liquidcooling
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Tiny liquid battery cools chips while powering them
Scientists from IBM and ETH Zurich university have built a tiny "flow" battery that has the dual benefit of supplying power to chips and cooling them at the same time. Even taking pumping into account, it produces enough energy to power a chip while dissipating much more heat than it generates. The result could be smaller, more efficient chips, solar cells that store their own energy or devices used for remote monitoring that don't require external power sources.
Alienware banks on VR with the new Aurora desktop
Alienware's last Aurora, the R4, is most (in)famous for the "ALX" option, which adds fins that flip open when the machine gets hot. Dell has just relaunched the Alienware Aurora desktop that sadly lacks that geeky option. In exchange, you do get a smaller, tool-less mid-tower that retains the minimalist gaming design flare that the original was known for. It also packs a punch with powerful CPU options and optional dual graphics cards, including NVIDIA's latest GeForce GTX 1080.
Digital Storm targets PC enthusiasts with exclusive HydroLux cooling solution
Let's suspend disbelief for a moment and pretend that you're willing to drop a grand on your PC's cooling system -- that's the kind of cash you'll need to set aside for the HydroLux from Digital Storm. The system combines liquid and air cooling, a control board and a bevy of sensors, along with custom software that puts you in command of your PC's thermals. High-flow pumps will push over 300 gallons of cooling fluid across the CPU and graphics cards every hour, which is augmented by an airflow system that can adjust dynamically, operate quietly or act as a wind tunnel. As a nice touch, you'll also find LED lighting throughout the rig that serves as a quick visual indicator of the heat levels within your PC. The HydroLux is a new upgrade that's exclusive to custom PCs from Digital Storm, and it's available immediately across the company's desktop lineup. You'll pay $1,084 for single graphics card setups, on up to $1,994 for monsters that rock four GPU cards. Feel free to check out Digital Storm's website and peruse the system; you don't have to return to reality just yet.
Intel treats servers to mineral oil bath in year-long cooling test
If putting liquid cooling pumps, hoses and water inside a highly electrified computer case doesn't seem crazy enough, how about just dunking the whole kit and kaboodle into oil? That's what Intel did with a rack full of servers, and if the oil in question is of the non-conducting mineral kind, it's actually a very chill idea. After a year of testing with Green Revolution Cooling, the chip giant saw some of the best power usage efficiency ratings it's seen, with the oil-cooled PCs easily besting identical, air-cooled units. The company believes more adapted heat sinks could push the gains even further, and affirmed that the technology was safe and didn't affect hardware reliability. Cost savings could be enormous, as server rooms wouldn't need raised floors, air conditioning units or chillers -- if you don't consider oil spills and ruined clothing, of course. [Image credit: Green Revolution]
EVGA's GeForce GTX 680 Classified tempts overclockers with watery siren call
Judging by a sneak Computex preview, EVGA's intentions for the upcoming GTX 680 Classified graphics card are not a thorny mystery. With an optional water-cooling block and voltage control inputs, there's plenty here to seduce the hardcore modder. The company isn't talking numbers just yet, but if terms like "14-phase power design" whet your appetite, then you're in luck. In any case, like its other Classified mates, it's apt to be the company's top GeForce GTX 680 performer. So, if you're plugging in the pumps and hoses for that next mod, you might want to leave a slot -- or four -- open for this one.
Digital Storm launches Aventum range with Cryo-TEC cooling system
The last thing you want when things are getting hot in the battlefield, is for things to start heating-up under your desk too. Digital Storm's been back in the lab, looking for ways to prevent just that, and thinks it's cracked it with the new Aventum system. It's the first to be kitted out with the PC-maker's Cryo-TEC liquid cooling mechanism, and boasts a thermal exhaust, five software-regulated "zones" and no less than 13 configurable fans. The range starts with an Intel i7 2700K core, 16GB RAM, 120GB SSD (1TB HDD) and a GeForce GTX680 for $3,859. If your pockets are even deeper, then you might fancy the 2x dual Xeon E5-2630 hexacore-totin' system with 32GB DDR RAM, and three-way SLI (with the same GeForce GTX680) for a jaw dropping $7,856. With a price like that, however, it's probably your credit card that'll need cooling down. Digital Storm is taking orders as of today, and full details of the range in the PR after the break.
