Scientists make water run uphill. What could it mean for us?

[tybrenis]

Article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4955398.stm

The future of CPU cooling?

[xmastree]

Maybe if they use some liquid with a lower boiling point, like ethanol or similar.

[crenn]

The problem then is could the liquid ignite? Because if I remember ethanol can burn fairly easily.....

[xmastree]

Indeed, but since this method of moving the water relies on boiling it, do you really want your CPU to reach 100 degrees before the cooler kicks in?

[crenn]

I know that. And I wouldn't like that, but I've seen a liquid metal cooler which uses magnectic fields to propell the liquids. Anyway, I'm sure there is a type of liquid out there that isn't volitile....

[OvRiDe]

I saw that earlier but didnt have time to read the whole article.. but for some reason it sounds very similar to what heat pipes do already.. any who, its nice to see they are heading in the right direction with addressing heat management beyond a simple fan.