Abstract: Method and apparatus providing airflow through a chassis including an upstream column of memory modules and a downstream column of memory modules. The airflow is divided into first and second separate airflow streams extending from an upstream end of the upstream column to a downstream end of the downstream column. The first airflow stream is guided into contact with a single memory module operably-installed in the upstream column and to avoid contact with any memory module in the downstream column. The second airflow stream is guided to avoid contact with any memory module in the upstream column and into contact with a single memory module operably-installed in the downstream column. The improved cooling enables the extended use of a single memory module per channel, even though the thermal load on such a memory module is greater.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a memory module installed in a computer system includes a liquid coolant conduit that is connected to a conduit support structure having a form factor selectively securable within a first preconfigured memory module socket of the computer system in order to position the liquid coolant conduit above the first socket. A heat pipe provides direct thermal contact between the liquid conduit and a heat spreader assembly in direct thermal contact with a face of the memory module. The apparatus may include a second heat pipe and second heat spreader assembly for similarly cooling a second memory module. In alternative configurations, the apparatus may cool memory modules on opposing sides of the conduit or memory modules that are both on the same side of the conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a cooling system and method for cooling a computer rack by circulating liquid coolant through different sections of a rack heat exchanger under separately controlled flow and temperature conditions. In a method according to one embodiment, a first liquid coolant is supplied to a first section of an air-to-liquid heat exchanger. A second liquid coolant is supplied to a second section of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger at a different temperature than the first liquid coolant. Airflow is generated through rack-mounted computer components to the first and second sections of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger. The flow rates of the first and second liquid coolants are independently controlled to enforce a target cooling parameter. The independent operation of the first and second fin tube sections allows for the increased use of un-chilled water without sacrificing heat removal objectives.

Abstract: Computing devices have fan speeds governing airflows through the computing devices. The rack has a maximum airflow associated with a cooling component for the rack. The computing devices transmit their current airflows. A sum of the current airflows is determined. Where the sum is greater than the maximum airflow, the fan speeds of one or more selected computing devices are decreased. The fan speeds of lower priority computing devices may be reduced before the fan speeds higher priority computing devices are reduced. Fan speed reduction may be achieved in a centralized manner, by employing a centralized management component, or in a decentralized manner, without employing a centralized management component.

Abstract: DIMMs are cooled by positioning a thermally conductive base between adjacent DIMMs. The thermally conductive base, such as a heat pipe or metal rod, receives heat from the DIMMs through thermally conductive elements that are selectively biased outward against the installed DIMMs. The base transfers the heat to a liquid conduit extending along the end of the DIMMs, where a circulating liquid carries away the heat. The thermally conductive elements provide an adjustable span to accommodate variations in distance between the DIMM surfaces. Embodiments of the invention may be installed without extending above the height of the DIMM.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating immersion-cooling of an electronic subsystem having multiple different types of components to be immersion-cooled. The apparatus includes a container sized to receive the electronic subsystem, and a hermetically sealed electrical connector disposed on a wall of the container. The electrical connector is sized and configured to receive an electrical and network connector of the electronic subsystem when the electronic subsystem is operatively inserted into the container, and to facilitate external electrical and network coupling to the subsystem. The apparatus further includes coolant inlet and outlet ports coupled to the container for facilitating ingress and egress of coolant through the container. When the electronic subsystem is operatively inserted into the container and coolant flows through the container, the electronic subsystem is immersion-cooled by the coolant.

Abstract: A low profile computer processor retention device, the computer processor including a processor substrate and a heat spreader mounted on the processor substrate. The retention device includes a retention housing. The retention housing is shaped to fit around a socket. The retention device also includes a load frame. The load frame is operatively coupled to the retention housing and is configured to retain the computer processor in the socket of a motherboard with direct contact between the load frame and the processor substrate. The load frame has a cutout. The retention device also includes a heat sink fastening member coupled to the retention housing and configured to fasten a heat sink to the retention housing and configured to couple the heat sink to the heat spreader through the cutout of the load frame.

