Computer cooling changed forever this week when Asetek lost control of its main water cooler design. For two decades, the company forced others to put pumps inside cold plates. The patent expired May 6, opening doors for different designs without legal threats. Only a few companies found ways around these rules through special agreements or creative engineering tricks.
Coolit Systems made a private deal with Asetek to keep making their style. EK Water Blocks sells AIO units starting at $130.90 with different pump placements. Alphacool puts pumps next to blocks in their Eisbaer models. Designers will create new pump-radiator combinations with the legal barriers gone. According to recent reports, Asetek might sell its consumer cooling business.
The company makes racing simulator equipment, but losing exclusive rights most affects computer cooling. Expect fresh cooler shapes, pump types, and radiator systems later this year. PC builders will see options beyond the standard pump-block design, and data centers might benefit from these changes as well.
Coolit Systems made a private deal with Asetek to keep making their style. EK Water Blocks sells AIO units starting at $130.90 with different pump placements. Alphacool puts pumps next to blocks in their Eisbaer models. Designers will create new pump-radiator combinations with the legal barriers gone. According to recent reports, Asetek might sell its consumer cooling business.
The company makes racing simulator equipment, but losing exclusive rights most affects computer cooling. Expect fresh cooler shapes, pump types, and radiator systems later this year. PC builders will see options beyond the standard pump-block design, and data centers might benefit from these changes as well.
