Cool IT Freezone TEC Cooler Kit

Manufacturer: CoolIT Systems
Supplied by: CoolIT Systems
Price: $319.00

by: Brian Tiller (8/18/2007)

Introduction

We haven't messed with many TEC, or Peltier coolers here at the 'Cafe, instead we've gone with using either air cooled heatsinks or more conventional water coolers. In fact, the last TEC unit I had we could never get it to work and when we tried to contact the manufacturer we found out they went out of business 2 days after they shipped us the review unit. Today, we're going to change all that as CoolIT have sent us their Freezone cooler unit. I have to admit to being torn between being a bit skeptical, considering our past history with TEC units, and being very hopeful of this unit after reading of other people's experience with it.

Thermal-Electric Cooling 101:

While I won't go into an in depth look at TEC/Peltier cooling, I do think it's a good idea to give a brief overview of how it works in relation to PC cooling. At it's most basic, the idea of TEC cooling is quite old. It uses electricity to create a heat flux between two different types of metal and drives the transfer of that heat from one to the other. There are several more detailed articles, including equations for the Peltier effect, available. I'd suggest reading a few of these as they are quite fascinating. 

But let's get on with the review by taking a look at the specs of the Freezone from CoolIT's website.

Specifications

• CPU FHE (Fluid Heat Exchanger):
  Design Monolithic copper, multi-cell, single channel 
  Dimension 42 x 42 x 17 mm 
  Weight 195g 

• TCM (Thermal Control Module):
  Design Dual IC SMT PCB w/outboard IC sensor 
  Input 12VDC, 5VDC 
  Weight 89 x 53 mm 
  Function Thermal controller to adjust TEC and fan power output 

• Chiller and Pump Module:
  Heatsink: 
  Design Dual dissipation plate, anodized alloy, laminar flow array 
  Dimension 89 x 53 mm 
  Weight 850g 

• TECs: 
  Design Six solid-state heat pump wafers 
  Dimension 40 x 40 x 3.5 mm (each) 
  Weight 20g (each) 
  Function Active coolant thermal reduction 

• Chiller FHE’s: 
  Design Dual anodized alloy distribution, multi-channel w/laminar flow 
  Dimension 121 x 41 x 12 mm (each) 
  Weight 80g (each) 

• Fan: 
  Noise 26dBA – 37dBA 
  Bearing Type Enhanced life ceramic 
  Life Cycle 50,000 hrs 
  Dimension 92 x 92 x 25 mm 
  Function Heatsink convection, chassis exhaust 

• Pump and Reservoir: 
  Design 12VDC coreless outrunner pump w/integrated expansion vessel 
  Bearings Dual in fluid sapphire bearings 
  Noise <15dBA 
  Life Cycle 50,000 hrs 
  Dimension 50 x 50 x 75 mm 
  Weight 360g 

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