Chasing a Gaming World Record

Chasing a Gaming World Record (technical & product focus)

Goal

Use a custom sub‑zero cooling setup (three‑phase cascade refrigerator + cascade chiller) to break a PC benchmarking world record — specifically a PCMark 7 CPU‑focused run.

Key hardware & products

Cascade refrigeration system

• Three‑phase cascade refrigeration designed to reach extreme sub‑zero temperatures (expect ~‑90 °C on the CPU).
• Proper startup sequence required (bottom phase first).
• Thermal expansion valve controls refrigerant flow to stabilize temperatures under varying load.

CPU & platform

• High‑end Intel platform (referred to as “285K”) on an ASUS Apex‑class motherboard with aggressive OC profiles.

Memory

• Patriot Viper DDR6000 C28 top‑bin kit, further overclocked beyond stock binning using motherboard presets and manual tweaks.

GPU

• RTX 5090 Astral present but not required for the CPU benchmark.
• GPU prepped for sub‑zero use (Plasti Dip, paper towel) and attached to an industrial chiller (“Bruce Chillis”).

Cooling hardware & accessories

• Evaporator “head” with spiral evaporator prototype; newer evaporator versions use thinner material for faster heat transfer.
• Custom 3D‑printed mounting brackets for the chiller head (printed in nylon via HP Multijet Fusion 4200 for durability and insulation); PLA failed in testing.
• Kingpin socket heater (backside heating element) to prevent moisture on the PCB back side.
• Neoprene closed‑cell foam for frontside insulation; cut to clear DIMM slots; O‑rings used for seals.
• Thermal interface: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (preferred over liquid metal for extreme cold).
• Misc: Plasti Dip coatings for condensation protection; WD‑40 Specialist mentioned as an anecdote (not recommended).

Power & electrical

• The cooling system draws kilowatts; individual compressor phases measured ~700–1,100 W each during startup/ramp.
• Multiple dedicated circuits used (seven circuits available).

BIOS / software / benchmarking workflow

Preparation

1. Update BIOS and VGA BIOS.
2. Install and tune Windows; prep GPU drivers.
3. Ensure proper power cabling and hardware slot placement (SSD in correct slot matters).

ASUS Apex OC features & settings

• Use “Advanced OC profile” and built‑in aggressive memory profiles to simplify tuning.
• Enable multi‑core enhancement, remove power/thermal limits.
• Set manual AI overclock tuner and NPU boost tuning.
• Use motherboard presets to avoid extensive manual timing work; still expect manual adjustments for final runs.

Voltage & VRM handling

• Vcore set to 1.35 V for the run (colder temps typically need less voltage but chip leakage matters).
• Switched from regulation (DLVR stepping) to power‑gate mode so the VRM delivers target voltage directly — common for extreme benching but not recommended for everyday use.

Benchmark process

• Run PCMark 7 (15–20 minute CPU benchmark).
• Capture screenshots of CPU ID, motherboard, memory settings.
• Submit result.
• Use WPrime for quick stability checks between runs.

Troubleshooting examples encountered

• Data file corruption during a run.
• SSD in wrong PCIe slot causing x8 vs x16/Gen5 bandwidth differences — fixed by moving SSD to correct slot.
• GPU clocks not applied after reboot — fixed via slot checks, driver/cache tuning, and reruns.

Techniques & tips

Condensation mitigation

• Apply Plasti Dip coating and use paper towels to protect components from moisture (effective but messy and may void RMA).
• Use closed‑cell neoprene foam to fill gaps and insulate around the socket/DIMM area.
• Use a kingpin socket heater on the PCB back to prevent moisture formation.

Mechanical mounting & seals

• Use robust nylon 3D prints (HP MJF) for chiller mounts; avoid fragile PLA.
• Use O‑ring seals and neoprene for front insulation to keep the evaporator head sealed around socket/DIMM area.

Thermal interface

• Avoid liquid metal for extreme sub‑zero work (can solidify and is messier).
• Use a cryo‑rated paste such as Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.

Overclocking workflow tips

• Use motherboard OC profiles to speed up memory tuning, then refine manually for record attempts.
• Monitor chiller phase power draw and manage compressor sequencing.
• Rely on the expansion valve to tune refrigerant flow under load.

Outcomes

• Multiple troubleshooting runs were required.
• Final successful PCMark 7 run achieved a world record after addressing SSD slot placement, cache/GPU/memory tuning, and repeating runs.
• Cascade cooling provided stable, repeatable runs — a key advantage for extreme benchmarking.

Safety & ethics notes

• Some unconventional tips were shared as anecdotes (e.g., spraying socket with WD‑40 Specialist) and are explicitly not recommended.
• Coatings and modifications (Plasti Dip, etc.) can void warranties and RMA; proceed with caution and at your own risk.

Relevant products / brands mentioned

• Cascade chiller system
• Kingpin socket heater
• HP Multijet Fusion 4200 (3D printing)
• Patriot Viper DDR6000 C28
• Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
• RTX 5090 Astral GPU
• ASUS Apex motherboard
• “Bruce Chillis” industrial chiller
• Plasti Dip
• Neoprene insulating foam

Main speakers / sources

• Linus Tech Tips host(s) (addressed as “V”/Linus)
• Charles Fuggerworth (overclocking expert / primary technician)
• Max (overclocking teammate / loaned parts)
• References to Bruce Chillis (chiller)
• Sponsor references (Delete Me)