Peltier failure rate.. and use w/ FCPPGA

[randomlinh]

What's the failure rate on these things? And how about condensation problems? I wanna try one of these things, mainly cause the idea of a mini ice box on my cpu is just cool

I've always been afraid of dripping water because of the demo's I've seen. And the fact that if they fail, heat shoots up and possible CPU frying may occur.

And for use w/ a fc-ppga cpu.. it seems like such a small contact.. are there units specifically made for them?

And finally, what's the average cost (just the peltier, not the HS) of these things?

Hrmm, this came out to be more questions than I was first intending

 

[Lmandrake]

I would bet that the "failure" rate for pelts themselves is miniscule. The problems lie mostly in the execution of the peltier setup, the power of the pelts used and owner/operator lapses in judgement or operation.

Condensation is probably the number one problem. If the outside air is moist enough and gets into where your cold plate and cpu are, moisture will condense on the cold stuff. Most people do the best they can to insulate their cpu and cold plate and use coatings or non-conductive grease to prevent the moisture from getting on cpu pins, sockets, etc. There are lot of web sites out there with different approaches to the problem. Most people use compressible closed cell foam to insulate their cpu. Condensation will happen, so the best approach is to do everything you can to prevent it and seal or waterproof stuff to prevent damage for when it does.

Since pelts draw so much power, a lot of people run them off separate power supplies. This causes a lot of problems. First is not turning the pelt on when you start your puter. Or you can leave the pelt running with the comp off - which is a wholesale invitation to condensation. Since pelts put off so much heat on the hot side, water cooling them is the preferred method. Low water or pump failure with the pelt on will result in temps that cook your cpu and perhaps the pelt itself.

As far as FCPGA's are concerned, the small contact area is problematic. Some use copper shims that fit around the slug.



Peltier prices run from $10 to surplus 52 watt units to around $30 for higher powered units. Don't get anything less than 70 watts if you want to accomplish anything.

 

[Ulysses]

Check:
http://www.swiftnets.com/

 

[BuddyHolly]

They work well, but you have to set it up right. A mild peltier will not give you too much of a condensation problem.