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Anyone here do Phase Change CPU cooling?

C

Caveman

Platinum Member
Looks like one can get a decent cooler for ~$800

Now... If I typically make a new machine once every 2 years, aren't I saving a chunk of change by OCing and holding out a revision cycle? Taking a 2.5GHz chip and doubling the speed to a 4+ GHz OC should make the CPU perform about 2X faster, requiring less upgrades.

Guessing most don't use Phase change due to the startin cost but over the long haul, it would seem a case could be made for it...

I'd assume the phase change units will last 10+ years of continuous use?

Where's the best sites to get info on Phase Change cooling?
 
Vapochill LS seems to be the only feasable commercially available option. And I think it's a stretch to say it would save you money. The extra energy you consume with such a unit would probably offset any savings from delayed upgrades, your basically running an A/C unit on top of a highly overclocked computer both of which will draw significant amounts of power. Plus with every socket change you will have to buy a new head kit for your cooler.
And they are quite loud IMO
 
Originally posted by: Caveman
Anyone here do Phase Change CPU cooling?
Click to expand...

I do. So too does Yoxxy.

Originally posted by: Caveman
Looks like one can get a decent cooler for ~$800
Click to expand...

Bar none the best commercially available vapor phase system you can buy is VapoChill LightSpeed.

I bought mine from FrozenCPU and was satisfied with the shipping and service.

The vapoLS unit itself can hold my B3 Kenstfield QX6700 (about the highest power consumption CPU around) at 4GHz on 1.55Vcore.

Attempts by me to clock my B3 power monster any higher than 4GHz and the heat output (during small FFT stability testing) overloads the cooling capacity of the vapoLS unit and all the refigerant turns to gas and temps skyrocket from -20C to +20C in minutes (a bad thing).

Don't be dissuaded by the folks who will tell you that a stock vapoLS can't handle quads...they can and do. But if you want even more cooling capacity then you can get your vapoLS unit modified aftermarket. Ask Yoxxy about his experience.

Also I ran my QX6700 at 3.73GHz 24x7 for >1year on vapoLS, fully loaded...so these phase-cooled systems can in fact run all day everyday.

Originally posted by: Caveman
Now... If I typically make a new machine once every 2 years, aren't I saving a chunk of change by OCing and holding out a revision cycle? Taking a 2.5GHz chip and doubling the speed to a 4+ GHz OC should make the CPU perform about 2X faster, requiring less upgrades.

Guessing most don't use Phase change due to the startin cost but over the long haul, it would seem a case could be made for it...

I'd assume the phase change units will last 10+ years of continuous use?
Click to expand...

Here's the deal with vaporphase cooling...not only does your super high overclocked system really chew thru the KW's...but so too does the vaporphase system. My B3 QX6700 system ate about 350W when fully loaded, the vaporphase unit ate another 270W. (measured at the wall with a kill-a-watt). All tallied my vaporphase rig, running 24x7 fully loaded, was costing me about $45 per month here in Pennsylvania. My Q6600 quads clocked at 3.3GHz on air cooling only cost me $15/month in electricity.

So when you start to back out net future value (NFV) versus net present value (NPV) calculations on whether investing for the long(er) haul with an overclocked processor and vapocooling you will start to lose rather quickly (in 10-15 months) over the cost of simply upgrading your system on an annual basis.

I don't know how long a vaporphase system would last on continual use...10yrs would not surprise me...since it is essentially air conditioning equipment at plat (like a refrigerator) you should see the same lifetime from your vaporphase rig as you do your fridge. (roughly speaking)

Originally posted by: Caveman
Where's the best sites to get info on Phase Change cooling?
Click to expand...

XS forums sub-section on Vapor Phase Cooling.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/f.../forumdisplay.php?f=80

Be mindful of the fact that the forum is loaded with people who make $ selling custom built vaporphase rigs...as such don't be surprised when you see thread after thread peppered with dismal comments about stock vapoLS rigs not handling quads. They had me rather depressed and convinced my vapoLS rig was going to suck if I didn't get a $400 after-market mod done...but I was quite happy with my 4Ghz.
 
My 2c: are you going to notice a big difference between 3.6 ghz on water or 4 ghz with phase change now? And after a year, the difference between having 45% of top of the line and 50% won't be a big delta either.

I think water is the sweet spot for performance vs. upfront cost and operational cost.
 
Originally posted by: v8envy
My 2c: are you going to notice a big difference between 3.6 ghz on water or 4 ghz with phase change now? And after a year, the difference between having 45% of top of the line and 50% won't be a big delta either.

I think water is the sweet spot for performance vs. upfront cost and operational cost.
Click to expand...

Not too mention that you almost have to buy a "QX" multi-unlocked chip if you intend to milk those last 200-300MHz out of the overclock, most FSB's just can't be pushed that hard to hit the 4.5GHz you should get out of a yorkfield on phase.
 
i dont think it's worth it. If you get a very good CPU you can reach, say, 3.6Ghz on AIR. You might reach 3.7-3.8 on water. Those 200mhz +/- are nothing in terms of real life performance. Exception would be that you get an already exceptionally CPU and try at least 4.2 or something. Even then i doubt whether your investment would really pay off compared to good air cooling or water, now in real life, visible and feelable performance. My $0.02
 
Contact this person here:

n00b 0f l337

OR go on Xtremesystems.org/forums and contact him there.

His name is Adam, he goes by NOL. He's probably one of the best phase constructors our hobby has. He is also stateside in the east coast.

He has taught me a lot about sub ambient cooling. HE is also working on my little TEC project i have going on there.

If anyone can help you and answer all your questions, nol is the man who has the most paitence ive seen teaching noobies, and getting you set straight.

He maybe a little know it all sometimes in the way he speaks, however its cuz he seriously knows what he's talking about.

Nol would be your best resource on this forum.
 
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