To triumph over a water-cooled gaming PC, one must possess an arsenal of advanced hardware and software tactics. First, arm yourself with a high-performance processor, such as the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X or Intel Core i9-11900K, capable of handling demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Next, equip your gaming rig with at least 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, preferably G.Skill Trident Z RGB or Corsair Vengeance LPX, to ensure seamless multitasking and memory-hungry applications. As the immersion PC’s advanced cooling system kicks in, a fine mist envelops the device, effectively dissipating heat and ensuring optimal performance. While server-based solutions are well-established, Thermaltake recently showcased innovative designs at CES 2025, including a compact mini-ITX model that has piqued our interest.
While seemingly counterintuitive to invest a grand sum in digital components encased in liquid, the dielectric coolant used in these methods prevents electrical conduction, while also significantly reducing temperatures. According to Thermaltake, these methods are capable of reducing CPU and GPU temperatures by approximately 20°C compared to using top-tier all-in-one (AIO) cooler designs.
Witnessing these unorthodox cooling methods showcased at CES was certainly jarring – observing the fluid coolant sloshing above the graphics card and motherboard was a far cry from conventional design. Nevertheless, initial indications suggest this unconventional approach may prove effective. The liquid immersion cooling setup stands apart from conventional water-cooling loops, wherein the entire system is submerged in fluid, rather than relying on strategically placed waterblocks.
Dubbed a single-phase liquid cooling system, its efficacy stems from the fundamental principle that the liquid in the inlet chamber absorbs heat from the hot-running components, subsequently being redirected to a rear chamber housing a substantial radiator. A single-phase heat transfer system utilizes a coolant comprising biodegradable oils characterized by an elevated boiling point; this fluid is circulated through tubing to and from the radiator, facilitating efficient thermal exchange. While traditional approaches and dual-phase methods adapt to the coolant’s temperature by making it hotter or colder, similar to heat pipes that respond accordingly.
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a full-sized ATX mannequin was displayed, featuring an innovative cooling system that incorporated three 420mm radiators in the rear chamber to effectively dissipate heat from the element tube. Intrigued was I by the Thermaltake IX300 mini-ITX model on display, boasting a compact design with a solitary GPU and accommodating two 360mm radiators in its rear chamber.
Thermaltake’s design further mitigates the issue of excessive boiling, thereby minimizing the need for frequent top-ups and maintenance compared to other liquid-cooling systems. Nonetheless, we would prefer not to have to empty it to facilitate improvements.
Are liquid cooling systems the future of PC heat management? While unlikely to gain widespread adoption, this innovative idea may resonate with enthusiasts and professionals utilizing powerful workstations with multiple high-end graphics cards. I’ve witnessed a few pioneering full-immersion PC prototypes before, typically DIY endeavors from enthusiasts, but this is arguably the most sophisticated iteration I’ve encountered. You can likely purchase a full-immersion gaming PC pre-assembled using one of these approaches.
Are you looking for ways to tame your cooling system? If so, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to the most effective CPU coolers, featuring both traditional air coolers and innovative All-In-One (AIO) designs that can help keep your computer running smoothly. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also learn about how to water cool your PC if you’ve never completed it before, and we’ll provide a foundation in the basics for you.