Abstract: A low profile computer processor retention device, the computer processor including a processor substrate and a heat spreader mounted on the processor substrate. The retention device includes a retention housing. The retention housing is shaped to fit around a socket. The retention device also includes a load frame. The load frame is operatively coupled to the retention housing and is configured to retain the computer processor in the socket of a motherboard with direct contact between the load frame and the processor substrate. The load frame has a cutout. The retention device also includes a heat sink fastening member coupled to the retention housing and configured to fasten a heat sink to the retention housing and configured to couple the heat sink to the heat spreader through the cutout of the load frame.

Abstract: A system comprising a chassis that includes a plurality of modules and a fan assembly disposed in a distal end of the chassis for drawing air in parallel pathways through the plurality of modules. At least one of the modules is a compute module having a thermal sensor disposed to sense the temperature of air flowing across a processor mounted on a motherboard. The system further comprises a fan controller receiving output from the thermal sensor, wherein the fan controller operates the fan assembly to cool the plurality of modules and maintain the thermal sensor output within an operating temperature range. The fan controller controls the fan speed according to predetermined thermal profile settings associated with one of the compute modules received in the chassis. For example, the predetermined thermal profile settings may include a minimum fan speed, a maximum fan speed, and control loop feedback settings.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a heatsink having a flexible base and height-adjusted cooling fins. The flexible base includes a single base plate, with cooling fins and heat pipes secured directly to an upper surface of the single base plate. The use of the single base plate allows the length of the cooling fins to be increased. The use of a single base plate also allows the base to flex when mounted at the outer region of the base plate to a circuit board using fasteners. The flexure of the base biases the heatsink against the heat-generating component. The flexure also displaces the outer cooling fins, and the length of the outer cooling fins is further increased to compensate for the anticipate displacement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus providing airflow through a chassis including an upstream column of memory modules and a downstream column of memory modules. The airflow is divided into first and second separate airflow streams extending from an upstream end of the upstream column to a downstream end of the downstream column. The first airflow stream is guided into contact with a single memory module operably-installed in the upstream column and to avoid contact with any memory module in the downstream column. The second airflow stream is guided to avoid contact with any memory module in the upstream column and into contact with a single memory module operably-installed in the downstream column. The improved cooling enables the extended use of a single memory module per channel, even though the thermal load on such a memory module is greater.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for maximizing the performance of a computer system that includes at least one computing unit. Temperature and location data for each computing unit is received by a server unit and the location of each computing unit within a given environment is reevaluated and revised to maximize the overall performance of the computer system.

Abstract: A temperature isolation duct in a computer system comprising a chassis securing a circuit board and a fan system that draws air through the chassis, and a heat-generating component is mounted on the circuit board and exposed to the air flow. The hot air duct passively directs air heated by the heat-generating component from a single hot air duct inlet in direct downstream alignment with the heat-generating component to a single hot air duct outlet. A thermal sensor is secured within, or in direct alignment with, the hot air duct near the duct outlet for sensing the temperature of air flowing through the hot air duct and generating a temperature signal. A controller is in electronic communication with the thermal sensor for receiving the temperature signal and in electronic communication with the fan system for sending a fan speed control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for cooling an electronics rack in an energy efficient, dynamic manner. The apparatus includes one or more extraction mechanisms for facilitating cooling of the electronics rack, an enclosure, a heat removal unit, and a control unit. The enclosure has an outer wall, a cover coupled to the outer wall and a central opening sized to surround the electronics rack and the heat extraction mechanism. A liquid coolant loop couples the heat removal unit in fluid communication with the heat extraction mechanism, which removes heat from liquid coolant passing therethrough. The control unit is coupled to the heat removal unit for dynamically adjusting energy consumption of the heat removal unit to limit its energy consumption, while providing a required cooling to the electronics rack employing the liquid coolant passing through the heat extraction mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating immersion-cooling of an electronic subsystem having multiple different types of components to be immersion-cooled. The apparatus includes a container sized to receive the electronic subsystem, and a hermetically sealed electrical connector disposed on a wall of the container. The electrical connector is sized and configured to receive an electrical and network connector of the electronic subsystem when the electronic subsystem is operatively inserted into the container, and to facilitate external electrical and network coupling to the subsystem. The apparatus further includes coolant inlet and outlet ports coupled to the container for facilitating ingress and egress of coolant through the container. When the electronic subsystem is operatively inserted into the container and coolant flows through the container, the electronic subsystem is immersion-cooled by the coolant.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating air-cooling of an electronics system employing a vapor-compression heat exchange system, and front and back covers. An evaporator housing of the heat exchange system is mounted to a system housing of the electronics system and extends at least partially between air inlet and outlet sides of the system housing. The evaporator housing includes air inlet and outlet openings, and an evaporator. The front cover is mounted to the system or evaporator housing adjacent to the air inlet side or air outlet opening, and the back cover is mounted to the system or evaporator housing adjacent to the air outlet side or air inlet opening. Together, the system housing, back cover, evaporator housing and front cover define a closed loop airflow path passing through the system housing and evaporator housing, with the vapor-compression heat exchange system cooling air circulating therethrough.

