Thursday, August 11th 2011

AMD Contemplates Bundled Water-Cooling for Some FX-Series Processors

The certified fan-heatsink that comes with the CPU is perhaps the first thing enthusiasts get rid of, from their machines. The bundled heatsinks are almost never built in a way that allows you to squeeze the most out of your CPU. It looks like AMD is deciding whether to change this notion with some of its top-tier 8-core "Bulldozer" FX-series processors. The company reportedly plans to bundle self-contained liquid-based coolers with their processors.

Over the last couple of years, consumers have taken a liking for $100 self-contained CPU water coolers, kits that include the block with a motor, pre-fitted tubing to the radiator, which latches onto the common 120 mm rear fan hole of most cases. Bundling water coolers indicate two things: firstly, that the top-end FX-series chips will be hot, secondly, AMD is trying to woo enthusiasts. AMD could have asked its cooler OEMs to come up with a heavy tower-type fan-heatsink, but it chose water-cooling instead. So the move to pack water-cooling could either work for AMD's image (wooing enthusiasts), or against it (to convey that FX chips are so hot that nothing short of water-cooling is fit for them). Pictured below is a popular self-contained water-cooler by Corsair.
Source: X-bit Labs
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100 Comments on AMD Contemplates Bundled Water-Cooling for Some FX-Series Processors

#26
seronx
RavenasLooks like AMD has found the fastest way to receive negative publicity. Bundle a water cooler with a processor so every joe shmuck can fry their computer and then complain about horrible warranties and faulty tech support.

Bad idea in my opinion... :laugh:
AMD Chips don't fry anymore

and again this is highly unlikely(LCS in a tin box is impossible)



I don't see it happening
Posted on Reply
#27
devguy
jpierce55It looks like AMD is testing the waters everyplace they can.
Hmmm...
Posted on Reply
#29
TheLaughingMan
They could get away with this if the bump in cost is say $65 or less. That to me seems like a sweet spot for people to consider it a deal over buying your own at $100+. Although I honestly don't see this happening due to manufacturing restriction.

I agree with those that think a beefier air cooler period should be used. This would ensure every customer gets a "decent" cooler and might actually considering keeping it. If they can get even a small percentage of customers to keep the stock cooler because it isn't the complete BS we are use to, it would be a small win. Especially if they can do it with on a $5 or $10 bump in price. It would also be something they could easily design themselves.

It doesn't have to be a tower either. AMD is also obviously concerned about RAM and case clearance issues. Dear AMD, this is all you have to do. Take the cooler you give out with Phenom II X6 CPU's spread the 4 copper pipes it has out more to get better heat distribution and increase the size of those pipes by 2mm. Increase the area of the aluminum fins up to just a few milimeters shy of the CPU area (say the distance away you normally find between RAM slots). The go up to a 92mm or 100mm fan. Slant the cooler slightly to get the air flow at least toward the back or top of the case and you are done.

Something like this should be great with a faster fan:

Posted on Reply
#30
fullinfusion
Vanguard Beta Tester
LAN_deRf_HAAll they'd do is use a proven asetek or coolit with an AMD logo. Wouldn't have anything to do with corsair.
I used Corsair as an example as most think its better then Cool it ;)

If AMD would incorporate a tec into the radiator that would be sick!
Posted on Reply
#31
Damn_Smooth
RavenasHow much you wanna bet me that I can fry a amd chip with water?
I can do you one better and fry one with any liquid you choose. Same goes for Intel because I'm multi-talented.
Posted on Reply
#32
m4gicfour
Could be interesting, if they go with the idea. When I upgrade to BD or its sucessor I know my HTPC could sure use the stock LCS from this, and my PII X4 for a nice bump in performance.
Damn_SmoothI can do you one better and fry one with any liquid you choose. Same goes for Intel because I'm multi-talented.
Nah, I prefer fried potatoes to fried CPUs. Much tastier. Cheaper, too.
Posted on Reply
#33
Hotobu
Jstn7477Then someone might come along and say "My 8310P doesn't need a HSF since it didn't come with one" but who knows. Even if you give someone a HSF, it's not guaranteed that they'll use it, as in the case of some guy buying an i7 975X and using it a week before his new system died, wondering what that burning smell was, and that he maybe should have used the included fan. :shadedshu
Eh no, that's what warning labels are for a big red label on the outside, and on the inside on top of the processor would be sufficient to absolve AMD of any responsibilities.
Posted on Reply
#34
Damn_Smooth
m4gicfourNah, I prefer fried potatoes to fried CPUs. Much tastier. Cheaper, too.
I see your potatoes, and raise you chicken!!!
Posted on Reply
#35
bear jesus
It almost seams like a good idea but i would only say so if it cost less than buying them separate but also only if there is an option to buy without this cooler.

