Senfu Watercooler Unit

The Pump

Senfu offers different types of pumps; we received the models WM333 and the L700. Both are standard immersable fishtank pumps. The WM333 isn't really strong enough for efficient watercooling; if the height difference between pump and watercooler is higher than about 60cm, it will not work at all. For testing, the stronger L700 pump was used.

Only one thing needs to be said about this pump: Don't buy it.

Why? Because it is so excessively loud. When we first plugged in the pump, we were amazed that such a small pump can generate that much noise. The L700 pump probably makes the Senfu watercooling system the loudest cooling system available, it is even louder than the KryoTech vapor phase refrigeration system, which measured in at 39 dBA. The Senfu heat exchanger and the radiator leave an impression of very high quality, but the pump is definitely a disappointment.

However, this should not be a problem since you can purchase each part of the watercooler separately, and much better water pumps are available. Any pet shop that carries aquariums will have a selection of good water pumps, and shops specializing in aquaculture systems (e.g. www.aquatic-eco.com) will have an even wider selection of pumps. When shopping for a pump, there are two things to consider: 1) the pump must be strong enough to pump the water through the fine meanders of the watercooler and to handle the height difference between water reservoir and CPU, and 2) the pump must be suitable for permanent operation - fishtank pumps are suitable, but the little pumps for in-house waterfountains sometimes aren't.

Also, Senfu will be shipping noise improved versions of the L700 in the near future. It remains to be seen whether the new version will be significantly quieter.