Thread: Phase change cooling-just for fun

Originally Posted by Tsen

My biggest concern is the semi-hazardous gasses I'll have to store. I think I might have to get a permit, but R134a isn't too bad. Oxy/Acetyl torches are worse. If I was building a double cascade, you'd be right to worry.

Wow... you're actually gonna have to get a permit for a computer cooler. Damn... lol. Is this a gaming rig, or is it simply computing the meaning of life?

I want to see pictures when you're done... this sounds freaking amazing!

ps. -40 celcius... wow. That's about -52 Fahrenheit for those who aren't very keen on the conversion rates. Dayum...

It's a sort of gaming rig. I mean, it can run Crysis at medium-high settings. But to be honest, I game maybe two hours a week, tops. I used to game more, but I don't have time or desire anymore. So it's mostly to say I can. And, as always, to one up the script-kiddie computer science majors who think they're 1337.

Originally Posted by Tsen

So it's mostly to say I can. And, as always, to one up the script-kiddie computer science majors who think they're 1337.

hahaha... damn. That's funny, and always a good reason.

"Just 'cause I can."

I wanna hear how it turns out.

I order the compressor tomorrow. Also picking up a mapp gas torch and some copper pipe. I think the insulation I need isn't stocked at Lowe's, but I hope so. I might be able to squeeze in the condensor on this pay check, but it'll be close. And I still need to find somebody with a milling machine to make the evaporator for me.

Awesome!

I just did a bit of googling because I was curious as to what it would look like. I found this page where a guy has made (what I think to be) the setup you are talking about. He gives a pretty good step-by-step on the whole setup, so you might find it helpful.

Here's the link for it.

That's not quite what I'm doing, but I already have all the plans laid out, and I know what steps and precautions I need to take. Also, I won't be needing a permit for R134a (though any Brits out there would), but as it turns out, I'm going to be switching to R404a, which is a higher pressure, more powerful and more environmentally friendly refrigerant. Hell of a lot more expensive though. I can't find anywhere that sells it in less than 30lb tanks, and those run anywhere from $200-$300 dollars for an empty tank alone. All things considered, seeing as how I'm going to have to buy more than I need no matter how I do it, I'm probably going to build multiple units and sell a few once they're finished.
My budget has increased significantly, too.
I'm looking at $150-200 for the compressor, $50-80 for the condensor/shroud/fan assembly, $80 for the evaporator, $50-100 on copper piping and flexlines, $400 or more for coolant, $200 for a vacuum pump and another $100-200 on misc. small items (drier filter, MAPP gas torch, valves, swaging tools, etc).
Not cheap, but it should be worth it, seeing as how after I've built the first one, I'll have all the tools and most of the supplies to build more at little cost--maybe $300 per unit, and then I can sell those for quite a bit of profit to cover the expense.

Anyway, I'm making it more compact, something like this:

Only problem being, wheres the motherboard or anything? XD