Many people including myself have one of these type of coolers on both AMD and Intel chips so i can see why it could seam like a good idea to someone within the company but if/how it works out only time will tell.
Posted on Reply
#36
m4gicfour
Damn_SmoothI see your potatoes, and raise you chicken!!!
Okay, that's it. Now I'm off to KFC.
Posted on Reply
#37
newfellow
arterius2This is fine as long as I don't see a $100 jump in price.
This is fine as long the CPU still ain't 40-44c with the water cooling. Would be really nasty when you buy new hardware and notice that the CPU runs twice as hot on already high end cooling which you can't upgrade.
Posted on Reply
#38
Tank
i don't think it's because they'll be hot, i think it's because they are confident they'll oc like beasts.

that said roll on september :) can't wait to finish my upgrade

already got my ram and crosshair V standing by :D
Posted on Reply
#39
Unregistered
I admire your commitment. I might want to do that too, except I already got burned with the 1155 recall. Plus I haven't gotten the feeling that there will be any problem with the availability of motherboards. IDK.
#40
Damn_Smooth
I'm waiting for the chip to release too. Besides the lack of funds, I want to make sure it's as big of a jump as I think it's going to be.
Posted on Reply
#41
Assimilator
CasecutterMeh, considering coolers like the Antec KUHLER H2O 620, or similar Corsair CWCH60 aren’t enough to provide real strong over-clocking...
My 130W QX9650 running at a 1GHz overclock under an H50 would disagree. Temps average 35 degrees and peak at 50 on the worst summer days.
Posted on Reply
#42
Halk
AssimilatorMy 130W QX9650 running at a 1GHz overclock under an H50 would disagree. Temps average 35 degrees and peak at 50 on the worst summer days.
Either you're right and all the reviews are wrong....

The only way this will work out for AMD is if they shift enough watercoolers that they can bring the price down so far that it it's a bargain.
Posted on Reply
#43
Rowsol
I good air cooler would be so much better...
Posted on Reply
#44
Hotobu
HalkEither you're right and all the reviews are wrong....

The only way this will work out for AMD is if they shift enough watercoolers that they can bring the price down so far that it it's a bargain.
What reviews? Every review I've ever seen for these say that they perform very well. The problem is that there tend to be cheaper less noisy air coolers.
Posted on Reply
#45
Halk
HotobuWhat reviews? Every review I've ever seen for these say that they perform very well. The problem is that there tend to be cheaper less noisy air coolers.
Go and read them again. They're not as good, not as quiet and not as cheap as air cooling.

Edit : If it helps I'll be even clearer.

Top end air cooling is overpriced, and the performance you gain is very slight over 'reasonably' priced mid/high end. If AMD are going to come up with something here then they need to sell a massive volume of them (relative to normal aftermarket cooler sales) in order to bring the price down so that they can compete with mid end air, because if they can get the price down to a 40 dollar premium over OEM CPUs then that's the point at which I believe people will be interested.

Someone who is going to spend a relatively large amount on a self contained watercooling solution for their CPU isn't going to be happy at only getting a $10 discount, but being unable to choose the manufacturer or model.
Posted on Reply
#46
de.das.dude
Pro Indian Modder
now only if they gave the top of the CPU a mirror chrome finish!
Posted on Reply
#47
Steevo
HotobuI wish that they'd just give us the option to buy processors without heatsinks.
AMD Phenom II X6 1035T Thuban 2.6GHz 6 x 512KB L2 ...


