Performance

A major problem I see with the performance of the M1 is the tiny tubing/fitting size. While 6.4/9.5 mm might be fine for the other watercooling components from Thermaltake, and some european systems, the hardcore people use bigger tubing - 1/2" (12mm). Reducing the smallest flow diameter from 12mm to 9.5mm (cross section=452mm² vs. 282 mm²) severly reduces flow rate and cooling performance.


Mounted inside the case, the unit looks well, it doesnt matter what color the surrounding case is. The black smoked plexiglass gives it an elegant look without colliding with the color scheme.

What might be a nice addition for the modders, is some kind of lighting inside the unit. But this can be easily added by yourself.

When we tested the unit in a 6.4mm ID system, the CPU temperature did not change at all. On our reviewing system which uses 1/2" tubing we saw a CPU temperature increase of about 4-5°C - quite a lot if you consider how much people spend for waterblocks which improve their temperatures by 1 or 2°C.

Value and Conclusion

	The Aquabay M1 is selling for about $40 which sounds fair to me. A self-built reservoir won't run you much cheaper.
	Good performance Looks good in-case Flow rate indicator Everything included
	Might reduce flow rate
7.8	Users of Thermaltake watercooling systems can buy the M1 without thinking twice. However, if you are a hardcore overclocker you may want to consider other alternatives which let you keep your high water flow rate. If you have only one available 5.25" slot left in your case, you should check out the Aquabay M3 from Thermaltake which occupies only one 5.25" slot. Review coming soon.