SilverStone, a leading manufacturer of computer cases and cooling solutions, is nearing the release of the XE360-Dual, a groundbreaking All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooler designed specifically for workstations and servers equipped with two CPUs. Let’s take a look at this model a little more in-depth and what this could mean for those looking to get their hands on this brand new liquid cooler.
Traditional AIO coolers and the XE360-Dual
Traditional AIO coolers are self-contained liquid cooling systems ideal for CPUs that generate a lot of heat. They typically consist of a water block that absorbs heat from the CPU, a radiator that dissipates the heat, a pump that circulates the coolant, and fans that draw air through the radiator. What makes the XE360-Dual unique is its ability to cool two CPUs simultaneously. It accomplishes this by incorporating two water blocks connected to a single, larger radiator. This eliminates the need for separate AIO coolers for each CPU, saving space and simplifying the cooling setup for users.
Furthermore, the XE360-Dual offers broad compatibility. It supports both Intel and AMD server processors, including the LGA4189 and LGA4677 sockets for Intel and the SP5 socket for AMD’s Epyc CPUs (optional mounting kits required for Intel). To handle the increased heat generated by two CPUs, the XE360-Dual utilizes a thicker radiator compared to its single-CPU counterpart, the XE360-SP5. This increased thickness allows for more surface area and better heat dissipation. The radiator remains compatible with three 120mm fans, ensuring efficient airflow.
Workstation and server use
Dual-CPU workstations and servers are employed in demanding applications like scientific computing and large-scale data processing. These systems generate a significant amount heat, and traditional air coolers may struggle to maintain optimal temperatures. AIO coolers offer superior cooling performance compared to air coolers, making them a suitable choice for this type of use. The new SilverStone XE360-Dual eliminates the need for bulky air coolers or multiple AIO coolers, streamlining the build process and improving airflow within the case.
Limitations
While the XE360-Dual caters to the specific needs of dual-CPU workstations and servers, it’s not currently compatible with consumer-grade CPU sockets like AM4/5 for AMD or LGA 1200/1700 for Intel. SilverStone does not offer mounting kits for these popular sockets at this time. However, for those seeking a single AIO cooler for both their CPU and GPU, alternative solutions like the modular AIO from Lynk+ could be worth looking into.