We can. But some of these are only the low end made for custom only cooling solutions.



I actually like the Phenom heatpipe cooler, but for the same amount of money a setup like this

XIGMATEK AIO-S80DP All-in-one liquid cooling syste...


Or one with a integrated motor to run the pump and fan with magnetic coupling and temp controlled off the board would be awesome enough for most people to want.
TheLaughingManThey could get away with this if the bump in cost is say $65 or less. That to me seems like a sweet spot for people to consider it a deal over buying your own at $100+. Although I honestly don't see this happening due to manufacturing restriction.

I agree with those that think a beefier air cooler period should be used. This would ensure every customer gets a "decent" cooler and might actually considering keeping it. If they can get even a small percentage of customers to keep the stock cooler because it isn't the complete BS we are use to, it would be a small win. Especially if they can do it with on a $5 or $10 bump in price. It would also be something they could easily design themselves.

It doesn't have to be a tower either. AMD is also obviously concerned about RAM and case clearance issues. Dear AMD, this is all you have to do. Take the cooler you give out with Phenom II X6 CPU's spread the 4 copper pipes it has out more to get better heat distribution and increase the size of those pipes by 2mm. Increase the area of the aluminum fins up to just a few milimeters shy of the CPU area (say the distance away you normally find between RAM slots). The go up to a 92mm or 100mm fan. Slant the cooler slightly to get the air flow at least toward the back or top of the case and you are done.

Something like this should be great with a faster fan:

images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/35-185-097-S01?$S300W$
Everything you just said but no heat pipes other than a couple copper or rubber pipes to carry the coolant.
Posted on Reply
#48
Casecutter
AssimilatorMy 130W QX9650 running at a 1GHz overclock under an H50 would disagree. Temps average 35 degrees and peak at 50 on the worst summer days.
Really with the single stock fan? While how many other case fans?
When Frostytech (one of the most reputable data based sites I've ever come across) I trust their result and opinion.
www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2564

www.legitreviews.com/article/1025/1/
www.tomshardware.com/reviews/corsair-h50-fort120,2370.html
www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/corsair-h50.html
www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-Kuhler-H2O-620-CPU-Cooler-Review/1233/1
www.eteknix.com/cooling/antec-kuhler-h2o-620-liquid-cpu-cooler-review-1519/
benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=694&Itemid=62http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/antebaconuhler_h2o_620_review/
www.madshrimps.be/articles/article/1000149/Antec-Khler-H2O-620-CPU-Cooler-Review#axzz1UpTl1HPZ
Here against a Thermolab Trinity Heatsink.
www.hardwarelook.com/review.php?id=43&page=1
www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2600
HalkEither you're right and all the reviews are wrong....

The only way this will work out for AMD is if they shift enough watercoolers that they can bring the price down so far that it it's a bargain.
That's what I read. There nice but what's the MTBF for the pump? Pumps do fail!... take my word I hear many issues everyday in my line of work. Such "entry systems" are more a novelty… for those who say I’ve get a water cooler.
Posted on Reply
#49
Damn_Smooth
de.das.dudenow only if they gave the top of the CPU a mirror chrome finish!
I really don't see why they don't do that. It's not like they cant include the information on the chip on a separate piece of paper.
Posted on Reply
#50
Casecutter
The XIGMATEK AIO-S80DP is an interesting concept, but it ignores the best attribute of water cool which is to move the BTU's out of the chassis. It doesn’t provide anything over a decent cheap H-P cooler, while at 840g that's a lot of heft and complexity to hang on a mobo. Then it appears to have plenty of leak points, while not to mention the dissimilar metals and the corrosion effect. No OEM like AMD would sanction that.

www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Xigmatek/AIO_S80DP/1.html
www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2070
Posted on Reply
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