Water Cooled PC and Condensation

In summary, a user is planning to install a thermoelectric cooling device on their water cooled PC. They are concerned about condensation occurring on the cooling blocks, which are made of copper and acrylic and connected with a generic plastic hose. The recommended solution is to insulate and seal the blocks to prevent condensation, and to use a psychrometric chart and humidistat to determine the dew point. Another potential option is to use a material like LN to insulate the CPU.
  • #1
Jobistober
10
0
Hello all,

I have a water cooled PC and am about to install a thermoelectric cooling device which can easily cool the water to near freezing temperatures. The cooling blocks are manufactured from copper and acrylic, and the hose is just a generic plastic hose. here's my question: how cold can the water make the blocks before condensation starts? I know that water will condense onto surfaces way before freezing. If anyone knows a definite answer or a way to find it, please drop a line. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Well, it depends on the humidity of the air in the room where the computer is located. The simple answer is that a correctly sized air conditioner makes for a dew point of around 40F, so water below 40F will cause condensation on the tubes if they are not well insulated and sealed. But if the air conditioner is not well sized or not on all the time, the humidity can vary widely. Use a psychrometric chart and a humidistat to find the dew point. Better yet - insulate and seal anything that may get cold.
 
  • #3
It depends on what the dew point is which is dependant on the humidity. What most people do when they are worried about condensation occurring is to insulate the CPU block.

http://www.tomshardware.com/cpu/20031230/5ghz-07.html

One guy used LN to cool his CPU and he used this little thing to pour the CPU in and it was wrapped in an insulating material. Although that's nothing like what you would do, the material is probably something you'd be looking into to insulate the CPU.
 

1. How does water cooling work in a PC?

Water cooling involves using liquid, typically water, to absorb and dissipate heat from the components in a PC. This is done through a closed loop system consisting of a pump, radiator, water block, and tubing.

2. What are the benefits of water cooling a PC?

Water cooling allows for more efficient cooling of a PC, as liquid is better at absorbing heat compared to air. This can result in lower temperatures and better performance. It can also be quieter and more aesthetically pleasing than traditional air cooling methods.

3. Can water cooling cause condensation in a PC?

Yes, water cooling can potentially cause condensation in a PC if proper precautions are not taken. This is because the components in a PC generate heat, and when in contact with a cooler surface (such as the water block), condensation can occur. However, with proper insulation and monitoring of temperatures, the risk of condensation can be minimized.

4. How can I prevent condensation in my water cooled PC?

To prevent condensation in a water cooled PC, it is important to properly insulate all components that come into contact with the liquid cooling system. This can be done with materials such as silicone or rubber, and by ensuring there are no gaps or exposed areas. It is also important to monitor temperatures and adjust fan speeds accordingly to prevent any drastic temperature changes.

5. Is water cooling necessary for a PC?

No, water cooling is not necessary for a PC. It is an alternative to traditional air cooling methods and is typically used by those who want to overclock their system or achieve better cooling performance. However, with proper airflow and cooling solutions, air cooling can also be effective in keeping a PC's components at safe temperatures.

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