Reveling in darkness, iBuyPower unveils Erebus GT at CES
Fresh for the crowds of gadget worshipers in Las Vegas is the Erebus GT from iBuyPower. While in all reality, it's just another box of gaming glory, this one is named for the Greek god of darkness. Built specifically for overclockers and those who insist on maximum cooling capabilities, the Erebus GT features better airflow, larger 140mm radiators and removable hard drive cages. Even with these additions, the company has managed to make the GT smaller than its predecessor. In all, three radiators now pump 4.5 gallons of cooling liquid through the system every minute, which allows the company to confidently overclock the Erebus GT by up to 30 percent. Perhaps iBuyPower could have named this after a god of wind, or speed, or even radiator fluid... but darkness? Really? Full PR follows the break.
Bit-tech's Mod of the Year contest underway: finally, something you're comfortable voting on
Like ponies to little girls, we always have a soft spot for mods here at Engadget. Who could forget Angel OD's liquid-cooled Wii, for example? Or Peter Brands' Frankendesk of a PC, the L3p D3sk? Well, it seems like we're not the only ones whose fancies got tickled by these things, as both made the list of nominees for bit-tech's Mod of the Year 2011 competition. The contest is serving up its biggest field to date with 25 projects. Entries include a PC that doubles as a mini Warhammer Dreadnought and another computer encased in a Star Trek Intrepid Mark II Class starship replica. If your tastes lean more toward the older than old school kind, Jeffrey Stephenson's got one of his wooden mods included in the bunch, as well. Naturally, you can check out the rest of the entries (and cast your votes) at the source below. [Thanks, Antony]
Corsair's Sandy Bridge E-compatible liquid coolers get plumbed in and tested
You'd be crazy to embark on a Sandy Bridge E upgrade without anticipating all the costs involved. Some might argue you'd be crazy, period, but that's only because they're haters. The fact is, if you can drop a grand on an i7-3960X (or $600 for a more sensible i7-3930K), then you can probably find some spare brass for a decent liquid cooler. So, which to get? The crew at HotHardware just reviewed Corsair's LGA2011-compatible H80 and H100 water systems, spiced up with a look at Intel's own RTS2011LC cooler for comparison. They concluded that both Corsairs were a cinch to install and easily surpassed Intel's offering by allowing higher stable overclocks without excessive decibels. However, they also cautioned that the hefty $90-$120 investment in a Corsair or any other high-end liquid cooler won't necessarily yield quieter performance than an air system, because you end up with fans and a water pump chugging away in your rig. See the source link for the full results and then click 'More Coverage' for Bit.tech's review of the H80.
iBuypower outs liquid-cooled Gamer Paladin HS11 for $999
Is it possible to build a fully-fledged and decently frigid gaming PC for $999 with a profit margin to spare? The Gamer Paladin HS11's spec sheet suggests it is. In contrast to the fiery Chimera 4, you get a sensible trio of a Gigabyte Z68 mobo, Core i5-2500K CPU and NVIDIA GTX 570 1.2GB graphics card, plus 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. A smart NZXT Source 210 boxes it all up, an 800W PSU supplies the current, and a 120mm liquid CPU cooling system sucks out the heat. There's no display for that money and don't even think about an SSD, but the whole package is ultra-customizable courtesy of iBuypower's generous list of options at the source link.
IBM sees stacked silicon sitting in fluid as the way to power future PCs
Generally, the combination of microchips, electricity and fluids is usually considered an incredibly bad thing. IBM, however, thinks it can combine those three to make super small and super powerful computers in the future. The idea is to stack hundreds of silicon wafers and utilize dual fluidic networks between them to create 3D processors. In such a setup, one network carries in charged fluid to power the chip, while the second carries away the same fluid after it has picked up heat from the active transistors. Of course, 3D chips are already on the way, and liquid cooled components are nothing new, but powering a PC by fluids instead of wires has never been done before. Bruno Michel, who's leading Big Blue's research team, has high hopes for the technology, because future processors will need the extra cooling and reduced power consumption it can provide. Michel says he and his colleagues have demonstrated that it's possible to use a liquid to transfer power via a network of fluidic channels, and they to plan build a working prototype chip by 2014. If successful, your smartphone could eventually contain the power of the Watson supercomputer. Chop, chop, fellas, those futuristic fluidic networks aren't going to build themselves.
