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I.C.E. MODULE
Shuttle's ICE (Integrated Cooling Engine) Module has been around
for several years. The basic idea is to use heatpipes to transfer the heat from
the CPU directly to the a vent opening, where it can be exhausted without allowing
the heat to remain in the case. This is particularly useful in a small system
that heats up quickly if airflow is not properly engineered.
The exhaust end of the CPU duct.
Installing or removing the ICE Module is quite an involved process.
First, the drive cage must be removed to allow access to the Module itself.
Then, the plastic shroud that guides the intake airflow must be removed. Finally,
the module itself is detached from the motherboard by unscrewing four large
screws.
The fan hinges open to reveal a thin heatpipe-based heatsink.
A plastic shroud is used to direct fresh air to the intake fan.
Most of the voltage regulation components on the motherboard power
are located under this shroud. This major source of heat should also be well
cooled.
The ICE relies solely on heatpipes to transfer heat away from the CPU;
there are no heatsink fins attached directly to the CPU socket.
The exhaust fan is located about four centimeters above the bottom of
the case and does not align exactly with the intake fan.
Airflow for the CPU is achieved using a push-pull fan configuration
that Shuttle claims can produce 50 CFM across the heatsink. A thin 70 x 10mm
fan is used for intake, while the exhaust fan is a more standard 80mm model.
Both fans use the 4-pin PWM headers that that Intel recommends.
Part of the reason for using two fans to cool the CPU appears
to be that the duct isn't fully sealed; about half of the area of the heatsink
is exposed to the ambient air in the interior of the case. The intake fan appears
to be necessary to ensure that the most of the air pulled through the heatsink
comes from the duct rather than the ambient air inside the case.
The heatsink uses a copper base to improve thermal transfer efficiency.
The ICE Module includes the heatsink, the intake fan, and a metal
shroud that extends the duct across the CPU. It's quite large and is carefully
and tightly tucked into the corner of the case. Removing it requires a gentle
touch, but it's a fairly straightforward procedure.
The base of the heatsink is made of copper, and is smooth enough
that lapping is not likely to make any difference. Four aluminum heatpipes transfer
heat to a thin stack of aluminum fins. The total area of the fins is modest
compared to aftermarket performance heatsinks.
The heatsink is secured to the motherboard with four large screws
that are spring-loaded to ensure the correct tension between the CPU and the
heatsink. The unusually large heads offset the somewhat
awkward position of the two screws between the front of the case and the heatsink.
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