The Technology – Cooling Unit

A Thermo Electric Cooler is (basically) a thin plate that pumps heat from one side onto the other side, making one side cold and the other side hot. When using a TEC, one needs to have sufficient cooling on the side that gets hot, otherwise it will not be able to chill the side that is supposed to be cold. The cold side goes onto a coldplate that should have direct contact with the CPU core. This coldplate is a fairly thick aluminum block with a copper insert. The base doesn’t carry any significant ridges, and it is in no need of lapping. If you are interested in how TEC's work, go and google for "the peltier effect".

The cooling unit - side view

The bottom of the base is pretty well finished – notice the copper insert

Heatsink, TEC and coldplate

On top of the TEC is an aluminum heat sink and a fan. The heat sink is very standard in design, and is in no way over sized. The fan measures 70 * 70 * 15mm, and according to Active Cool it’s noise level is ranging from 29 dBA to 45dBA, depending on load. It can deliver up to 36 cfm. Both the TEC and fan are powered by the control unit. A pretty standard but good clip will hold the heavy Cooling Unit (total 540 g) in place, while engaging all three socket lugs. However, as there is no neat handle on this clip, it is a good idea to have a flat screw driver ready to gently put the clip in place.

Quick summary: What do we end up with?

Control unit, cooling unit (cold plate, TEC, heatsink and fan) and some thermal grease.

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