iBuyPower intros Chimera 4 line, looks to set WoW ablaze
In need of a new liquid cooled gaming tower to help you incinerate those pesky adversaries? Perhaps you're just a fan of the fire motif? Either way, iBuyPower has introduced its new batch of fire starters: the Chimera 4 line. Take your pick of four fully loaded gaming machines, each built to suit your needs. The entire fleet sports a 120mm liquid cooling system, a Level 1 PowerDrive for overclocking and a 64GB ADATA SSD S596 Turbo. But if you're really serious about that Battlefield 3 habit, you'll splurge for the Chimera 4-V1 that houses a Intel Core i7, 8GB of RAM, an 800w power supply and an AMD Radeon 6950 2GB graphics card. The aforementioned beast will set you back $1659, while the more casual gamer can pick up less expensive models -- based on level of commitment, of course. For a closer look, take a peek at the gallery below before adding one to your Christmas list. %Gallery-139696%
iBuyPower's Chimera XLC sports Core i7, 240mm liquid cooling system: FarmVille will never be the same
iBuyPower's ironic Chimera line is back with the Chimera XLC. First seen at CES, this bad boy features an extreme! flame motif on the outside of the box -- in addition to the 240mm liquid cooling system in the box. That's right: 240mm radiator, a 200mm fan, and five (count 'em!) 120mm fans. This bad boy also packs an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti GPU, and support for Level 3 Power Drive Overclocking service. Not bad for $1,599, eh? And it's available now. PR after the break.
Digital Storm's liquid-chilled gaming PC includes 4.6GHz Core i7-980X, equally chilling price
Mmm, overclocking. If you've been looking to treat yourself this holiday season, there's hardly a better way than with a shiny new gaming PC. Better still, a shiny new gaming PC with a liquid-chilled processor... one that just so happens to be warrantied with a 4.6GHz clock speed. Digital Storm's Hailstorm desktop is now available with a so-called Sub-Zero cooling system, which is described as a series of TEC peltier coolers that work in conjunction with other high-end liquid cooling components to keep Intel's Core i7-980X from boiling over. On the high-end rig, you'll also get 6GB of DDR3 memory, a trio of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 (1.5GB) GPUs, a 1200-watt power supply and a bank-breaking $6,903 price tag. Cost-conscious consumers can opt for two lesser systems, with a $4,390 build being equipped with a Core i7-950 and the $3,899 unit creeping by with only a single GTX 460 GPU. But hey, what's a few grand among friends? Promo vid is after the break. %Gallery-108029%
iBuyPower debuts AMD-powered Mage XLC M1 gaming desktop
Who says Intel deserves to have all the fun, huh? If you're looking to go a little counter-culture, or you just genuinely prefer AMD's silicon, iBuyPower has a new rig for you to consider. The outfit's Mage XLC X1 has been introduced into its range of liquid cooled solutions, packing a NZXT Phantom enclosure (in black or white, mind you) and a host of configuration options. AMD's Phenom II X6 1055T, 1075T or 1090T can be selected, and the whole lot of 'em will be cooled by Asetek's maintenance-free 240mm large radiator liquid cooling system. Prospective customers can also load it up with 8GB of DDR3 memory, AMD's Radeon HD 5770 graphics card, 1TB of storage space and Windows 7 Home Premium -- among other niceties, of course. Hit the source link if you're looking to say goodbye to (at least) $1,099.
Quo's latest Mac clone to feature Asetek liquid cooling, Core i7
We just got off the phone with Quo Computers founder Rashantha De Silva. Remember him? Last spring, amidst all the hoopla surrounding Psystar and Apple, he announced the opening of a walk-in Mac clone shop in The Golden State. Since then, Psystar may have bitten the dust, but it looks like De Silva and co. are still in business... for now, anyway. Their newest (they haven't even had time to update the website), the Quo maxQ2, will feature an Intel Core i7 3.6GHz CPU, 12GB of RAM, a 240GB SSD, a 1TB HDD, and an Adobe Mercury Playback Engine-compatible NVIDIA 285 GTX GPU. In addition, this bad boy will come equipped with an Asetek liquid / copper cold plate cooling system, and believe it or not, it'll run OS X, Linux and Windows 7. Prices start at $3,765, and it should go on sale starting September 15. For about 18 minutes, or an hour and 18 minutes if Apple's lawyer crew just so happens to be at lunch. [Thanks, John Mayer (really!)]
