The Raspberry Pi 5, a popular single-board computer, has received an unexpected upgrade in the form of a water cooling kit. This unusual cooling solution, developed by Seeed Studio and 52Pi, includes a radiator, reservoir, fan, and pump, all designed to keep the Raspberry Pi 5 at an optimal temperature during operation.
According to the product page, the water cooling kit is capable of maintaining the Raspberry Pi 5 at around 40°C, with a potential further reduction to 37°C under full load. The comprehensive kit provides all necessary components for seamless integration, including flexible hoses, a compact cooling plate, and a dedicated power supply. Notably, the kit also features RGB lighting on the fan and pump, adding a touch of flair to the cooling setup.
However, the price of this cooling solution may raise some eyebrows, as it comes in at around $120, which is $40 to $60 more than the cost of the Raspberry Pi 5 itself, available in 4GB or 8GB variants. This substantial cost prompts questions about the practical applications that would necessitate such an advanced cooling system for a Raspberry Pi.
The product page touts the water cooling kit’s ability to effectively dissipate heat generated during intensive tasks or prolonged usage, preventing overheating and ensuring stable performance. Additionally, it emphasizes the potential to connect multiple Raspberry Pi boards to a set of cooling devices, particularly useful for clusters of Raspberry Pi boards.
While the idea of liquid cooling a Raspberry Pi may seem niche, it aligns with a broader trend of integrating liquid cooling solutions into traditionally air-cooled components. Liquid coolers have become increasingly prevalent for CPUs and high-end GPUs, reflecting the rising power demands of modern computing systems. This trend extends to unconventional applications, such as gaming laptops with removable liquid cooling loops and even a PCIe 5.0 SSD showcased at CES 2024 featuring a compact liquid cooling solution.
Ultimately, the introduction of a water cooling kit for the Raspberry Pi 5 demonstrates the ongoing innovation and experimentation within the realm of cooling solutions for computing devices, catering to diverse needs and preferences in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
