Details
The Aquacomputer Aquastream - Ultimate Version (41108) is a complete PC water cooling pump with its own controller. That controller brings an OLED display and buttons, an integrated water temperature sensor, a 12 W fan output, USB 2.0 and an aquabus interface. It runs on 12 V from a SATA power connector, and the ports take Eheim 1046 adapters that are not included.
Properties
- Pump
- Eheim mechanics, ceramic bearing in rubber decouplers
- Maximum head
- 445 mbar (approx. 4.45 m water head)
- Supply
- 12 V DC via SATA power connector, 3 - 25 W
- Fan output
- 12 W, analog 3-pin or 4-pin PWM fans
- Interfaces
- USB 2.0, aquabus
- Size
- approx. 118 x 75 x 72 mm (L x W x H)
Key features
The aquastream ULTIMATE has been specifically designed for PC water cooling systems, by Aquacomputer's account. Its design goals were high performance electronics, an integrated fan controller, a temperature sensor, an OLED display and comprehensive control options, and Aquacomputer says all of them were met during development. One other feature should be mentioned here, in Aquacomputer's view: the extremely low noise level of the pump.
- An intelligent pump controller gives reduced vibrations and operating noise.
- The high resolution OLED display and built-in buttons allow direct operation without a PC.
- A water temperature sensor is integrated, with a connector for an external temperature sensor and one for an external flow sensor.
- The fan output is steplessly adjustable, and fan output and pump speed follow automatic control with individually adjustable behavior.
- An alarm output is there to protect the PC in case of a failure, and an integrated buzzer gives an acoustic alarm.
- The aquabus interface handles communication with other Aqua Computer devices.
- The firmware is updated via USB.
Version history
Since its introduction in 2003, Aquacomputer says, the name aquastream stands for reliable and durable pump technology, made in Germany. In 2007 the aquastream XT series was the next big step. It includes an USB interface, and in the Ultra variant an integrated fan controller with a water temperature sensor, defying the traditional definition of a pump. In Aquacomputer's words the ULTIMATE marks the next evolutionary step, including a newly developed pump controller and an integrated graphic display.
Proven mechanics
The pump mechanics continue to rely on time-tested Eheim technology. Its bearing, made from high performance ceramics, has a life expectancy of more than 10 years of continuous operation. The ceramic bearing itself is installed in rubber decouplers to reduce vibration.
Enhanced electronics
A 32-bit DSP microprocessor featuring an USB 2.0 interface is the core component of the pump controller. Based on motor parameters monitored 20,000 times a second, the pump motor drive is continuously optimized, to reduce vibrations and to achieve a nearly noiseless operation. The controller also includes a fan controller with speed monitoring, the water temperature sensor, the alarm buzzer and the alarm output. An external temperature sensor and an external flow sensor can additionally be processed by it.
A well structured menu on the 128x64 pixels OLED display lets you configure and monitor nearly every function directly at the unit. Connected to the PC via the USB interface, the pump can also be configured and monitored with the aquasuite software, free of charge, which gives a comfortable setup, evaluation and visualization of all sensor data. The same software is used to perform firmware updates of the pump controller.
Integrated controller options
These controller options are invariably available in any aquastream ULTIMATE:
- Pump speed: manual speed setting, or automatic mode for maximum pump speed.
- Pump speed: optional control via aquabus, which requires an aquaero 5/6 connected to the pump controller.
- Fan speed: manual speed setting, or temperature controlled with a set point controller.
- Fan speed: optional control via aquabus, again with an aquaero 5/6 connected.
Advanced controller package
The advanced controller package can be activated at any time, subject to additional costs. For testing purposes it is temporarily activated during the first 48 hours of operation after purchase of the pump (trial period). The following features are included in it:
- Software sensors: up to two temperature values can be transmitted to the pump controller, via USB from the aquasuite software or alternatively via aquabus from a connected aquaero 5/6.
- Pump speed: temperature controlled with a curve controller or with a two point controller.
- Pump speed: flow rate controlled with a set point controller. This additionally requires a flow sensor connected to the pump controller, or the software extension virtual flow sensor.
- Fan speed: temperature controlled with a curve controller or with a two point controller.
Software extension virtual flow sensor
The virtual flow sensor extension can also be activated at any time, subject to additional costs, with the same 48 hour trial period. When activated, the pump controller continuously calculates the current flow rate from internally monitored pump parameters. Although the calculated flow rate is not as accurate as a mechanical flow sensor, Aquacomputer says it is more than sufficient for flow monitoring in a PC water cooling system. If necessary, the flow rate can be calibrated by ±10 %.
Limitations: the flow rate can not be calculated if a second pump is present in the cooling circuit. The calculation is calibrated for DP Ultra viscosity and will deviate when using other coolants or pure water.
What you need to connect it
Connector threads on the suction and pressure side are identical to Eheim 1046. A set of adapters (for example no. 41078) and suitable connectors for your hose dimensions are required, and they are not included in the scope of delivery; see our Eheim fittings. Screw the adapters in without a tool. A plug-on reservoir such as the aquainlet series mounts directly onto the water inlet port once the silver suction grille is removed.
Power comes from a SATA power plug of the PC's power supply unit, and the USB cable goes to an internal USB header of the motherboard. The aquabus/speed signal cable connects the pump to an aquaero, such as the aquaero 6 LT or aquaero 6 PRO; then the aquaero can control the fan output of the pump. The external sensor input takes the temperature sensor inline G1/4 (53066) or the inner/outer thread G1/4 sensor (53067). For flow, the high flow LT (53291) and high flow 2 (53292) fit.
To run the pump while filling the system, start the power supply with the ATX adapter in the box, plugged onto the 20pin or 24pin ATX connector. Only the pump should be connected to the PSU at that point.
aquasuite software
Activating the pump gives you the current version of the aquasuite software with an upgrade service for at least eighteen (18) months. When that service ends, you may use and reinstall the latest version from the upgrade period without a time limit. The update service can optionally be extended or renewed at any time for a fee. Please note: installation and activation of the aquasuite software require an internet connection.
Technical details
| Dimensions without cables or hose connectors | ca. 118 x 75 x 72 mm (L x W x H) |
| Supply voltage | 12 V DC |
| Power consumption | 3 - 25 W |
| Fan output current | 1 A continuously, 1.5 A peak |
| Maximum pump pressure | 445 mbar |
| Permitted coolant temperature | 0 - 50 °C |
| Permitted coolants | DP Ultra, alternatively water with max. 30 % glycol |
| Display | White OLED, 128 x 64 pixels |
Notes
- The pump must not be placed under water, and the pump controller on its rear end must not get in contact with water.
- It is not a suction pump and not suited for dry operation: the pump chamber must be filled with water before it runs.
- A short rattle noise at start-up is normal; if it persists, there is still air in the pump chamber.
- Some high-power PSUs cannot power the pump without further electrical load. Then use a second PC or a separate PSU for filling, or connect drives as extra load.
In the box
- One aquastream ULTIMATE pump
- One internal USB cable (replacement part no. 53085)
- One aquabus/speed signal cable 3-pin (replacement part no. 93111)
- One ATX adapter for starting the PC power supply unit (replacement part no. 93112)
The manual for the aquastream ULTIMATE covers assembly, every connector, the menus and the aquasuite settings.
