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maxSaleen · 03-15-2005, 08:17 PM

I think we can look to our aircooled counter parts for a solution to this debate. First let me say that I agree with JD, but I'm going to save my reason for later.

Go over to frostytech.com

Compare the Alpha PAL-8592 to any "fin" heatsink you can find on the list. Just make sure you discard the ones with heatpipes as they have an advantage that is... how can I say this... almost mechanical. Just use some common sense when looking at the charts (take into acount airflow and noise level).

Now for why I agree with JD. We are dealing with water cooling. Water has a very high specific heat capacity (1cal/gram degree C). Copper has a very low specific heat capacity (.0093cal/gram degree C). The goal here is to get the copper to transfer its heat to the water as quickly as possible. From that respect we would like to have as much surface area as possible with the least amount of copper possible. This is why direct die cooling is so effective (though I must note the inherent risks and impracticalities).

I made it sound simple though it really is not. There is a point where too many fins or pins will kill flow rates and performance.

03-15-2005, 08:17 PM	#46
maxSaleen Cooling Savant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 383	I think we can look to our aircooled counter parts for a solution to this debate. First let me say that I agree with JD, but I'm going to save my reason for later. Go over to frostytech.com Compare the Alpha PAL-8592 to any "fin" heatsink you can find on the list. Just make sure you discard the ones with heatpipes as they have an advantage that is... how can I say this... almost mechanical. Just use some common sense when looking at the charts (take into acount airflow and noise level). Now for why I agree with JD. We are dealing with water cooling. Water has a very high specific heat capacity (1cal/gram degree C). Copper has a very low specific heat capacity (.0093cal/gram degree C). The goal here is to get the copper to transfer its heat to the water as quickly as possible. From that respect we would like to have as much surface area as possible with the least amount of copper possible. This is why direct die cooling is so effective (though I must note the inherent risks and impracticalities). I made it sound simple though it really is not. There is a point where too many fins or pins will kill flow rates and performance.