Enermax NEOChanger RGB Reservoir and Pump Kit Review

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 below 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 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.