Selecting Material for Water-Cooled Heat Sinks

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on selecting materials for water-cooled heat sinks, specifically for integrated circuits (ICs) dissipating 75 degrees Celsius of heat. Aluminum is identified as the preferred material due to its high thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ease of milling. Additionally, the importance of considering thermal resistance, quantified as Theta[J,A] in degrees Celsius per Watt, is emphasized for effective heat sink design. A water/alcohol mixture is recommended to prevent bacterial growth in the cooling system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal conductivity and its relevance in heat sink materials
  • Familiarity with heat sink design principles, specifically Theta[J,A]
  • Knowledge of integrated circuit thermal management
  • Experience with water cooling systems and their components
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced heat sink design techniques focusing on thermal resistance calculations
  • Explore different materials for heat sinks beyond aluminum, such as copper and composites
  • Investigate water cooling kits and their specifications for optimal performance
  • Learn about the effects of coolant mixtures on thermal performance and bacterial growth prevention
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, thermal management specialists, and hobbyists involved in designing or optimizing water-cooled heat sinks for integrated circuits.

purple cat
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Hi I need help selecting a material to make a water-cooled heatsink.
The heat sink is to be attached to an integrated circuit (IC), removing 75deg celsius heat.
Ok so most heatsinks are made of Aluminum because of it's high thermal conductivity.
Is it the same for water-cooled ones?
What do you have to consider when selecting material?
 
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Aluminum is great, because it won't corrode. It's also easy to mill. I'd suggest a water/alchohol mixture though, to inhibit bacterial growth.

- Warren
 
You might look at some of the over-clocking sites. Those guys run some pretty awesome home-brew heatsinks, including water-cooled.
 
There are also kits you can buy for this specific purpose.
 
purple cat said:
Hi I need help selecting a material to make a water-cooled heatsink.
The heat sink is to be attached to an integrated circuit (IC), removing 75deg celsius heat.

BTW, the temperature of 75C is not the most important specification for your heatsink. You need to think in terms of a Theta[J,A] in units of "Degrees C per Watt" in your heatsink design and specification. You will have some allowed temperature rise for your component (from the inner semiconductor junctions "J" if applicable to the external ambient temperature "A"), and that component will be dissipating some power in Watts. Your heat sink will need to extract enough heat from the device (through your water cooling system or whatever) to keep the max temperature of the device (semiconductor junctions) within specifications.
 

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