Heat Pipe Length x Width contact area with common CPU sizes?

garylooney

Prominent
Jan 30, 2018
5
0
510
Hi,

Many Overclockers would be aware of Heat Pipes for transfer and dispersion of heat from CPU.

Can folks help with the Length x Width contact surface area, for Common CPU sizes.
This 6x 6mm Heat Pipe is 49mm x 35mm for LAG1156/1155/1150/775 AMD
s-l1600.jpg


I wanted to play around with Thermoelectric Cooler devices known as TEC.
The Sizes for TEC devices is 40mm x 40mm.
50mm x 50mm
and;
62mm x 62mm.

This has nothing to do with computer apart from knowledge of CPU sizes and their contact area with Heat Pipes!

I was wondering if anyone knows of CPU models requiring 50x50mm or 62x62mm to match the larger size TEC devices?

Gary
 
Solution
I do CPU cooler reviews for the site, so when I state that size is not the single most important factor for cooling, I am saying it because I have seen it first-hand. Sheer size of a heatpipe cooler does not determine it's effective cooling potential, it is often how well the heatpipes are constructed, the fin array and connection to wick heat from the heatpipes and airflow over the fins. Also, the mounting base must provide good CPU contact and effectively move the thermal load from the CPU IHS into the heatpipes (again, which must be of good quality) to allow convection flow within the heatpipes to move the thermal load upward and into the fin array.

I also am very aware of TEC cooling, so I understand how this cooling effect also...

garylooney

Prominent
Jan 30, 2018
5
0
510


Hi Rubix,

Yes, When you purchase a Heat Pipe for Computer, the CPU type and performance are criteria.
The L x W contact area is not normally stated, just that it suits specific CPU and mount types.

Using Computer Heat Pipe's for Thermoeletric Cooler (TEC).
The limiting factor with cheap readily available Heat Pipe's is the "L x W" contact area.
-

As they say, beggars cannot be choosers.
The Heat Pipes used with Computers are readily available and cheap.

I would be interested to know of any different CPU Types:
Requiring 50x50mm up to 62x62mm Contact Area on Heat Pipes?
-

Maybe 49mm x 35mm contact area is about it for modern computers.
Let me know if you know of CPU types with larger contact area.
The idea being I would use this in search for matching Heat Pipe that in turn would match TEC dimensions.

Hope that makes sense.

Thanks,
Gary






 

rubix_1011

Contributing Writer
Moderator
I do CPU cooler reviews for the site, so when I state that size is not the single most important factor for cooling, I am saying it because I have seen it first-hand. Sheer size of a heatpipe cooler does not determine it's effective cooling potential, it is often how well the heatpipes are constructed, the fin array and connection to wick heat from the heatpipes and airflow over the fins. Also, the mounting base must provide good CPU contact and effectively move the thermal load from the CPU IHS into the heatpipes (again, which must be of good quality) to allow convection flow within the heatpipes to move the thermal load upward and into the fin array.

I also am very aware of TEC cooling, so I understand how this cooling effect also works. Again, size isn't what matters here - it is about cooling power in watts. A 'large' TEC of 60mm x 60mm that is rated for 80w is less effective than at TEC of 50mm x 50mm rated at 120w. Also, you do not want your TEC to have excess overhang of a CPU IHS as this uncovered area can damage the peltier unit.

If you want to know 'what CPUs have a very large IHS', you could easily Google for this. AMD Threadripper is currently one of the largest CPU packages currently available.

So again, my responses are still not about 'size' being the easiest way to determine what should be used to cool a processor; it is about cooling potential in watts.
 
Solution

garylooney

Prominent
Jan 30, 2018
5
0
510


Thank you for the detailed reply.
This will help a lot as a starting point for further research.

-------------------------------------------

I have 2x 40x40mm TEC1-12706
Mounted on Unbranded 4x 6mm single radiator heat pipe (PureWings2 120mm fan).
The surface area is 80mm x 40mm and pipes are embedded with 10mm of surface spacing between each.
There is 5mm extra area around edges giving, 85 x 50mm Maximum usable contact surface.
Running at 12v 108w it is reasonably efficient.

I should be able to increase this efficiency further by changing heat pipe.
Or one heat pipe per TEC.

-------------------------------------------

The other option is water cooling, a little more complex.
But I have various pumps and water radiators to play with.

Are the pc CPU/GPU water cooling blocks or jackets only efficient within the size limitations in computer?
Would you consider a larger generic cooling block to be capable of similar work load given the correct operating pressure?

I ask because you would think the Aquarium Coolers, not specifically made for our purpose of cooling TEC, would be considerably better then the sealed units on Ebay for the purpose?
The Aquarium type has 3cm deep 1mm thick fins at 2mm spacing that is screwed into plastic housing!
Very similar to CPU water cooler in basic design but larger in size and fin spacing for higher volume flow!
s-l1600.jpg



How would these compare to the work load of low profile types required in computers?
My knowledge of Computer Hardware is not much better then old metal cabinets in days of xp.

Unlike in computer I have no space limitations!
Do you have a suggestion for budget CPU or GPU water cooling "block only" to try with TEC devices?

Thanks,
Gary

 

rubix_1011

Contributing Writer
Moderator
Sorry that I hadn't seen your latest response.

I've watercooled for over 15 years, so you're definitely speaking my language. Be careful with those cheap, Ebay blocks like you have listed. While they are low in cost, they are also low in production quality and likely are a very simple 'maze' style inside...meaning some walls that force water back and forth like a very simple maze; nothing with pins or fins to increase surface area.

There are some other 'cheaper' blocks that are likely a little better in quality and you can look for blocks that are discontinued or of older design but good quality. I would also urge you to read through 4ryan6's post on chilled/TEC cooling for his PC: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/282844-29-peltier-water-cooling

Many of the images are not currently visible due to Photobucket restrictions, but he has a wealth of knowledge specifically in what you seem to be attempting. I am not certain if the idea is to cool a PC or just something else, but the principles are still the same.