Thermaltake SubZero4G TEC for AMD

Manufacturer: Thermaltake Technology
Supplied by: Thermaltake Technology
Price: $149

By Dean Barker (4/9/2003)

 

 

Introduction

Last week we had a go with Thermaltake's new SubZero4G TEC cooler for the P4.  Today, we follow that up with the SubZero4G for AMD.  TEC devices, otherwise known as Peltiers, offer cooling down to or even below freezing.  I thought that would get your attention because it has gotten the attention of the hardcore overclockers for some time now.  Let's take a minute to quickly recap the overall theory of Thermo-Electric Cooling and the SubZero4G.

Thermaltake has brought Thermo-Electric Cooling, long known to overclockers and hardcore enthusiast, to the mainstream with this unit.  A TEC unit, or Peltier, operates off the principle of running current through two dissimilar conductors.  Dissimilar, in that the level or density of electrons is greater in one conductor.  Depending on what side pole of current (+  or - ) the conductor is attached to, the unit will absorb or release heat.   By utilizing some form of cooling such as a heatsink and fan we can dissipate the heat and allow the cold side to remain cold.  Too cold can be troublesome because you want to avoid condensation on anything remotely close to your mainboard and CPU. 

The Thermaltake unit has a microprocessor that varies the heatsink's fan speed and the amount of current sent to the Peltier based on temperature readings from your processor.  This way your processor gets the cooling it needs based on the load it is currently under.  The AMD version of the SubZero4G is built around a 73 watt Peltier.  The ultra hardcore can and do run Peltiers up to 172 watts.  Increased wattage means increased cooling to the processor AND increased need for the "hot" conductor to be cooled.  Thermaltake has been really focusing on quieter performance cooling of late.  With an adjustable 73 watt Peltier, excellent cooling at a minimum of sound is possible.  Pass the white papers please.

 

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