While we’re certainly no stranger here at Thinkcomputers.org to XSPC’s watercooling products, what were about to take a look at is something we’ve never seen before. Also a first for XSPC is their big entry into the wildly popular tube reservoir market with the Photon 270. Unlike traditional tube reservoirs the Photon 270 has one big twist, a light tube down the center of the reservoir. Follow along as we check it out and see if this should be the next big upgrade for your loop!
Special thanks to XSPC for providing the Photon 270 for review!
Features
– Each reservoir is hand assembled and pressure tested before sale to ensure reliability.
– Tube Material: Glass
– Cap Material: Acetal
– Bracket Material: Aluminium
– Dimensions: 270 x 75 x 75mm
– Capacity: 690ml
– 3x G1/4″ Ports
– 1x 5mm LED Hole
– Individually Pressure Tested
– Supplied with 5mm white LED, G1/4″ plug and screw set.
Packaging
In typical XSPC fashion the Photon 270 arrived in a plain brown flip top box. The only indication of what is inside is a simple white sticker.
Opening the top of the box we find the reservoir. It is first wrapped in a bubble wrap sleeve then held in place with four pieces of soft foam.
The all this extra padding is a good sign when you’re talking about sensitive watercooling equipment. The last thing you want is to put your loop together, start filling, and realize the reservoir is leaking. Thumbs up to XSPC here, you shouldn’t have any problems with the product being damaged in transit.
Im really liking that res. Was that installed in a CaseLabs SM8?
A multiport top to alleviate the air issue would be a good idea.
You didn’t comment on bubble removal but wondering if they should have some kind of an internal tube return that would assist in keeping bubbles from recirculating into the system. They have such a device in their DDC reservoir top, so I’m wondering why it was left out here.
Also seems odd to not even have the option of a top in, bottom out solution which seems common in tube designs. Again a multiport top would help, with 2 ports for fill/air and one for return from pump.
i’m thinking of doing a whole new rig with a 270, but I can’t find a proper case for it. What case did you use there? It looks like a great fit!
The case that was used was a CaseLabs SM8.
Nice built !did you move the in and out port on the reservoar is it possible?beacause original the in and out port is not in line with each other….first picture its not in line picture with fitings its in line …
Hi there ,
Question:
1. can the side panel close properly when doing this?
2. Any drilling required on the PSU mounting bracket itself?