Computer at risk if I use water cooler?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential risks to a computer when using a specific cooling product in a hot room. Participants explore the effectiveness of the product, its operational limitations, and alternative cooling methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the computer would be at risk from using the cooling product continuously.
  • Another participant argues that thermodynamics would prevent the product from effectively cooling the room overall, suggesting it may actually increase room temperature during certain periods.
  • A different participant clarifies that the product cannot run continuously and needs to refreeze water, which would contribute to heating the room during that time.
  • Some participants propose alternative cooling methods, such as using ice with a fan, as potentially more effective than the discussed product.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality and effectiveness of the product, with suggestions that it may not provide net cooling in a home environment.
  • One participant humorously suggests an unconventional idea involving a box fan and a freezer door, while others express skepticism about its viability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of the cooling product, with multiple competing views regarding its functionality and impact on room temperature. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential risks to the computer.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the product's design, such as its inability to operate continuously and the implications of its energy consumption on room temperature. There is also uncertainty about the practicality of suggested alternative cooling methods.

NINHARDCOREFAN
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My room is very hot. I plan to use this product to keep my room cool:
http://tinyurl.com/holqu

Will my computer be at risk if I leave this on almost 24/7?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I have no idea why your computer would be at risk. At the same time, I'll note that thermodynamics would prevent this Sharper Image product from actually making your room any cooler, on the whole. All it'll do is make your room warmer at night (when it's dissipating 60W), and cooler during the day. Overall, however, it's just dumping 3.3 megajoules of energy into your environment every day:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=(60+watts)+*+14+hours+++(10+watts+*+8+hours)&btnG=Search

- Warren
 
Why would that but your computer at risk?
 
I think he's misunderstanding the product, thinking it cools with a water mist.

If you read the product description, you can't run it 24/7. It only cools for about 8 hours, then needs to refreeze the water, during which time it will be heating your room back up, as Chroot pointed out. Might as well do it the old-fashioned way of getting a tub of ice and setting a fan to blow over it.
 
I guess my invention of replacing the freezer door with a box fan is out of the question then? :-p
 
NINHARDCOREFAN said:
My room is very hot. I plan to use this product to keep my room cool:
http://tinyurl.com/holqu

Will my computer be at risk if I leave this on almost 24/7?

For that price, why not get a 5000 BTU window ac unit that would cool off your room 24/7? The Iceflow needs to refreeze overnight to blow cooled air for eight hours the next day.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Boltzmann is spinning in his grave!

- Warren
 
dav2008 said:
I guess my invention of replacing the freezer door with a box fan is out of the question then? :-p
You might still be able to patent and market it, but don't plan on getting rich with it once folks figure out it doesn't work. :smile:
 
Moonbear said:
You might still be able to patent and market it, but don't plan on getting rich with it once folks figure out it doesn't work. :smile:

Oh, it'll seem like it's working for a few hours. Plenty of time to set up a live in-home demonstration, let the mark write the check, and get out of town!

- Warren
 
  • #10
larkspur said:
For that price, why not get a 5000 BTU window ac unit that would cool off your room 24/7? The Iceflow needs to refreeze overnight to blow cooled air for eight hours the next day.

Window air conditioner is out of the question as I have no opening for it in my room.
 
  • #11
I can understand why the product is out there. the extra heat dissipated at night will move out into the environment through the walls over those 8 or 10 or 12 hours you don't have it on. Once its god awefully hot, you can run it and it gives you a nice cooling effect.

Getting a brick of ice and running a fan over it sounds like a better idea though.
 
  • #12
The product is designed to be used at work. I'm sure no one's company would mind that you'd be offloading some of their air conditioning load (at 1 kW/ton) to your house (at probably 20 kW per ton).

But no, this product will not provide any net cooling for your room at home.
 
  • #13
If you wanted to, you could set it outside to cool, once cold, just let it run in your room. That would seem to be too much of a hassle though :/
 

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