Origin PC's Big O desktop: half gaming PC, half Xbox 360, all muscle
Oh, sure -- we've seen an Xbox 360 enclosure stuffed with x86 innards, but we can't say we've ever seen anything quite like this. Gaming upstart Origin PC has just shattered every preconceived notion about its potential with the Big O, an appropriately titled luxury machine that combines a liquid-cooled gaming PC with a liquid-cooled Xbox 360 Slim. In one box. A pair of base configurations are available (though customizations are limitless), with both of 'em rigged up to run the PC and Xbox concurrently. In other words, these bad boys can actually crunch SETI@home data while you explore the vastness of Halo: Reach. The $7,669 build includes an overclocked 4.0GHz Core i7-930 CPU, Rampage III Extreme mobo, twin NVIDIA GTX480 graphics cards, 6GB of Corsair memory, a 1,500 watt power support, 12x Pioneer Blu-ray burner, two 50GB OCZ SSDs wired up as a boot drive, Windows 7 Home Premium, a liquid-cooled Xbox 360 and bragging rights the size of Texas Alaska. For those still unsatisfied, there's a $16,999 version that's frankly too lust-worthy to spell out here (but is in the gallery below). Hit the source link if you're feeling ambitious, but don't blame us for blowing your kid's college fund in one fell swoop. %Gallery-101543%
Overclocked, liquid-cooled Mac Pro trades noise for speed
I wonder if it's only a matter of time before Apple decides to go to a liquid-cooled solution rather than keeping with bigger and faster fans. In any case, one technically adept person over at Asetek didn't want to wait for that day. He went about not only water cooling an older 8-core Mac Pro, but overclocked it as well. The result was a much quieter system, with the same speed as a newer Mac Pro and at lower cost. I haven't noticed a Mac Pro to be all that noisy, but the quieter the system the better, especially when it's on or under your desk. What this guy didn't explain, though, was how much time and money it cost to outfit the older Mac Pro with water cooling. Would the time, effort and cost there still make it a worthwhile mod? Check out his full video after the jump.
Kingston dives headfirst into water-cooling with HyperX H2O memory
Even in the niche world of PC overclocking, liquid-cooled memory never achieved popularity, but don't tell Kingston that -- the vendor's now selling premium sticks of DDR3 where water is a prerequisite. Unlike OCZ's fin-tastic Flex series, the new Kingston Hyper H20 modules keep their cool via tube alone, which admittedly means more space in your case as you carefully bump their clocks up from the stock 2,000MHz (or 2,133MHz) and CL9-11-9-27 timings at 1.65 volts. While you can't (yet) get them in a lovely shade of 2.4GHz blue, the modules do come in both dual-channel (4GB) and triple-channel (6GB) kits starting at $157 and $235 respectively, and we imagine if the above cooling design is marginally successful, you'll soon see it for sale on its own. PR after the break, memory available to purchase at our source link.
Liquid-cooled Asetek prototype redefines our all-in-one expectations (video)
We've been moaning about middling AIO performance for a while now, and outside of Apple's spendy iMacs, not many have stepped up to the plate with equivalent grunt to what you might be able to splice together with a separate case and a bit of elbow grease. That won't stay true for long, however, if Asetek's prototype gets picked up by one of your favorite vendors. This liquid-cooled beastie -- which proudly proclaims it has the same profile as the iMac at 58mm in thickness -- is capable of powering and chilling both a 2.66GHz Core i7-920 and a GeForce GTX 280M. That's a total TDP output of over 200W, which is handled by a proprietary radiator design that's integrated into the stand and some pump-assisted action convecting the heat away from the chips. It both sounds and looks like a winner to us -- check it out after the break to see what you think.