Liquid Cooling

[c| Lone-Wolf]

So, people kind of got into this on the first thread about the Dual 2.5, but i thought it could use a little more specific talking about, but maybe im wrong.

Anyhow, what are the pro's/con's of having a liquid cooled machine? (In your oppinion)

Also, a few questions from me, most are pretty n00bish, but i figure it would be better to ask dumb questions now, instead of having freon, or whatever cooling adgent, explode all over the inside of my computer =)

So, does the liquid cooling run constantly while the computer is on? Or is it temp-activated, like laptop fans.
     If this is the case...
What happens if you leave your computer running for a few days? (or more), will shit get clogged up in the pipes, causing your computer to either 1) over heat and require fixing, or 2) totally vaporize in a hail of shrapnel which, while cool looking, will tear you to itty bitty little pieces

Are these liquid cooling units allegedly self sustaining, in that you dont need to spend any time keeping them in good condition? or do you have to pop the cover once and a while and give them a refill/cleaning?

[crypt]

I don't think the Dual 2.5 system would be too hot to absolutely have to have the liquid cooling system in it. I believe Apple was just kinda testing it for future models. All in all, I bet it runs very nicely. Just be very careful if you ever move it around and make sure you put it in a well ventilated area.

[|MP|Nomad]

Just be very careful if you ever move it around and make sure you put it in a well ventilated area.

That's kinda difficult.  For instance, I would put my G5 in one of those workstation corner (of the house) units.  It has a spot on the bottom-side that is made to slide in desktops comps in.  Well that in no way is well ventilated area since its low to the ground and in the corner of the room.

Suggestions?

[.vooDoo.]

It doesnt need to be in a ventilated area...hence Liquid cooling.

If I were apple I would have added some sort of fail safe auto shut down incase the cooling system failed so that the processors wouldnt have a meltdown, but we all know that would be to easy.

[|MP|Nomad]

If I were apple I would have added some sort of fail safe auto shut down incase the cooling system failed so that the processors wouldnt have a meltdown, but we all know that would be to easy.

Exactly, then apple couldnt charge you got another G5 to replace that one.  

[c| Lone-Wolf]

Voods, perhaps its just in PCs, but dont they have something equivilant to a critical temperature alarm in there?  I know every once and a while the fan would quit on a PC at school at soon thereafter it would emit this horrid wailing sound to tell you it was about to melt.

Also, your response hints to me that it is always running when the computer is running (not heat activated)

[SignTist]

voods:   How do you know they didn't??   I for one would think that there is an alarm or failsafe shut down mechanism that would prevent the overheating issue... look at the 2.0 duals... the fans go crazy fast when the door is taken off...


Lone Wolf:   I wouldn't be scared about the cooling system.  I highly doubt that there will be any issues since liquid cooling is not necissarily NEW technology... it's jsut new to the mac.  Fromt the looks of it, it's a very simple system set up, and this is virtually bust proof.  On the other issue (cleaning was it?) there will be no cleaning involved.. the coolants are designed not to eat the metals (usuall aluminum) and therefore won't need any maintenance for minimum like 10 years.

[crypt]

It doesnt need to be in a ventilated area...hence Liquid cooling.

The fan still needs to breathe some fresh air, I believe. It wouldn't hurt to let some of the hot air out either.