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Intel Embraces Oil Immersion Cooling For Servers

Posted by Soulskill on from the pretty-slick dept.

1sockchuck writes "Intel has just concluded a year-long test in which it immersed servers in an oil bath, and has affirmed that the technology is highly efficient and safe for servers. The chipmaker is now working on reference designs, heat sinks and boards that are optimized for immersion cooling. 'We're evaluating how (immersion cooling) can change the way data centers are designed and operated,' said Mike Patterson, senior power and thermal architect at Intel. 'I think it will catch on. It's going to be a slow progression, but it will start in high-performance computing.' Intel's test used technology from Green Revolution Cooling, which says its design eliminates the need for raised flooring, CRAC units or chillers. Other players in immersion cooling include Iceotope and Hardcore (now LiquiCool)."

5 of 230 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Not all oils are flammable by cheese_boy · · Score: 5, Informative

    One example of non-flammable oil is Silicone Oil

    You don't even have to go non-flammable - large transformers that you might see next to buildings have been using oil as a coolant and insulation for decades.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer_oil

  2. Not only safe... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...but if you put the server room near the cafeteria, you can make fries too.

  3. They used to say ... by PPH · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... that the British don't build computers because they couldn't figure out how to get them to leak oil.

    I welcome our new UK computing overlords.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  4. Re:that;s why I use carbohydrates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    No, he's suggesting beer should be earmarked as 'high performance server coolant', the keg as a 'coolant storage reservoir' and the tap as a 'used coolant bleedoff valve', the latter to be placed in the bofh's office next to the coffee machine.

  5. Re:Wait, isn't oil flammable? by the_rajah · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I work in the elevator business as an Engineer. One day I was working on software in a new installation when the service man with me got a call to service an elevator in a mansion nearby. He suggested I come with him as it was an interesting installation. It was indeed. This was a three stop elevator installed in 1917 and all original and working just like it did almost 100 years ago. The controller resembled a cast iron bathtub with a lid having the relays mounted suspended from it. When the lid was lowered the relays were suspended in oil. I've seen some very old elevators still in use, but never one like that.

    --


    "Do the Right Thing. It will gratify some people and astound the rest." - Mark Twain