Pelts for dummies?

[Goku]

ok i am really not getting this at all could some one please tell me how a pelt works with out all the math. Just the straigt forward how it helps cool the cpu and how the cold plate works. One other thing can it be used with a shim and heatsink fan combo.

[sfa ok]

A peltier has a cold side, and a hot side. The cold side contacts the coldplate, and the coldplate contacts the cpu. The hot side needs to be cooled by a waterblock (preferable) or a hsf (AMD's put out too much heat to use a hsf on a pelt, not all Intels do). You'll probably need a separate power supply for the peltier.

Because the temperatures on the cold side get well below ambient, you would have to insulate the motherboard with neoprene and silicone sealant.

Personally, I think that pelts aren't that reasonable when compared to a simple water cooling system.

[Billvill]

Originally posted by sfa ok
A peltier has a cold side, and a hot side. The cold side contacts the coldplate, and the coldplate contacts the cpu. The hot side needs to be cooled by a waterblock (preferable) or a hsf (AMD's put out too much heat to use a hsf on a pelt, not all Intels do). You'll probably need a separate power supply for the peltier.

Because the temperatures on the cold side get well below ambient, you would have to insulate the motherboard with neoprene and silicone sealant.

Personally, I think that pelts aren't that reasonable when compared to a simple water cooling system.

I agree with the above gentelmans comment. A simple water-cooled system keeps the temps in check. You do not run the risk of condensation from a pelt damaging your mobo, chip or who knows what. Unless you have a specific reason for using one, I would forget about it. There is just too much risk of damaging the system. The only exception to this rule is if your board or your video board chip is positioned in a way that condensation will fall without contacting anything. You would still need a catch tray of some kind.

Billy

[Billvill]

Use this link to see a few post down about not being able to remove the cpu after sealing it to use a pelt (http://forums.overclockers.ws/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28532) They Just seem to be more trouble than they are worth.

Of Coarse thats just my opinion, Billy

[Colin]

Treat pelts as an extension of water cooling. Once you have mastered water cooling and want (i.e. have to!) go faster, pelts are the ticket. They are a PITA and fun at the same time. Part of the fun is solving the PITA problems. And the extra speed, Ahhh...........

[Goku]

i would just like to thank everyone for the guidence. this forum is truly the best anywhere.

[cjtune]

Goku, if you really want to know 'in-depth' info on TECs, I recommend you read the manufacturers' FAQs like those from Melcor or Tellurex. I learnt a lot from those.

But basically, when sizing pelts:

1. Your WC on the hot side must be able to remove the waste heat wattage of both the CPU AND the TEC (eg. Tbird: 100W, TEC:172W =Total:272W!!). Size a WC accordingly. Don't forget to get a PSU that supplies that enough power and with proper max. amperage ratings for the power leads.

2. Get a pelt whose Vmax is closest to 12V or whatever voltage your PSU can supply -it's most efficient at Vmax.

3. The waste heat output of the CPU must not exceed 60% of your TEC's rated power. To be safe: 50%. It's Coefficient of Performance (efficiency) is approx. 60%.

4. YOU MUST POT A PELT (seal the sides with grease, etc.) as well as use foam and more grease to insulate the CPU, socket, coldplate, pelt from condensation.

5. Use a coldplate (to spread the heat from the tiny CPU core to all of the cold side of the TEC).

6. The higher the Vmax of your TEC, the bigger the temperature difference between the sides. The higher the power rating the more max. heat it can handle. This is analogous to pressure difference and flowrate in conduits and are different! One is 'sucking power' the other is 'bandwidth'.

7. Make sure you save up money. Lots of it.

8. Don't even think about stacking pelts. Stacked pelts increase 'sucking power' tremendously. The topmost pelt must be powerful enough to handle the waste heat of the bottom pelt and the CPU and your WC must be able to handle all 3 of them. Only when you're 'veteran' enough....

9. All the other advice in the additional replies/posts also apply.

Heck, and I don't even own pelts... :D