components and gaming peripherals alone. We now have water cooling parts with RGB lighting as well; to match the RGB effects on your system. How much RGB do you need? If you need more, then here’s one from Enermax. Today we are going to check out and review the Enermax NEOChanger RGB LED Reservoir and Pump Kit 300ML capacity. When I hear Enermax, what come into my mind are usually their PSUs, case fans, and CPU coolers. But I was surprised to see that Enermax released a Reservoir and Pump kit for water cooling system considering that they’re not (primarily) selling water cooling parts. Enermax AIO CPU coolers are good (for sure) and have earned several awards already. Today let’s find out if this NEOChanger is any good; if you are into water cooling, or plan to build a custom loop for your PC, check out our Enermax NEOChanger RGB Reservoir and Pump Kit review below and find out if this one fits your build.

Enermax NEOChanger RGB Reservoir and Pump Kit Review

The Enermax NEOChanger is a reservoir and pump combo that features RGB lighting and digital pump speed meter. It’s available in three capacities: 200ML, 300ML and 400ML. The 256-color RGB lighting is controlled via the included remote control or can be sync with an RGB compatible motherboard. Unlike your typical pump, the NEOChanger features a strong pump that can create strong hydraulic head up to 5.2m; and has a maximum rotation of 4000RPM++. Unfortunately, I’m not quite sure what type or brand of pump did Enermax used in the NEOCharger.

Another unique feature of the Enermax NEOChanger is that the pump is controlled via the remote control included and there’s a digital pump speed readout on the front portion. It gives you an idea on how fast the pump is currently running. The pump is capable of running from ~1500RPM up to 4000++ RPM; and the flow rate is around 900 liters per hour. The 3-in-1 remote control included controls the RGB lighting, brightness of the LED, its effects and the pump speed.

The caps on the Enermax NEOChanger are anodized Aluminum, the reservoir is Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or commonly known as acrylic, and the pump is made from Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Check out the complete specs and dimensions of the NEOChanger below.

Enermax NEOChanger Specifications

Packaging and Closer Look

The packaging is fairly simple; you get a rectangular sturdy box with corrugated cardboard inside that acts as the cradle for the NEOChanger and compartment for the accessories as well. No foam padding inside, just the corrugated cardboard.

Inside, you get the NEOChanger reservoir and pump kit, a vertical bracket support which is pre-installed, horizontal bracket and clip, bracket pad, clip pads, screws and nuts, mini wrench, 24P power adapter, and the remote control.

From the top you can see the standard intake port as well as the fill port of the reservoir. Those are made of anodized aluminum. The reservoir itself is made of acrylic. And at the bottom portion is the pump with the digital pump speed meter, just below the Enermax logo. The white band circle at the bottom of the acrylic reservoir is where the RGB LEDs are located. It basically acts as a guide or probably a diffuser so that light would go upwards and not scatter in any direction. The pump is powered by a SATA power cable and there’s also an RGB connector for syncing the RGB lighting with the motherboard.

Above you can see a sample photo of how the RGB lighting would look like if the reservoir is filled with clear coolant.

Installing the Enermax NEOChanger was relatively easy, but it took us quite some time to assemble it because of some clearance issues and due to the fact that it’s output port is on the rear side of the pump, opposite of the digital pump speed meter. Because of that, I can’t mount the NEOChanger facing front, with the digital readout on the front. I think it would be better if Enermax placed the out port on the side, rather than on the rear side. I see potential (clearance) issues with this, specially if the case you are building with doesn’t have a lot of room to spare.

Another thing I noticed is the remote control sensor sticking out at the bottom of the pump (see 1st photo with yellow circle). I hope Enermax placed that sensor or integrated it on the body of the pump, rather that it sticking out. They could have placed it just right below the readout and it would look aesthetically better. Not to mention, it’s very easy to accidentally bump that small thing. If that’s really the remote control sensor, and if it gets damaged, there’s no other way for you to control the pump speed. Yes, you can only control the pump via the remote control, so better not lose that remote control as well.

The digital pump speed meter looks nice though and pump is quite strong, specially at 3000 to 4000 RPM. Though, it gets loud and noisy at 3500 and above RPMs.