Abstract: Rack assemblies and methods for cooling one or more rack-based computer systems, as well as data center configurations that utilize the rack assembly. The rack assembly comprises a rack providing support for multiple columns of heat-generating electronic devices and device fans for moving air from an air inlet side of the rack through the devices and through an air outlet side of the rack. The rack assembly also comprises a unitary door having a support frame spanning the air outlet side of the rack and hingedly coupling the door to a rear vertical edge of the rack. The door includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger panel spanning an air outlet passage inside the support frame so that substantially all of the air passing through the air outlet must pass through the heat exchanger panel. The air outlet passage has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the multiple columns of heat-generating devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating liquid cooling one or more components of an electronic subsystem chassis disposed within an electronics rack. The apparatus includes a rack-level coolant manifold assembly and at least one movable chassis-level manifold subassembly. The rack-level coolant manifold assembly includes a rack-level inlet manifold and a rack-level outlet manifold, and each movable chassis-level manifold subassembly includes a chassis-level coolant inlet manifold coupled in fluid communication with the rack-level inlet manifold, and a chassis-level coolant outlet manifold coupled in fluid communication with the rack-level outlet manifold. The chassis-level manifold subassembly is slidably coupled to the electronics rack to facilitate access to one or more removable components of the electronic subsystem chassis. In one embodiment, the electronics subsystem chassis is a multi-blade center system having multiple removable blades, each blade being an electronics subsystem.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating liquid cooling one or more components of an electronic subsystem chassis disposed within an electronics rack. The apparatus includes a rack-level coolant manifold assembly and at least one movable chassis-level manifold subassembly. The rack-level coolant manifold assembly includes a rack-level inlet manifold and a rack-level outlet manifold, and each movable chassis-level manifold subassembly includes a chassis-level coolant inlet manifold coupled in fluid communication with the rack-level inlet manifold, and a chassis-level coolant outlet manifold coupled in fluid communication with the rack-level outlet manifold. The chassis-level manifold subassembly is slidably coupled to the electronics rack to facilitate access to one or more removable components of the electronic subsystem chassis. In one embodiment, the electronics subsystem chassis is a multi-blade center system having multiple removable blades, each blade being an electronics subsystem.

Abstract: A system for receiving and supporting a plurality of devices connected to a network. The system comprises a rack having a front side providing access to a plurality of chassis bays for receiving a chassis and aligning a back end of the chassis for blind docking with an electrical power source. The chassis includes a power supply, a fan, and a front side providing access to a plurality of module bays for receiving a module and aligning a back end of the module for blind docking with the power supply. A compute module is received in a module bay and directly blind docked to the power supply. The system further includes at least one other module received in a module bay within the same chassis as the compute module and directly blind docked with the same power supply along with the compute module.