Peltier question

[Twyst]

What are the benefits of a peltier and the draw backs?

and exactly how does a peltier work anyways?...I figured I'd get the answer from the horse's mouth as it were. :)

[Diggrr]

Here's a link explaining how peltiers work:
http://www.tedist.com/temdesc.html

As for drawbacks...They often take a seperate (sometimes expensive, but not always) power supply. They require a lot more current than many psu's can deliver (at least the athlon cooling monsters). Got room?

Being a seperate psu, it may not come on with the computer which would burn up the cpu. Your method chosen to switch on should be very reliable. It can be done though.

Condensation on the cold side of the peltier requires extra measures of prevention. Most use insulation around the socket (front and back). Should the accumulated frost melt, water would short the components on the mobo.

Clamping pressure against a peltier far exceeds the recommended socket pressure for cpu's. This requires extra parts and engineering to make a good waterblock. A cold plate should bolt to the waterblock tightly, sandwiching the pelt very tight against the waterblock.

Sure there's an element of danger working with them, but a little engineering can get around these drawbacks. There are quite a few successfull systems out there. I hope to count myself amongst them once again soon as I get some parts made for me. (I make my own waterblocks, so no commercial solution available)
I had one of those coolermaster (i think) pelt hsf combo's a while back...36watt peltier on my k6-2 450...what a joke.

[Twyst]

Cool, thanks for the info.

[ButcherUK]

Got my 220W TEC today - you'll need top spec cooling components for these, my current rad was completely overwhelemed by it - it rose 3C in the first minute, once the water temp hit 35C (was 26C without tec) I switched off the tec (luckily it was testing off the cpu ;)). The temp was still rising. The block was getting hot too, on the plus side it means good contact with the TEC (though atm it's only weakly clamped for a quick "does it work" test). The negative side is I now think I need a new pump.

[Diggrr]

Cool ButcherUK, it's hard for us colonials to bag one of them bad boys.

What did you have for a radiator? Just curious 'cause I'm debating about a side by side setup and I use a nice 'big momma' style heater core. (slightly larger though)

[ButcherUK]

My old senfu dual fan, modded to 1/2" barbs and with the housing cut back. 172mm 235cfm fan at half speed on it. Rad exit air temps were 29C with water temp of 35C and ambient at 22C.
I'm going heatercore as soon as I get round to going across town and picking one up. I'm looking to get a 12"x6" surplus one and mod it up. :) If that doesn't improve temps enough time for a new pump :)