How to Cool a Computer With a Mini Refrigerator
Computers generate a remarkable amount of heat during operation, requiring ingenious cooling solutions to prevent the computer from freezing or experiencing other hardware problems during operation. One possible solution to a computer cooling crisis is using a mini refrigerator to cool your PC. With a bit of patience and effort on your part, you can easily convert a mini-fridge into the ultimate computer cooling device.
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Instructions
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Purchase a mini refrigerator large enough to allow your PC to fit completely inside with the door sealed. Measure your PC with a ruler before going to the store, writing the measurements down so you have them handy. Also ensure that the refrigerator has removable shelving, lest you be unable to fit your PC inside regardless of the size.
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Drill a small hole in the door of the fridge sized to allow the power cord and video cord of the computer to fit through, but not much larger. This lets you to completely close the door of the fridge with your PC inside, while allowing as little cold air as possible to escape, facilitating your cooling efforts. Bind the power cord and the video cable together with twine or twist-ties so they take up as little room as possible.
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Utilize wireless input devices to minimize the number of cables coming out of the fridge, thus improving the overall cooling potential of the setup. Purchase a wireless mouse and keyboard (along with any other regularly used input devices) for use with your fridge-cooled computer to optimize the experience.
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Purchase a silicone coating spray, designed to protect sensitive electronic parts from moisture, as from condensation. Coat all of the exposed components of your PC with this spray to guard against water buildup in the cold environment of the refrigerator. A sample silicone spray is linked below.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not worry if you cannot afford a wireless mouse and keyboard at first. Just drill the hole slightly larger to allow for the presence of additional cords through the fridge door.
A mini-fridge will work hard and constantly to dissipate the heat generated by your computer's CPU and GPU, causing a possibly dramatic increase in your monthly electric bill.
This will not be a multi-tasking refrigeration unit. Opening and closing the door will exacerbate condensation problems. Using an external CD-ROM drive is highly advised.
It is highly recommended that you back up all important data on your hard drive(s) before commencing this experiment.
