AMD Considers Equipping FX Chips with Liquid-Cooling Solution.

[twilyth]

Intriguing. Tell me more.

Xbitlabs

Advanced Micro Devices is mulling to equip boxed versions of its FX-series central processing units (CPUs) with a liquid-cooling solution (LCS) in order to enhance their overclockability as well as to improve their image in the eyes of high-performance computer enthusiasts. The idea seems to be rather innovative and AMD's arch-rival Intel Corp. is also considering it.

In a bid to offer quiet and high-performance cooling solution for its next-generation FX-series microprocessors, AMD intends to bundle a liquid cooling solution with the chips, according to a source with knowledge of the company's plans. AMD is considering to bundle the advanced cooler with its top-of-the-range eight-core chips, but it is unknown whether the chip designer will include the LCS with both eight-core FX chips or only with the most expensive model. The Sunnyvale, California-based company is currently considering to include a completely sealed liquid system that consists of a CPU water block with copper base, large heat-exchanger as well as cooling fan.

More at the link.

FYI: I don't know if this is common knowledge or not so I'll stick this tidbit here in case it isn't. Google Alerts (beta).

 

[WhiteLotus]

I'm hoping it isn't because they run really hot.

 

[TheMailMan78]

Intriguing. Tell me more.

Xbitlabs



FYI: I don't know if this is common knowledge or not so I'll stick this tidbit here in case it isn't. Google Alerts (beta).

I hope its an option and not needed. I like air. I don't want to have to maintain a loop or worry if a self contained loop pump is working. I dumped my H50 for that exact reason.

 

[Swamp Monster]

It would get more new CPU users into water cooling world. Antec would benefit from that (if their coolers are good). Otherwise it would be bad for both companies.

 

[AhokZYashA]

By that, it means it run hotter than an i7 9xx

 

[FordGT90Concept]

If their objective is to try to distinguish themselves from Intel and other AMD products as a premier, out of the box, overclocking solution, more power to them. If their objective is to push stock FX clocks into the stratosphere in order to keep pace with Intel products and that required a liquid cooling solution, shame on them.

In other words, if they are doing it to differentiate a product line, great; if they are doing it to be competitive, boo!

 

[dir_d]

I think they are trying to do it to please enthusiasts. Unfortunately that's not the way to please them. Making a good, powerful chip for cheap is the way to please them. I don't mind buying my own cooling, im picky.

 

[Jstn7477]

And then everyone who buys one to put in their ASRock or ECS board with a 3 or 4 phase CPU VRM (without a VRM heatsink) ends up blowing up their boards due to a lack of airflow over the already hot mosfets and chokes.

 

[lilhasselhoffer]

I would question the voracity of this. A liquid cooling loop adds a giant point of failure to a processor. That kind of leap would require either an amazing liquid cooling loop, or a huge investment from AMD.

The technicality aside, the only chips that would see this are the highest of high end. While they would seem to be a far better value than Intel (racecar vs. geo metro), the highest of high end is the only thing that will see this. I really hope Bulldozer justifies the price...

 

[erocker]

If their objective is to try to distinguish themselves from Intel and other AMD products as a premier, out of the box, overclocking solution, more power to them. If their objective is to push stock FX clocks into the stratosphere in order to keep pace with Intel products and that required a liquid cooling solution, shame on them.

In other words, if they are doing it to differentiate a product line, great; if they are doing it to be competitive, boo!

LCS coolers like the H50 are very popular right now, I just hope AMD is just making use of that popularity. I agree with you though.

*I don't think they are bundling them because they run too hot. If the article is read that is my understanding. It even says Intel is considering it.

 

[de.das.dude]

i hate AMD spilling the beans. Even after they know you know know who are gonna pick it up and take all credit and stuff.

 

[ShiBDiB]

I'm hoping it isn't because they run really hot.

^^ This is likely why.

It would get more new CPU users into water cooling world. Antec would benefit from that (if their coolers are good). Otherwise it would be bad for both companies.

Doubtful, closed system watercooling is rarely worthwhile (Their are exceptions) and far from teaching someone how to really cool on water.+


I think its just a marketing ploy, or their chips run alot hotter then they hoped.

 

[TheMailMan78]

LCS coolers like the H50 are very popular right now, I just hope AMD is just making use of that popularity. I agree with you though.

*I don't think they are bundling them because they run too hot. If the article is read that is my understanding. It even says Intel is considering it.

I agree. I think its just marketing.

 

[Widjaja]

From what I remember the old FX series ran quite hot too.
This would;d really suck if it substantial cooling was a requirement of these processors to keep it from the red line.

Not too long before we officially find out.

 

[kid41212003]

AMD is considering to bundle the advanced cooler with its top-of-the-range eight-core chips, but it is unknown whether the chip designer will include the LCS with both eight-core FX chips or only with the most expensive model.

Premium chips only, so it's possible that it has nothing to do with the chip's temperature.

 

[Steevo]

If their objective is to try to distinguish themselves from Intel and other AMD products as a premier, out of the box, overclocking solution, more power to them. If their objective is to push stock FX clocks into the stratosphere in order to keep pace with Intel products and that required a liquid cooling solution, shame on them.

In other words, if they are doing it to differentiate a product line, great; if they are doing it to be competitive, boo!

By that same logic we should all drive the vehicle with the most efficient power to weight ratio as it has the best acceleration.

I believe that something like a large tractor will beat a Ferrari in the first 10 feet of a race, so what one would you like?



I find it intriguing, a small liquid cooler is surely as cost effective as a air cooler with heat pipes and loads of aluminum and copper. Some plastic tube, thinner copper and aluminum, only one motor to drive the pump and fan if they do a stacked design, and a bit of copper for the interface and acrylic or the like for the rest of the block.

 

[ShiBDiB]

Premium chips only, so it's possible that it has nothing to do with the chip's temperature.

Its also possible it has everything to do with the fact that its a poorly designed cheap heat wise so in order to get any kind of OC out of the premium chips you need water... Which is not a good thing

 

[Damn_Smooth]

http://www.nordichardware.com/news/...ipping-sandy-bridge-e-with-water-cooling.html

Oh look, an article from April 20th stating that Intel is considering the same thing.

Those SB-e's can't possibly have any overclocking headroom if Intel is going to include watercooling. :shadedshu

It's quite possible that AMD heard about this and is making a decision based on that.

 

[MightyMission]

glad i already got my frost on!
now lets hope they perform in line at stock with current intel offerings and not last gen offerings.

 

[erocker]

Please discuss here now: http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150446

Thank you!