Project: Freezer Case

[Flat]

Just telling you about my lastest computer project, Project: Freezer Case. after being digusted by the prices of super cooling cases, I am in the process of building a case from a Sub-Zero freezer that I have. I have already attached the motherboard tray and PSU inside the freezer (hardly any mods needed) and am setting out tommorow to make ventilation hole (which will just recyle the stale air back into the refrig unit, and then I will set about figuring out how to route the cables!! PICTUREs SOON! hope for around 5celcius, but the freezer can go -10 chilly! BTW the freezer has a built in dehumidifier, yall think thatll be enough to control the condensation problem?

 

[Spoooon]

As long as you don't expose the innards to a rise in temp, there will be no condensation problems. You might want to try and figure out a way to wire it so that if the compressor ever fails, the computer switches off. Also, in case of power failure, you don't want the computer turning back on until the temperatures are back to normal. Remember, condensation only happens when you expose something cold to a warmer environment.

edit: Of course, the dehumidifier helps.

 

[Flat]

thx for the info.

 

[ericd]

Actually condensation only happens when you expose a cold object to HUMID air. You can blast a -20C processor to the exhaust from the space shuttle if you want to just as long as it is very very dry hot air (disclaimer: there are other things to consider before putting your computer on the launch pad at the cape....such as where the hell your brain is that you would consider doing that ). Bottom line is that the inside of the freezer needs to be nice and dry when you put the computer in there, and after it's in there open the freezer as rairly as possible. Since you won't have to worry about the thermal concequences of it I would spray everything with some form of sealent...don't remember what it's called maybe someone else does. I've seen this sealent used on a couple other similar projects and it works well to prevent damage from condensation.

Eric

 

[Spoooon]

What I would do is have a reservoir of an inert fluid and have the mobo and all the cards submerged in another reservoir. Use a water pump to circulate the fluid. You might have one hose pump fluid right onto the cpu and have another pump fluid on the video card. You can build a rack or some sort to accomodate the drives.

 

[Flat]

What I dont understand have my mobo/cpu under some liquid?

 

[trs80]

Interesting, Do you plan to vacum pack this board in a case with external heat sinks to prevent and frost from shorting the rather small circuitry.

 

[Spoooon]

That's why you would want to have the mobo and all cards submerged in an inert fluid. So that frost doesn't form. You don't have to worry about condensation at all. You could even make some kind of external drive rack and make a semi-insulated pass through connecter for you ide cables.

 

[DRGrim]

Like orange juce.

 

[TheOverlord]

what liqiud coudl you use tho that would be cheap, cool well but not conduct any electricity?

 

[ericd]

I don't think mineral oil conducts electricity and I think it has decent thermal properties....someone else would have to confirm this though cause I don't know for sure.

Eric

 

[Spoooon]

Yeah, I think mineral oil is okay to use. There's also Fluorinert by 3M. But it's pricey.

 

[cryptokid]

motor oil doesnt conduct electricity or so i have been told
and its ~$1.00 a quart for the cheap stuff ~$3.00 for the good stuff

 

[Jalapeno]

Are you guys NUTS? Motor oil??? I hope you thought about cleaning that Mobo after taking it out of the bath...

Anyway, it's possible, with Fluorinert from 3M.

Check this out: Submerged Overclocking!

Heck, if you are interested I'll sell you a gallon of FLORINERT FC77 for $250.00!