So Bob, do you suggest to go the way of phase change? What about the condensation, as TechguyMaxC mentions. Is it a big thread to the MOBO and other parts inside the PC? I'm willing to go for it but I'd like to feel safe that no disaster will hit this big investment of mine.About the CPU my decision is the i7-975. So at least I've made my mind in the CPU; the first step is done!!!ThanksConsti

Personally, I'm happy with water cooling--I would only use phase change if I were going to push the 975 past the max voltage limits and try for 4.6 or 4.7 GHz. Running FS 2% faster doesn't justify putting a $1000 CPU at that kind of risk. I don't know what the Cryo-Z comes with to protect the mobo...maybe Max can elaborate. But any water, even small drips of condensation, getting into the motherboard is bad bad news.RegardsBob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

The nice thing about phase-change is the sub-ambient temps it can produce. This can lead to lower levels of voltage required for the same clockspeed. It is true that hardcore overclockers use this advantage to then run additional voltage for even higher clocks, but this is not a requisite. Also as Bob mentioned sub-ambient temps lead to condensation so thorough insulation of one's equipment is necessary to prevent water damage. Fortunately, the Cryo-Z comes with all the insulation one would need to protect their components. If you want to find out more about the Cryo-Z, I suggest reading some of the user accounts from XtremeSystems forums.

Personally, I'm happy with water cooling--I would only use phase change if I were going to push the 975 past the max voltage limits and try for 4.6 or 4.7 GHz. Running FS 2% faster doesn't justify putting a $1000 CPU at that kind of risk. I don't know what the Cryo-Z comes with to protect the mobo...maybe Max can elaborate. But any water, even small drips of condensation, getting into the motherboard is bad bad news.RegardsBob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

If you are that worried about condensation, lay your case on its side so the motherboard is on the top of the case. Any drips "should" fall out of harms way.ChuckCYXU

If you are that worried about condensation, lay your case on its side so the motherboard is on the top of the case. Any drips "should" fall out of harms way.ChuckCYXU

Unfortunately, condensation around the CPU socket will still get in due to the effects of surface tension/wicking. A combo of your suggestion and a good silicon seal would probably be safe.Most of the guys I know running below-ambient cooling are hard core overclockers that run their PCs for short periods trying to get big benchmark scores. Not to say that it can't be done, but i just don't know anyone that runs one of those systems for more mainstream purposes.CheersBob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

I am also looking to upgrade my current i7 system from stock air cooling to something much better, so i have been following this thread for a while.It was on this thread i first heard of phase chnage cooling , and been very interested in OCZ CryoZ unit , cause of sub zero temps and affordability.I started an online search for hours to locate a company that has experince in installing Phase Change devices given all the condensation issues, and i came up with this guys in the uk. http://www.cryopc.co.uk/index.htm They primaryly make thier own huge tower case with installed Phase Change system at the bottom of the case, but cause its too expensive for me (about