In spite of huge advances in computer system performance in recent years, for demanding gamers and dedicated overclockers they're simply not enough. Persuading processors to offer more performance and power does come with a heat cost though. Digital Storm's new Sub-Zero Liquid Chilled System manages to idle an Intel i7 processor below freezing point while unlocking overclocking performance gains at the same time.
Squeezing more and more performance from computers inevitably means that serious consideration needs to be given to keeping things super cool inside the box. Using liquid offers efficient, quiet operation and everything from memory modules to graphics cards to of course processors have benefited from the chilling effects of flowing liquid for some time. Asetek even developed an All-in-One prototype where heat was transported by liquid to the unit's stand and exhausted from the system.
Digital Storm has designed and tested a new Sub-Zero Liquid Chilled System which benefits from no moving parts and marries a series of TEC peltier coolers with specialized compression fittings, German-engineered water blocks and an integrated reservoir pump system to reduce a computer's thermal signature to virtually nothing. The network of artery-like tubes delivering its icy payload allows users to unlock overclocks of Intel's i7-980X processor right up to 4.6GHz, while idling it below 0 deg C.
The company's new cooling system has been installed into its HailStorm gaming computer and is available now from the online store. Prices start at US$3,899 for a PC featuring an Intel i7 950 processor, 6GB DDR3 memory and NVIDIA GTX 460 graphics. The Intel i7 980X system also features a couple of NVIDIA GTX 580 cards with 1.5GB of onboard memory and a 1200W power supply. This high-end gaming beast will cost you US$6,304.
