I shouldn’t have kept the $1,000,000 computer

Linus Tech Tips28 minutes read

A million-dollar PC setup with water cooling and 2.2 petabytes of storage faces challenges like leaks and airflow management, requiring innovative solutions and ongoing improvements to optimize performance and cooling efficiency. Efforts to track system performance, enhance cooling capabilities, and plan for future upgrades are critical for maintaining optimal temperatures and overall system functionality.

Insights

  • The million-dollar PC is an advanced storage system with 2.2 petabytes of storage capacity, using water cooling and a custom-designed cooling system to manage the significant heat generated.
  • Efforts to enhance cooling efficiency involve monitoring tools, adjustments to fan speeds and valves, and potential future improvements like adding more cooling units and automating heat distribution, highlighting the importance of maintaining optimal temperatures for such a setup.

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Recent questions

  • What is the million-dollar PC?

    A giant storage server with high speeds.

  • How does the water cooling system work?

    Involves tubing, fittings, and closed-loop design.

  • What challenges are faced in setting up the pump?

    Incorrect tube connections and mounting issues.

  • How is the cooling efficiency improved?

    Adjusting fan speeds and valves.

  • What is the importance of containing hot air in the setup?

    Crucial for maintaining optimal temperatures.

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Summary

00:00

"High-Speed Storage Server with Water Cooling"

  • The million-dollar PC is a collection of servers linked by WCA software, acting as a giant storage server with speeds in the 100s of gigabytes per second.
  • The PC has been upgraded to nine storage machines, providing 2.2 petabytes of raw storage powered by kokia PCIe Gen 4.
  • Despite 3 tons of air conditioning, the PC generates significant heat, prompting the use of six free APC Tower coolers for water cooling.
  • The water cooling system involves 1-inch tubing, expensive fittings like shark bites, and a closed-loop system to avoid evaporative loss.
  • A custom system is designed to cool the server room and heat the warehouse in winter, utilizing a cooling tower on a forklift.
  • The water cooling setup includes a condensation pump, filters, and valves for individual piece servicing and ease of maintenance.
  • The system is tested with a pump, reservoir, cooler, and filter setup, ensuring proper circulation and cooling efficiency.
  • Issues arise with leaks, requiring the use of silicone sealant and adjustments to fittings and PVC pipes for the filter housing.
  • The setup involves drilling holes in the building, running tubes through ducts, and utilizing strong cable management for efficient organization.
  • The final system includes a cast iron pump and oxygen-limiting tubing, with ongoing adjustments and improvements for optimal performance.

14:04

"Enhancing Cooling Efficiency in High-Tech Setup"

  • The pump mentioned can handle around 20 gallons per minute, with a larger one capable of 40 gallons per minute.
  • There are challenges in setting up the pump, including incorrect tube connections and mounting issues.
  • Despite initial errors, decisions are made to proceed without immediate fixes, opting to address them later.
  • A leak occurs during the setup process, leading to some chaos and quick solutions to resolve it.
  • The setup involves a million-dollar PC and the importance of containing hot air in a setup like this.
  • Monitoring tools like Check MK are utilized to track coolant temperatures and system performance.
  • Efforts are made to improve cooling efficiency, including creating a hot aisle and considering additional cooling units.
  • The collaboration between the air conditioning unit and the heat exchanger is crucial for maintaining optimal temperatures.
  • Adjustments are made to fan speeds and valves to enhance the system's efficiency and cooling capabilities.
  • Plans for future improvements include adding more cooling units, automating heat distribution, and potential website creation with Squarespace.

27:51

"Cardboard project: Cool with AC"

  • Consider using cardboard for a project
  • Utilize the AC to cool the area
  • Ensure the ambient temperature is low enough for the project to work
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