FAQ

Why do you only show AMD compatible product?

That is actually an incredibly short story! AMD is the only CPU manufacturer that has invited us to their laboratory to perform testing. We know for certain that our product can be used on Intel platforms, it's just that we have never tested them personally. People who have tested our designs on the current Intel offerings have indicated that the processors were "Cold Bugging." We have been told that other coolers on the market also cool the Intel offerings to the Cold Bug point as well. We know what we need to do to assist with this issue, and we plan on offering an Intel focused product when the opportunity to perform additional testing presents itself. The overall diameter of the current product offerings at the base is 3.5 inches. Above the base, at the reservoir, the diameter is 4 inches. Yes this is a monster.

Why do your reservoirs come in different materials?

Some people REALLY like to have a metal reservoir. There is really no purpose other than aesthetics -- and perhaps durability. We suggest aluminum as a good compromise. We give the options for alternative materials to allow the enthusiast to focus more money where it will actually count -- on hardware and LN2 and LHe2.

Why are your reservoirs so tall in the photos?

At the point of production release, the input from overclockers was that the entire overclocking process was much easier when they weren't constantly topping off a tiny reservoir. So, we increased the reservoir volume to accommodate! Some of the other enthusiasts using Intel product will want not to fill the reservoir so high due to potential "Cold Bug" issues. We will start shipping with 6" tall reservoirs. The diameter of our reservoirs provides one cup of volume per linear inch.

Where did you come up with these designs?

• Input from professional overclockers for ease of use and a good general starting point
• Input from CPU manufacturers for target heat transfer and temperature profiles
• Input from Thermodynamics experts for vapor transition and transfer efficiencies
• Input from world class machinists on how to accomplish the heat transfer goal with little machining and material costs
• Input from countless computer Heat Transfer Analysis runs, which help us tune the pot to the expected CPU heat output profiles.

Will this cooler make me a better overclocker?

Probably.

Will this cooler make me a better overclocker than Sami or Kingpin?

Simply put, no.

What, exactly, is LN2?

LN2 is liquid nitrogen. It was never supposed to exist on our planet, but we are glad it can be manufactured. Wikipedia has all kinds of cool information about this wonderful fluid.

What, exactly, is LHe4?

LHe4 is liquid helium. It was never supposed to happen either, but WOW -- it's cold! If LN2 has a cold ex-wife, it's LHe4. Wikipedia has all kinds of cool information as well.

Can I use either cooler for either cooler fluid?

Yes, you can. The LHe2 pot is most efficient with LHe2. However, the LN2 pot is designed to accomodate the delivery system -- however, the LN2 pot is MUCH LESS efficient with LHe4. Liquid Helium requires a lot of unique handling to achieve cooling efficiency.

What is the process for using LHe4?

In general, an overclocker would never use the LHe4 pot without first cooling the system down with the LN2. After the system temperature bottoms out with LN2, the LN2 is left to boil out, and the LHe4 distribution system is applied and the temperature continues to drop after that point until it bottoms out at LHe2 temperatures.

What's all this about the various grades of copper?

Copper grade is very important. The grade of copper becomes extremely critical as temperatures drop. In a sweep from 100 Kelvin down to 20 Kelvin, the conductivity of pure copper increases at an extremely dramatic rate. Less than pure copper does not exhibit these same properties. Just a slight amount of impurities has a HUGE effect on the conductivity values.

Can I drop this copper base?

No, it's too soft

Can I lap the thermal interface?

Yes, lap away. It will take quite a few lap jobs before it is spent. If you like, you can dance while you do your lapping -- theoretically, you would then be "Lap Dancing." How often can you say you do that?

I hit my PVC cooling tower with a sledge hammer during a flat out LN2 run and it broke. Can I buy a new one? Can it be longer?

Of course you can. And yes it can be longer. You just have to inquire and we'll take care of you.

Will this work on my VIC 20? It needs a speed boost

Absolutely! Let me know how well it works out and we'll post the results and photos