Liquid Nitrogen Case?

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msgninja

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Mar 25, 2017
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I don't know if I post this in a right thread.

I have been wondering. I have test this out and it did work but I haven't build a fully custom case because I don't know how to build a custom case yet. Have anyone try to build a custom liquid nitrogen case? I didn't build one but did in fact test it out on one of my Coolmaster case. I trap it inside big a box surrounding with walls and within the walls are liquid nitrogen. It was able to cool it fast and haven't gone over 40 C.

I wonder if building a thermal support custom case that support liquid nitrogen without any problem with sub zero temperature will work? Plus I wonder what is the side-effect because I know liquid nitrogen will kill the CPU if it is frozen (I try the liquid nitrogen CPU cooling method and it destroy my CPU because I was curious :p ). It haven't destroy anything during my 1 hour test in the box with liquid nitrogen. Plus I want to build a custom case once I learn the step how to build one but first I need someone advise about liquid nitrogen and the effect that it might "happen" if something did happen.

Is this a good idea or bad idea to go with?

P.S. This isn't for overclocking or lower the temperature. This is about seeing if it work vs how well it can perform under cold temperature under heavy load.
 
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T
Okay, that makes slightly more sense.

Just be aware that you're going to have to design this case to be liquid-tight at all temperatures between ambient and -320 F (-195 C). That means you have to match the coefficient of thermal expansion in the materials you build with. Otherwise, it will form a leak and destroy the computer.

There are entire fields of material science devoted to making things that can withstand those temperatures. It generally involves using a totally homogeneous container. If you use screws and plastic, the change in temperature will cause them to contract at different rates, and will likely shatter the plastic. The same goes for welded metal in many cases.

Wood will just splinter. Rubber will harden and crack...
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the nerd 389

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Nov 20, 2012
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LN2 is not something you use for any extended amount of time.

If I understand correctly, it sounds like you want to submerge your computer in a vat of LN2. This will simply destroy it. If the capacitors drop below their safe temperature, they freeze and split open. Most components are not capable of generating enough heat to stay within a safe temperature envelope, which is why LN2 overclockers take care to limit the LN2 to the CPU or GPU, and perhaps the VRM modules at times.

Also, you aren't talking about simply running this build "sub-zero". You're dealing with cryogenics if you attempt this. Even practiced engineering teams get things wrong at those temperatures. Things change shape, shatter, and develop totally unexpected bugs at those temperatures.

Also, if you aren't overclocking, then what to you intend to accomplish with this, other than killing a computer?
 
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msgninja

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Mar 25, 2017
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Not submerge it. I build a wall with walls. Within the wall are liquid nitrogen. I have build the 4 walls that is 1 wall with another 1 wall that was fill with liquid nitrogen in the middle of the walls and mount together to build a box. It is wall, liquid nitrogen, wall setup. I set my computer case in the middle of the box and it was able to cool it. I never submerge it since that is a stupid idea to do.

I want to test this setup if it work then I might go with computer case build that have 2x2 walls because in the middle of the walls will be liquid nitrogen. My testing phase work but I'm not sure a computer case would work because it isn't cheap to build one.

Then my next set is try to use sub zero temperature substance to see if that will work and continue on there.

I'm also trying to figure out which material is best suit for liquid nitrogen.
 
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the nerd 389

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Okay, that makes slightly more sense.

Just be aware that you're going to have to design this case to be liquid-tight at all temperatures between ambient and -320 F (-195 C). That means you have to match the coefficient of thermal expansion in the materials you build with. Otherwise, it will form a leak and destroy the computer.

There are entire fields of material science devoted to making things that can withstand those temperatures. It generally involves using a totally homogeneous container. If you use screws and plastic, the change in temperature will cause them to contract at different rates, and will likely shatter the plastic. The same goes for welded metal in many cases.

Wood will just splinter. Rubber will harden and crack. Some plastics are okay, so you may be able to print something using a 3D printer. You could also use Styrofoam, as it's well known to withstand that kind of temperature shock. It doesn't let heat through, though.

Next, you have to have a way to reliably transport the heat from the CPU to the walls of the case. Conventional heat pipes won't work because you'd just freeze the refrigerant. Watercooling would just break. You don't want to have to pump the LN2, because that's just a nightmare to pull off.

A thermoelectric device could work, but you'd have to deal with a voltage surge when the LN2 is added. It would be enough to fry the circuits used to power it.

Finally, you need a way to prevent the entire thing from exploding. That means you can't seal it up. It'll have to be open top or have a cryogenic PSV installed.
 
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