[Amps] Using computer CPU coolers on GI46b triode ?

[Roger (K8RI)]

On 5/9/2014 3:53 PM, Steve Gorecki VE3RX wrote:
> Speaking from the CPU side of things, most CPU coolers cool a CPU that
> gives off about 65-135W of heat. Usually not any more than that. Thus,
> depending on the tube dissipation, you would need several CPU coolers. Even
> if you used a CPU water cooled cooler, they are still rated at about
> 125-150W maximum.
>

I work with overclocking a lot.  Some of my video cards run over 400 
watts. Has any one who proposed looked into the design and capacities of 
these systems?  I'd have to guess not.  Besides only handling several 
hundred watts at less than 60-70C

Some of the newer ones will go to 220-240 watts at CPU temps. They can 
be a real PITA and will be a PITA if pushed in temp or watts beyond 
their design ratings.

The "heat Pipe" systems are designed to try to keep the CPU die at 
roughly 40C. In the old days we ran tiny dies ~ 3/8th in sq wuth 90 mm 
high speed fans and hoped for less than 90C system life was not all that 
was hoped for and they were NOISY!

Right now, I'm sitting between two, 4.4 GHz, 8 core CPUs, with 300 watt 
plus video cards. The Power supplies are 850 to a 100 watt. Each has 3 
drive caddies, that will hold 3 drives, but there are not that many 
interfaces.

> I just don't see how a CPU heatsink and CPU fan can cool a GI46b at full
> power... However that said, a tube can run a lot hotter than any CPU can,

Today's CPU architecture is likely to lead a short life with its 
hundreds of millions of microscopic components near 90C. The CPU is 
about 1.25 in^sq and requires just the right amount of , exotic and 
expensive heat transfer compound.  IE, not too much and not too little. 
  These CPUs can run from several hundred dollars to well over a 
thousand, so a mistake can be expensive (and not highly visible)

> maybe double the temperature. Taking that into consideration, maybe a CPU
> cooler can dissipate 250W of heat when running at tube temperatures...

If you could get the cooler to hold together at those temps.
By far, the most efficient, practical, and reliable is plain old water 
cooling and can be a PITA to set up.  Most of those coolers contain a 
lot of PVC and that cheap, low temp plastic that so many of us are so 
fond of<:-))

All of my full size tower cases are designed to allow water cooling to 
be used.  Water cooling (chilled water) is silent, efficient, and 
reliable.  Note, the computer people already made provisions for using 
water cooling.

We're talking computers here, not something that runs hot enough to melt 
soft solder with normal use

I wouldn't even consider trying to use any of today's off-the-shelf 
computer cooling systems on a tube type amp.  For what is required, it's 
far cheaper to run chilled water.  Much less if you just run a big tank 
of distilled water

Add a room size air conditioner to chill the water and you can really 
push them to the cathodes limits although that may not be that great of 
an idea.

Put the tank, cooler, and low power centrifugal pump in the basement and 
you can have a real nice system, BUT be careful of condensation!

73

Roger (K8RI)


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