Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Mineral Oil Computer

Heading into the IT building at GSU where I work I came across and interesting site.


Now if seeing the back end of a pickup truck inside the IT building wasn't interesting enough, upon closer inspection I realized it was actually a computer. A mineral oil submerged computer. I had to get a closer look at it, I had heard of them before but never actually seen one myself. Seeing it was enough reason to want one, but the fact that it ran TOTALLY silent, cooled extremely well, and prevented dust buildup makes it an even more tempting idea.


Now I don't know if this is something I'd ever go out and build myself (definitely not to the extravagant level seen here) but it is an interesting concept nonetheless and I can see how hardcore computer/gaming enthusiasts would be all over this. Here's a list of pro's and con's from what I've researched - remember I haven't done this myself so this is what I've learned from those who have:


PROS:
  • Cools better than standard air cooling
  • Looks really cool
  • Dirt and Dust free so long as you aren't in and out of it consistently
  • Runs silent
  • Did I mention how cool it looks?
CONS:
  • Submerging the computer parts will void your warranty
  • Very heavy since you're effectively using a full aquarium as a case
  • Can still run hot if you don't set it up correctly for proper flow
  • Still doesn't cool better than a good water cooling system
  • Expensive

Thank you for reading, if you're interesting in doing this I strongly suggest you talk to some people who have done it before and find out if it's really something you wish to delve into. Always do your research before you start any big project!

1 comment: