Hardware Is it even possible to go liquid anymore?

[codezer0]

In short, I know that way back there was a kit from Koolance to help liquid cool a PS3 phat. It obviously required some case mod work, such as opening the grille to allow the tubes to go through to the blocks, but it was possible, and their work re-used the factory bolts and stuff to mount the blocks on.

That being said, sadly I only found out about this way too late, as of course the Koolance kit is discontinued/EOL'd out. But that being said, would it even be possible to liquid cool one if you wanted to now? It might be a helluva stretch, but I think it'd be awesome if it were possible to even put the kit all within the empty space that would be there from removing the ginormous heatsink.

At this point I'd just as settle for finding the block/mounting kit that would at least allow using an off-the-shelf rad/res/pump kit, so long as it fits the PS3 proper. console weight be damned, as long as it manages to work and cool the thing.

 

[trumpet-205]

If you want to, sure. Be prepared to spend quite a bit money on it. You would need two generic water blocks, compression fittings, tubing, reservoir, radiators, fans, and pump. Because you are using generic water blocks you also need to devise a way to secure water blocks in place.

Of course you also have to figure out how to power the cooling system, bypass PWM detection PS3 uses. Definitely possible, you will be spending $200+.

 

[codezer0]

Bypass the PWM? What do you mean?

So I'm guessing because it's not detecting the rpm's of the stock fan, you're saying it would freak out? If that is the case, I wonder how the Koolance kit handles that. From what I could tell, that kit just had some blocks that were the right size to fit at least the PS3's existing bolt pattern. I didn't see any part of it that would plug into the fan sensor.

 

[trumpet-205]

PS3 does shut down if it cannot detect fan spinning. Koolance kit only provides you a water cooling kit. You are still responsible to drill and do the wiring by yourself.

Also, the kit does not cover internal PSU cooling, which is needed if you are going to liquid cooling.

And you need to make sure surrounding voltage regulating module (VRM) are properly cooled.