MODTHEBOX.COM - Canada's Premier Case Modding Source - Reviews - Corsair Nautilus 500 External Water Cooling Kit Review

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While Corsair’s earlier external water cooling kit "The HydroCool 200" was quite bulky, the Nautilus 500 is much more compact, streamlined, and lighter. Made of plastic, the central unit looks very neat and clean. The high density polyethylene reservoir can be seen from the front, which glows green when powered. A metal filler cap is used on the top, as well as a 120mm exhaust fan with protective grill. The rear of the unit is also clean, with inlet and outlet quick connect ports, power cable and fan speed selector switch.

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Below we see the aluminum radiator un-impeded by any grills or protective meshing. There are foam rubber feet on all four corners of the unit. The feet grip a variety of surfaces and should isolate any vibration caused by the Nautilus pump and fan.

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Looking under the proverbial hood we see the 4 key components (reservoir, pump, radiator and fan) that make up the Nautilus unit. A thick polyethylene reservoir sits at the front. Of the 4 items, the reservoir is unique because it is the only part that is fastened to the Nautilus by screws. Behind the reservoir is what looks to be Delphi’s famous electronically commuted ball-motor pump. Two sided sticky foam tape fastens the pump to the Nautilus chassis. The pump is well secured, and the foam aides in dampening pump noise. Continuing our tour clockwise is the aluminum radiator. This beefy two pass radiator appears to be secured using hot glue/epoxy. This part feels securely fastened as well and bears a remarkable resemblance to the radiator used in the Nautilus’ bigger, older brother the HydroCool 200. Lastly, an unmarked 120mm fan sits on the top.