Enermax NEOChanger RGB Reservoir and Pump Kit latest pricing and availability: (#ad)
For US: Available at Amazon.com here
For UK: Available at Amazon UK here

Enermax NEOChanger Setup and Testing

In testing the Enermax NEOChanger, I switched the stock pump on my Thermaltake Pacific RL360 D5 liquid cooling kit with the NEOChanger. I’m also using Thermaltake’s C1000 clear coolant. It’s only a CPU loop, with a 360 radiator and a Thermaltake Pacific W4 as the CPU water block. I wasn’t able to test it with a CPU + GPU loop since I don’t have a GPU water block on hand and most of the graphics cards I have here doesn’t have custom GPU water blocks available.

I have been using this setup for around 1 month already and so far it’s working properly and fine. I left the pump speed running at 2000 RPM+ since the water and pump is inaudible at that speed. The liquid becomes turbulent and creates noise at 3000+ RPM and the pump starts to get audible (noisy) at 3500 RPM.

You can check out the video here on how the RGB lighting looks like and how the pump looks like as well. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to record the pump noise due to the noisy background.

Price and Availability

The Enermax NEOChanger RGB Reservoir and Pump kit is now available in the US and UK. It comes with a retail price of around $107.49 for the 200ml capacity, $119.99 for the 300ml and $129.99 for the 400ml. Prices are subject to change, so be sure to check out the latest pricing and availability via the links below.

Enermax NEOChanger RGB Reservoir and Pump Kit latest pricing and availability: (#ad)
For US: Available at Amazon.com here
For UK: Available at Amazon UK here

Enermax NEOChanger Review: Conclusion

The Enermax NEOChanger RGB Reservoir and Pump kit looks like a really nice product. It looks good and the construction is pretty solid and feels good. After using the product for around one month, switching from a Thermaltake D5 pump here’s my take on this product. Let me start with the cons first and the things you need to consider if you plan to get this reservoir and pump combo.

First, the location of the out flow port is at the rear side of the pump. If you want to see the digital speed meter or place it facing front, then you’ll have no choice but to position the out flow at the back. This may lead to clearance or incompatibility issues with the casing you are using. For example, I am using a Thermaltake Core P5 case and the only way for me to mount the NEOChanger is sideways. So depending on how you build your loop or depending on how big or small your casing/chassis is, you may need additional parts or need to compromise on a thing or two to complete this setup. It would be great if you can rotate the speed meter display and/or the out flow port. I hope to see that on future iterations of this product.

Second is the little sensor sticking out at the bottom of the pump. It’s not really a deal breaker, but I think it could be better integrated or placed somewhere on the pump (probably in the front portion) and not let it stick out at the bottom. It’s prone to accidental bumps and if it gets damage, you lose the only way for you to control the pump.

Speaking of “only way to control the pump”, you can only control the pump via the remote control. Unlike the typical D5 pump, there’s a dial at the bottom of the pump. I think it would be nice if Enermax added a dial or buttons somewhere on the NEOChanger to control the pump speed; just in case something happens to the remote control, either you lose it or stops functioning properly.

Now let’s discuss the positive things I observed on the NEOChanger. It has a great performing pump and can generate a good amount of pressure. I think it can handle a CPU + GPU loop without any problem. The pump is generally silent or inaudible at 1500 RPM+ up to 3000 RPM. You do start to hear noise at 3500 RPM and above.

The RGB lighting looks very nice and you could match or sync it together with the motherboard. Just make sure to check the manual so that when the motherboard turns red, the NEOChanger turns red as well. It’s also using the standard G1/4″ threading, so you won’t be having incompatibility issues connecting the NEOChanger (unless you’re not using standard parts).

Also, when I checked the prices of this reservoir and pump kit combo, it’s cheaper compared to what Thermaltake and EKWB is offering. I’m not sure if that’s really a positive sign though, since cheaper products may mean the company used cheaper components. But so far the overall build quality, its looks and how it feels on hand is pretty solid. And I have not encountered any issue so far after a month of using it.

Finally, I think this is a good product offering value and additional bling to your system, while remaining affordable at the same time. If RGB is your thing and you want the cheaper option out there, look no further and consider Enermax’s NEOChanger RGB reservoir and pump kit.

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Peter Paul
Peter is a PC enthusiast and avid gamer with several years of hands-on experience in testing and reviewing PC components, audio equipment, and various tech devices. He offers a genuine, no-nonsense perspective, helping consumers make informed choices in the ever-changing world of technology.

2 thoughts on “Enermax NEOChanger RGB Reservoir and Pump Kit Review”

    • Hi Mike,
      I’m not sure what you mean by that. But the enermax pump is usually compatible with most WCS. It’s the tube size and fittings that matters.
      You’ll have to take note of the inner diameter and outer diameter of the tubing and fittings.

      Reply

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