Mineral Oil Cooled PC Part 4 - Q&A
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The video minerals oil cooled PC Part 4 - Q&A continues the journey of building a fully submerged computer inside a mineral oil bath. It opens with a quick tour showing the completed mineral oil submersion setup, including inside-the-oil camera shots and a note about the waterproof housing used. The hosts explain the core hardware choices and the performance characteristics of the system at stock speeds, highlighting how the four rear radiators with low fan speeds keep the coolant only a handful of degrees above ambient while idle, and how load conditions affect the oil temperature and component temps. They also discuss practicalities such as the non-conductive nature of mineral oil, why pure distilled water would be problematic due to mineral buildup, and the rationale for using a purpose-built mineral oil tank rather than a generic fish tank. The Q&A segment covers common concerns including why there is no fan directly on the CPU heatsink, how oil creep can threaten cables at high fill levels, and the importance of radiators to actively remove heat from the circulating oil. The hosts address maintenance and component compatibility, noting that most pc components are safe under mineral oil while cables and rubber parts may suffer, and they emphasize the need for careful handling, drying, and evaluation if components are removed from the oil. They close with news about Puget Systems discontinuing some kits due to patent trolling and offer a giveaway of remaining mineral oil systems to viewers in the continental US and Canada, stressing that entrants must show genuine interest and provide proof of oil purchase to participate.
Topics · technology · hardware · modding · science
Questions answered
- Why is mineral oil used for cooling instead of distilled water in a submerged PC build?
- Mineral oil is non-conductive, so it reduces the risk of short circuits. Distilled water, while not conductive on its own, becomes conductive over time because it picks up minerals and metals. This can lead to shorting and damage, which is why mineral oil is preferred for long-term submerged cooling.
- What limits the use of a simple fish tank for mineral oil submersion, and why is a purpose-built tank used?
- A purpose-built tank is designed specifically for mineral oil submersion; it has thicker walls to resist cracking from heating and cooling cycles and is easier to source from a single supplier, reducing shipping costs and integration complexity.
- Why isn’t there a fan on the CPU heatsink in this setup?
- There is already substantial flow and movement of oil within the system, and adding a fan on the CPU heatsink would not significantly improve cooling and could disrupt the oil flow. Radiators are used to pull heat out of the oil, while the oil itself provides lubrication and quiet operation.
- What are the risks to cables and other components when they sit in mineral oil, and how should they be handled after removal?
- Cables can become stiff and the oil can degrade rubber sheathing over long periods, so careful handling is required. Components should be allowed to drip dry in a warm place for weeks before handling, and any oil on skin or fabric requires thorough washing with hot water and soap.