In the upcoming year of 2024, Intel is poised to introduce its highly-anticipated Granite Rapids Xeon CPUs, representing a new generation of processors that could demand a substantial power draw of up to 700W. This significant power requirement necessitates the integration of a powerful heatsink capable of efficiently managing the associated thermal workload.
Companies like Dynatron have been quick to respond to this challenge, with the release of their initial prototype series designed to address the demanding thermal needs of Intel’s forthcoming processors. This pioneering cooling solution is expected to handle the formidable 700W power envelope with finesse.
Meet the Dynatron L38 CPU Cooler
Dubbed the “L38” and designed for CPU Socket LGA7529, this heatsink hails from Dynatron, a company well-known for its cooling expertise. The L38 stands out by offering double the thermal dissipation capacity compared to Intel’s current flagship, the Xeon Platinum 8490H, which boasts 60 cores and 120 threads.
As these new Granite Rapids-SP chips usher in an era of increased core counts, their thermal design power (TDP) is set to rise significantly. Consequently, there arises a pressing need for a novel heatsink that can effectively maintain optimal temperatures and ensure stable performance.
Key Features of the Dynatron L38 CPU Cooler
- Server Compatibility: The L38 is tailored for use in servers with 2U or larger form factors.
- Copper Base Cold Plate: The heatsink features a copper base cold plate to facilitate efficient heat transfer.
- Compact Radiator: A compact radiator design optimizes space usage within server enclosures.
- High-Performance Fans: The cooler is equipped with three 80mm cooling fans, each with a 4-pin PWM connector.
- Powerful Water Pump: An independent water pump boasts a robust flow rate of 2.9 liters per minute.
- Pre-Assembled Torque Tube: A 30cm black EPDM torque tube comes pre-assembled.
- Comprehensive Accessories: The package includes all necessary accessories for installation.
- Shin-Etsu Thermal Compound: Each fan has its own header to handle the elevated current consumption effectively.
Managing 700W of CPU Power
The three 80mm fans employed in the Dynatron L38 CPU cooler can reach speeds of up to 8000 RPM and deliver a remarkable 115.61 CFM of airflow, albeit at a maximum noise level of 57.00 dBA. These fans draw up to 24.72W when running at full capacity, and while the power consumption and noise levels are relatively high, they are well-justified given the substantial cooling requirements of server environments.
As we await Intel’s official unveiling of the new CPUs, the performance of the Dynatron L38 heatsink remains to be tested in practice. While expectations are high, the real test will come when it must effectively manage the 700W thermal output. The success of this heatsink is crucial, as any shortcomings in cooling solutions could lead to potential problems, regardless of the CPU’s capabilities, and may affect Intel’s reputation.
In conclusion, the Dynatron L38 heatsink offers a promising solution to Intel’s 700W thermal challenge, but its true effectiveness will be put to the test when the Granite Rapids Xeon CPUs finally hit the market.