The Rise of Extreme Cooling: A Recent Era for High-Performance CPUs
Cooling high-end workstation CPUs has always been a challenge, but a recent breakthrough by modder Geekerwan demonstrates a radical approach: turning the CPU’s integrated heat spreader (IHS) into a waterblock. This isn’t just about squeezing more performance out of existing hardware; it signals a potential shift in how we believe about CPU cooling and overclocking.
From 350W to 1,700W: The Power Demands of Modern CPUs
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX, a 96-core high-end desktop (HEDT) CPU, exemplifies this challenge. While its default Thermal Design Power (TDP) is 350W, it can easily exceed 800W under heavy workloads and surpass 1,300W when overclocked. This immense power draw generates significant heat, pushing the limits of traditional cooling solutions.
Micro-Fluidic Cooling and the Custom Waterblock
Geekerwan’s solution, inspired by micro-fluidic cooling concepts discussed by Microsoft, involves cutting intricate coolant channels directly into the CPU’s IHS. This design maximizes contact between the coolant and the chiplets, efficiently drawing away heat. The system utilizes a 140L external reservoir, an 800W industrial chiller, and dual 50W Bosch pumps – originally from a Mercedes vehicle – to circulate the coolant.
The Results: Overclocking and Benchmarking Success
The results are impressive. Geekerwan achieved a stable overclock of 5.325GHz across all 96 cores, resulting in a Cinebench R23 score of 205,000 points, 10,080 in Cinebench 2024, and 41,478 in Cinebench 2026. Crucially, despite drawing over 1,340W at peak, the CPU maintained temperatures below 52°C. The entire system peaked at over 1,700W.
Beyond the Mod: Implications for Future CPU Design
This project isn’t just a one-off experiment. It raises questions about the future of CPU cooling and the potential for manufacturers to adopt similar designs. While the 9995WX is an expensive CPU (over $12,000), the success of this mod suggests a market for specialized waterblocks designed to replace the IHS. Whether AMD or Intel would sell chips without an IHS remains to be seen, but the demand from enthusiasts is clear.
The Challenge of IHS Machining
Creating a custom IHS/waterblock is a complex undertaking. A key consideration is ensuring the remaining metal thickness can withstand the pressure of high-flow pumps to prevent catastrophic failure. Geekerwan’s process involved 19 hours of CNC milling to achieve the desired fin structure, demonstrating the precision required.
The Role of Industrial Cooling Solutions
The success of this project also highlights the growing importance of industrial-grade cooling components. The utilize of an 800W chiller and high-performance pumps underscores the demand for robust cooling solutions to handle the increasing power demands of modern CPUs.
FAQ
- What is an IHS? An Integrated Heat Spreader is the metal plate on top of a CPU that helps distribute heat.
- What is TDP? Thermal Design Power is the maximum amount of heat a CPU is expected to generate under normal operating conditions.
- Why is cooling important for CPUs? Excessive heat can damage a CPU and reduce its performance.
- Is this type of modification practical for the average user? Currently, no. It requires specialized skills, tools, and expensive components.
Pro Tip: When considering extreme overclocking, always monitor CPU temperatures closely to prevent damage.
Did you know? The fin structure inside the IHS is crucial for maximizing heat transfer. Geekerwan found that a curved, wavy S-shaped fin structure is more efficient than a straight fin structure.
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