Why does a Peltier go below room temp?

[bladeohlsson]

I have read that Peltiers go below room temp and thus cause problems with condensation. Wouldn't it be possible to control a Peltier with a thermostat that regulates the amount of current that would make the Petier match the temperature of the room? Or are Peltiers all or nothing devices that lack any sort of control? Doesn't it seem worth someone developing this? If this can be done, then possibly a all in one unit could be sold with cooling for the backside as well.

blade

[Phil]

What would be the point of having it at room temp, you may as well just use room temp air.

[TechnoFile]

He's talking about basically setting the cpu temp to room temp, which will always be cooler than simply air cooling. A peliter basically chills one side, moving all the heat to its backside. This will produce lower temps than blowing air over a HS thats strapped onto a cpu core. I suppose it could be done with a rheostat and some expirementing.... If anyone has a cheap peltier that want to give me I'll be happy to play around with it(one may always hope).

[bladeohlsson]

Phil, I am sorry, but if you have to ask....

Reiley, this is what I mean. I am sure you may even be able to go a bit less than room temp if you also add some sort of barometric reader that will go cooler if the air is dry enough. I am guessing this would have been done already if it is possible, because the condensation is a major pain in the ass.

Another solution could be to run the entire unit in a vacume bell, and then water cool the back of the Petier?

blade

[Tomsawyer]

Or stick the whole system in a deep freezer, throw in a couple industrial de-humidifers and wola, crisp clean cold air. Play hell with setting dip switches, Have to rig it with softmenu and have the cd/dvd's on the outside. Hmmmmmm this could be fun.......

[TechnoFile]

One could just dunk the entire system in a non-cunductive fluid. Something like transforemer oil may work.

I see what you're getting at, blade. From what I've read, I see no reason why it wouldn't be pessible. It most likely would be costly and difficult, but possible. Based on my limited electronics knowledge, it should be a simple matter to hook the peltier to a rheostat, and be able to control the current that way. I suppose you could run a dehumidifier next to the computer, with its outlet acting as the inlet for the case. That would probably work pretty well. Or you could just paint your motherboard with silicone and dielectric grease, and not worry about it.

[Caffinehog]

There are modules that will controll peltiers so their cold side stays at room temperature. It may take a little searching to find them, but they are out there. Someone was selling one in the classifieds not too long ago.

[donny_paycheck]

Originally posted by Caffinehog
There are modules that will controll peltiers so their cold side stays at room temperature. It may take a little searching to find them, but they are out there. Someone was selling one in the classifieds not too long ago.

That someone is me!

This is like what I am selling (http://www.variablepc.com/photo.htm#150) and I'm selling it here (http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67040). Read my description and the one on the variablepc site. It will tell you everything you want to know.

[Caffinehog]

Hey, TomSawyer... That's called a vapo-chill case. They're over $400, but they exist.

[donny_paycheck]

Originally posted by Caffinehog
Hey, TomSawyer... That's called a vapo-chill case. They're over $400, but they exist.

And they are oh-so-sweet. The best overclocks in existence!

Exit the warrior; today's Tom Sawyer...