A Youtuber has developed a unique cooling system for computer processors, constructing a “dome cooler” using fifteen miniature fans. The project, undertaken by a content creator known as Major Hardware, stemmed from experimentation with a toy UFO and a desire to determine how many small fans could replicate the performance of a standard 120mm fan.
The creator initially faced challenges with a flat 120mm frame proving too small to accommodate all the fan motors, leading to the design of a dome-shaped housing. Early prototypes experienced motor mount failures and lacked vibration dampening. However, a revised version successfully cooled an older Intel Core i7 7700K processor running at 4.9 GHz for twenty minutes.
Testing revealed the custom-built cooler maintained a CPU temperature of approximately 69°C in a room at 18.17°C. This performance was comparable to a Noctua A12 X25 cooler, which achieved 69.5°C under similar conditions – representing a roughly 0.6% improvement for the fifteen-fan design. The findings suggest a viable, albeit unconventional, alternative to traditional cooling solutions.
Despite the comparable cooling performance, the dome cooler generates a significant noise level, measured at approximately 73 dB at a distance of 20 cm. The creator likened the sound to “a swarm of angry bees” and recommends the design only for users less sensitive to noise. This trade-off between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance is a key consideration for potential adopters. The construction process and testing results are detailed in a video on the creator’s channel.
The project highlights the ongoing innovation within the PC enthusiast community and the drive to explore alternative cooling methods. Whereas not necessarily a commercially viable product, the dome cooler demonstrates the potential for creative engineering solutions in thermal management.
