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"Air cooled TEC's require thicker cold plates to move the CPU as far away as possible from the hot side (the heat sink) and reduce parasitic heat radiated back by the heat sink towards the cold side. In that case, cold plates are actually referred to as "spacer blocks". We use copper blocks as thick as 1/2" for this.
The issue is not as critical in liquid cooled setups:
If the liquid is not actively cooled, your water block temp is going to be comprised between 35C and 45C. A 1/4" spacer is sufficient in my experience. If the liquid is also cooled, then the water block's temp is ..whatever.. and a thinner 1/8" spacer is perfectly acceptable.
There are many factors to consider in any assembly. Absolute performance is often traded-off for mechanical or economical reasons.
Altogether, the ultimate goal is to (achieve) a good compromise, dictated by the 'flavor' you want to give to your (system)."
Colin said:Some links on pelts to help you learn.
Applying Peltiers
Peltiers in Practice
Picking a Pelt
Marlow Design Guide
Peltier Info
Overclockers Peltier Section
Kryotherm Pelt
Software