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Unread 06-26-2002, 05:11 PM   #19
gmat
Thermophile
 
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: France
Posts: 1,221
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Cova you read my thoughts

Lemme explain the equations for the not math-savvy:

Q = U x A x delta T

Where

* Q = heat transfer rate, in BTU/hr or Watts or other power units
* When the system is at steady state, this equals the power output of the CPU. Neglecting ambient losses in the tubing and reservoir, Q is the same for the radiator as for the water block. It's just going in at one point and out at the other.
* U = heat transfer coefficient, in (BTU / hr ft² °F) or equivalent units. Barring fouling or a change in flow, this will remain constant. Note: it's a direct factor of flow...
* A = area, in square feet This is fixed by the heat exchanger design. To increase it, buy a bigger rad.
* delta T = difference between the temperature of the hot stuff and the temperature of the cool stuff.
* If the change in temperature of the cooling material is significant as it passes through the water block or rad, one should use a log-mean average for the temps in the subtraction.

I hope that settles it...
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