The 52-Pi Ice-Tower Cooler for Raspberry Pi 5, priced at $15, brings a unique blend of performance and aesthetics to the Raspberry Pi cooling solutions. Reminiscent of 1960s muscle cars, this cooler is not only about its bold looks but also promises extreme cooling capabilities. Previously adapted for the Raspberry Pi 4, this version is specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi 5, offering a safer and more efficient cooling solution compared to makeshift alternatives.
Dec 29, 2023 - 01:33
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Specifications of the Ice-Tower Cooler
Cooling Technology and Design
The Ice-Tower Cooler is equipped with passive cooling fins and a 35mm PWM fan featuring RGB lighting. The cooler's construction includes an aluminum heatsink and fan assembly, along with copper heat pipes directly connected to the System on Chip (SoC). A thermal pad is also applied to the SoC for enhanced heat transfer.
The cooler is designed to maintain access to all essential ports of the Raspberry Pi 5, though access to the camera and display ports can be tight. The cooler's dimensions are 75 x 66 x 55 mm when fully assembled.
Ice-Tower Cooler Design and Aesthetics
Muscle Car-Inspired Look
The Ice-Tower cooler’s design is heavily inspired by the air intakes of muscle cars, giving it an eye-catching and robust appearance. The framework supports the aluminum heatsink above the SoC, ensuring efficient cooling while navigating around the Raspberry Pi's chips and connectors.
Assembly and Installation
Assembling the Ice-Tower Cooler is straightforward and takes just a few minutes with a screwdriver. The result is a high-performance cooling solution that complements the Raspberry Pi 5's capabilities. The RGB fan connects to the new fan connector on the Raspberry Pi, leaving the GPIO pins free for other uses.
RGB Lighting
The cooler's RGB element consists of a slow color-changing RGB LED, a simple yet effective lighting feature that adds to the cooler's visual appeal.
Performance Testing: Cooling the Raspberry Pi 5
To assess the Ice-Tower Cooler's effectiveness, it's necessary to put it through rigorous performance testing. This involves evaluating how well the cooler manages the heat output of the Raspberry Pi 5 under various operating conditions. The testing aims to determine if the cooler's "extreme" design translates into equally impressive cooling performance.
Conclusion: Evaluating the 52-Pi Ice-Tower Cooler
The 52-Pi Ice-Tower Cooler for Raspberry Pi 5 stands out not only for its bold, muscle car-inspired design but also for its potential to provide effective cooling for the Raspberry Pi 5. Its combination of passive cooling fins, a PWM fan with RGB lighting, and a sturdy aluminum and copper construction makes it a compelling option for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts looking for both performance and style. The cooler's easy assembly and compatibility with the Raspberry Pi 5's ports further enhance its appeal. As a blend of form and function, the 52-Pi Ice-Tower Cooler is a noteworthy addition to the Raspberry Pi 5's accessory lineup, offering a unique solution to keep the device cool while adding a touch of flair to the setup.
