OCZ Technology Group, a leading supplier of advanced computer components, this week began to ship its Cryo-Z phase change cooling solution. The cooling system allows overclockers to reach sub-zero temperatures in order to help overclockers to increase clock-speeds of their central processing units to maximum possible speed.

OCZ Technology's Cryo-Z is an advanced cooling solution for the extreme overclockers using phase-change technology to achieve sub-zero – from -40C to -55C – temperatures at the CPU. The Cryo-Z was developed with optimal user-friendliness in mind, including the insulation of the cooled parts as a necessary precaution against condensation, something that has kept Freon phase change coolers out of the consumer market. To reduce any exposure of cold surfaces to the ambient case air, every chilled surface of the Cryo-Z has been carefully insulated. In addition, a heating element is provided to be attached to the back of the motherboard, in order to prevent condensation behind the motherboard.

The Cryo-Z Freon-based cooler is rather bulky and heavy: 46cm x 21cm x 25.6cm (18” x 8.2” x 10.1”), 26 kilograms. Furthermore, it requires customized computer case so that to attach the nozzle to the CPU. In addition, Cryo-Z and the system itself should be interconnected. Before the system can be powered up, the Cryo-Z needs to pre-cool the head. Once the temperature at the CPU reaches -30C, the control logic allows power-up of the computer. If for some reason the temperature at the nozzle increases above 70 centigrade, the Cryo-Z will initiate the shutdown sequence of the computer to avoid damage from overheating. In order to achieve these capabilities, the connection between the power button of the system and the motherboard needs to be routed through the Cryo-Z.

Even though Cryo-Z is a stock product designed for last, it is unlikely that anyone will use it on a constant basis due to the fact that chips and mainboards will hardly last for long under such extreme conditions. Still, OCZ Cryo-Z may become a popular product among hardcore overclockers, who use computers to set performance records, thanks to its high performance and relatively low cost.

OCZ Cryo-Z will be available only from FrozenCPU.com online store for $380 and will come equipped with customized mounting plates for central processing units in AM2, LGA 775, LGA 1366 and LGA 1156 form-factors. FrozenCPU.com offers 30-days limited warranty on the unit.

 “The Cryo-Z was developed for enthusiasts looking to push their systems further with affordable yet high performance phase change cooling. We are thrilled that Frozen CPU has taken our solution and made it even better with a custom mounting plate which extends the compatibility of this product to the latest CPU platforms, making the Cryo-Z even more of a total solution for enthusiasts,” said Justin Shong, senior vice president of sales for the OCZ Technology Group.

Tags: OCZ, Cryo-Z