CoolIT takes heat off your PC

Heat is your computer’s enemy. Heat is the reason there’s some kind of fan constantly whirring inside your computer’s case. And if you were to open up your desktop PC, chances are you’d see a big hunk of metal with fins surrounding the central processing unit (CPU), which is your computer’s brain. It’s made by Intel or AMD.

The large chunk of metal is a “heat sink” and its purpose is to dispel heat that’s being generated by the CPU itself. Other components inside the computer also generate heat, thus compounding the problem. And to make matters worse, some like to over-clock their systems to make them even faster, but the trade-off is that generates even more heat. The bottom line is that if it gets too hot inside, the whole computer will come to a grinding halt and can even be physically damaged.

Until recently, the least expensive and most common form of dispersing the heat was to just add a bigger fan. The problem with that is your normally quiet space now sounds like an aircraft. The other solution has been to add some kind of exotic liquid cooling system. Liquid cooling systems are certainly capable of reducing the heat in the CPU as well as reducing overall chassis temperature levels, but until recently there have been a number of objections associated to the technology.

First and foremost, they require quite a bit of technical expertise to set up and install. If you’re squeamish about opening up your computer’s case and working inside, then chances are this is something you’ve had to avoid. The other big objection is cost. Liquid cooling systems traditionally have cost hundreds of dollars, sometimes as much as the computer itself. Other objectionable points include making your PC look like it has been taken over by the Borg with large, liquid-filled tubes hanging outside. Then there’s leaking, limited warranties and being extremely difficult maintain.

But all of those objections are about to go away with CoolIT Systems’ brand new Domino A.L.C.

The Domino is a compact, factory-sealed system that can be easily installed in minutes. You just open up the case (yes, you still have to do that, using a screwdriver) and install the special retention system that positions itself directly over the CPU. It mounts using its four spring-loaded screw posts, one located on each corner. According to CoolIT, it can be installed into even the most crowded chassis.

As the company says, once the product is installed, “users have the option to switch between three operation modes with the simple push of a button satisfying the need for quiet or the desire for over clocking performance.”

They go on to tout: “Domino A.L.C. is the only cooling solution with an integrated display providing system status as well as audible alerts if attention is required. The advanced micro-controller auto-regulates performance to ensure continuous protection for maintaining CPU reliability.”

Mounting hardware for Intel 775/1366 and AMD AM2+ processors is included along with the specially engineered retention mechanism, which ensures an optimum interface with the CPU and limits the weight on the motherboard to well below the maximum specified by CPU manufacturers. This system of carefully designed and selected components will provide more than 50,000 hours of worry-free operation backed by an unprecedented two-year manufacturer warranty.

Beginning in January, the Domino A.L.C. will sell for $79.99 and will be directly available at the CoolIT Web site. Now you can keep your cool while your PC does, too.

www.coolitsystems.com

XCraig Crossman is a national newspaper columnist writing about computers and technology. For more information, visit his Web site at www.computeramerica.com.

2008 McClatchy Tribune