condensation and insulation question

Generally speaking, where does the point of condensation occur with extreme cooling? Is it something like ambient-x number of degrees, or does it vary with other environmental factors like barometer, humidity, whatever, etc.?

Also, what exactly needs to be insulated when going for subzero cooling? Is it the cooling equipment, or non-cooled parts of the computer? Sorry if all this is answered in a sticky... it's late and I'm being rushed toward bed

It has a lot to do with the surrounding factors.
ambient temp, barometer, humidity etc etc.

pejsaboy said:

Generally speaking, where does the point of condensation occur with extreme cooling? Is it something like ambient-x number of degrees, or does it vary with other environmental factors like barometer, humidity, whatever, etc.?

Also, what exactly needs to be insulated when going for subzero cooling? Is it the cooling equipment, or non-cooled parts of the computer? Sorry if all this is answered in a sticky... it's late and I'm being rushed toward bed

Click to expand...

Lets use the pop-can example.

You just got home from the store, you picked up a 12 pack of Mountain Dew, still room temperature. You put some cans in the fridge. What happens condensation wise? Nothing. Warm object + cool air = no condensation. You come back the next day to grab one and cool off outside. The can (now the temp of the fridge) hits the outside warm air. What happens condensation wise? Cold object + warm air = *condensation*.

If you had absolute 0% humidity, you could technically run without insulation.

Basically: If it gets cold, insulate it. Tube, surrounding area and back of the motherboard.


edit: I over-simplified the example, but it should give you some indication of what will happen

It's called the dew point, it fluctuates depending on himidity and air temperature. As for insulation you generally insulate the container so you use less of whatever your using to super cool with. You also need to protect the board and components, that can take the form of insulation, paper towels, capton heating elements, fans and a few other things.

Ah... the dew point *smacks forehead* Guess I haven't clicked onto the weather channel in too long

So basically, insulate the cooler for maximum efficiency, and the rest of the board so that it doesn't get frostbite and die. Right?

pejsaboy said:

Ah... the dew point *smacks forehead* Guess I haven't clicked onto the weather channel in too long

So basically, insulate the cooler for maximum efficiency, and the rest of the board so that it doesn't get frostbite and die. Right?

Click to expand...

basically,yeah

Sam__ said:

basically,yeah

Click to expand...

What about if you have enough air-flow that moisture evaporates at the same rate it condenses? I'm running around 5c below ambient, usually ~75f, but I have alot of airflow. I don't see any condensation building up, but i'm also folding alot too so i'm usually not idleing. Just curious.

Could you spray paint the mobo with some clear, electrically inert substance? Or do you have to worry about a resistor cracking due to the cold?

nightelph said:

Could you spray paint the mobo with some clear, electrically inert substance? Or do you have to worry about a resistor cracking due to the cold?

Click to expand...

A lot of phase change users actually use a silicone based sealer to apply to the mobo itelsf around the sicket area....I forget any specific names as it has been years since I've used phase change.

I've never had to use any silicone selaer, just good neoprene to insulate and fill in any potential air pockets around the socket itself....

I know of the method using di-electric grease to seal the socket, and then RTV or DC conformant coating for the back of the mobo. Was curious if there was some supermagic spray one could use to not have to worry about condensation.. or a WC loop leaking.

It's called conformal coating, I use it on graphics cards.



Even with protection you can still run into problems when benching for extended periods

Thanks for the pics! I suppose a thin layer of anything is no real safe bet when compared the efficiency and low cost of foam. I like your application method Maxi, very nice.

Edit: Hey another star.