Using a Peltier cell can be a great way to get very low temperatures . Without being limited by the ambient temperature that surrounds us. This means that, with one of them, we should be able to cool some component of our PC. And, of all of them, the one that best lends itself to being cooled by it, is the processor. So we are going to explain in this new tutorial, how we can do it. And the risks involved in this type of refrigeration. Or if it’s really worth it.
Since we have already described how a Peltier cell works in the past , we are not going to explain the whole process in detail now. Suffice it to say that a Peltier cell is made up of two ceramic plates, separated by semiconductors. By circulating a direct current between both plates, a physical effect occurs, which causes one of the plates to heat up. At the same time that the counter plate cools down. Since this cooling method is independent of ambient temperature. Very low temperatures can be achieved with it.
Installing a Peltier cell is not easy
To install a Peltier cell in your processor you must take into account several conditions:
- Since the cooling power of this type of system varies with the amount of current flowing through its conductors, you are going to need a current regulator .
- Peltier cells have a very low efficiency . Between 2 or 3%.
- The heat released from the hot plate also has to be removed.
- Since the cell can reach temperatures below ambient, condensation is a danger.
Let’s suppose that you have already got the power regulator, to power the cell. The next thing to do is place this on the IHS of the processor, so that the cold side is in contact with it.
Previously, we must have applied thermal paste, both on the processor’s IHS and on the hot side of the cell. Because, on the hot side, we must place a heatsink or a water block to cool it. Actually, it is more effective to do it with a water block (and its corresponding liquid cooling circuit) than with an air heatsink.
Now we must secure the heatsink to the motherboard. For this, the original heatsink anchoring system may not work for us. Since it is not intended to deal with the extra width that the Peltier cell represents. Precisely for this reason we commented on the water block. Since their anchoring systems have better tolerances and can deal with the cell.
All this mess for what?
There is actually a much easier way to use TEC (Thermo Electric Cooling) within our system. And it is to use a heatsink that already incorporates this type of cell in its construction. These types of heatsinks are called “hybrids . “
In this type of dissipators, the cell is placed in contact with the cold base of the same. And they usually have their own heat pipes to vent the heat that is generated in the hot plate of the cell.
Another method that has been used is to place the Peltier cell inside an AIO system . The CoolIT brand was famous for its equipment made this way. We had the opportunity to test one of their systems ourselves (the ColIT FreeZone Elite) and were quite impressed by its thermal performance.
COOLIT FREEZONE ELITE REVIEW
However, the heatsinks used by the cells do not tend to lower the temperatures of the processors too much . Not compared to what you get with a good heatsink.
In the end, Peltier cells are nothing more than a curiosity for enthusiasts . But they are not worth it. And this is proven because it is a technology that has never had a serious niche in the DIY market.
