Very interesting concept. It will obviously clean up WC loops as already stated, a plus all around. It simplifies installations, shopping for parts, etc. It makes suggesting parts to a novice very simple, as all they need in addition to this is a little tubing, a block and some clamps. So there are definite benefits. However, two things come to mind as potential drawbacks.
1. Orientation. A product like this is a natural for WC setups where space is at a premium because it is so compact. However, many times when someone wants to put a loop into a small case, the rad ends up in a horizontal rather than a vertical position. I'm thinking µATX, SFF and HTPC applications. Vertical double and triple rads are only common inside of large cases. Will a horizontal orientation work with this product? I'm thinking no, it won't. So if this is limited to being installed vertically, that greatly limits the applications it can be used for... a major bummer.
2. Gabe describes the product as "provides a future-proof solution to users". Really? I'd like to hear an explanation for that claim. I think quite the opposite. Integrated products are the antithesis of future proof. IMO, future proof products are modular. When something is modular, individual components can be changed out and upgraded. You don't have to change the entire system, thus replacing everything.
What happens if the rad springs a leak? If someone isn't daring enough to try a JB Weld fix, they have to trash the whole thing.
What happens if someone decides to get into WC for the first time and selects this product to cool just their CPU. Then, they have such a good experience they decide to add the GPU + more to the loop. I very much doubt the answer would be just to add another rad(s) and block(s).
IMO, a modular system, with discreet components, is the only system that can be labeled "future-proof"... and even then that's not true many times. (it's OT, but I feel "future-proof" is applied way too much / too heavily emphasized in the world of computers. Things change so rapidly that "future-proof" is a myth, unless "future" means just the next year or two... tops).
As far as the concept, it is correct that this isn't new. Alienware has been using integrated rad / res / pumps for years in their machines, and they aren't the only ones.
However, what is new about this particular product is that it combines two known good products that are widely used already for WC. The MCR220/320 rads w/ integrated reservoirs are very solid units. They are not low quality or low performance parts. Same for the DDC pump. IMO, that is what makes this product different. It is the first "all in one" solution that is actually worth recommending to people (pending test data, which I expect will be very good).
So is it a new concept? Strictly speaking, no. But in a way, yes. Maybe it is best to say that this is the first time this concept has been done right.
