Thinktank 2 spinoff : Gastight computer.

[BrainEater]

This is technically a Thinktank Revision 2 update , but it's a totally unique computer so I'm doing a worklog for it.

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I need a computer to monitor stuff for the Thinktank rig.

I need it to run the following gear :



And , it needs to be explosionproof , hence the positive pressure N2 system....

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Design goals ;

Passive (or nearly so) , totally gastight computer with positive pressure N2 system.

Here's the plan : take a computer and build a case for it capable of operating with no air circulation , totally sealed environment.

Here's the victim :





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Here's the specs :

Intel Pentium 4 1.8 GHz w/640 MB pc133 cas 2 ram
IBM Netvista 67902GU Motherboard
Gigabyte Radeon 9200 AGP video
Seagate 40 GB HDD
Antec 300W PSU
+
Matrix Orbital MX2xx LCD display
USB Instruments Digital scope.

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Basically , I'm going to install this rig into a gastight case made from steel......but first some testing.....

Will it run purely passive ?



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After 20 mins :

The answer is no , rapidly approaching the max temp of 77 C ;

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However.......Even with a fan 3" away , just to move the air :

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That's after installing windows.......It's currently idling @ 29 c.

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I am in the process of installing the MO display so I can get it doing temps........And I have no case yet.....I have to find it or make it...

I'll be working on this more this week.

[Phobia]

because its gas tight, won't the temps be quite high, as it won't be able to get any new fresh air.. just keep re-using hot air?

[Cptn Vortex]

Yea, you only need the very slightest bit of airflow. I think I saw someone use one of those Fanless air purifiers, that uses ionic fields or something to create very subtle airflow.

[BrainEater]

Originally Posted by Phobia

because its gas tight, won't the temps be quite high, as it won't be able to get any new fresh air.. just keep re-using hot air?

Yes.

That is the challenge.

[Phobia]

YouTube - Mineral Oil Submerged Computer you could do something like that :P

[misterlarry]

So could we call it "Son of Thinktank"?

[llama_egg]

I prefer to think of it as Thinktanks second cousin twice removed on it's mother side.

[SKYMTL]

Nice Stingray O-Scope.

[3 of 7]

I'm also thinking the mineral oil tank may be the way to go, although the HD has to be mounted above the oil level.

[BrainEater]

Haha Phobia ,....If I wanted to rehash oil submersion , I'd use my own designs that predate Pugets work by years.

Not that I don't love Puget systems.They have done a great service to submersion cooling and they have my complete respect....

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The basic design is simple.

A steel box , 1/8" thick , about 18"x18"x 6" in size......

It'll have video out/2xUSb/ps2/tempconnectors for I/O from the box.all will be sealed.

The process I am looking at , it to 'thermally attach' all the major heat sources to the steel case.....it's one big heatsink after all.

I'd love some input on this.

I'm thinking about just attaching the cpu/NB/GPU to the case with copper tube......