Diamonds are used to cold chips, and not just forever – at least according to this tech startup promising to reduce temperatures by 20°C

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Diamonds are cold. Well, those from an ethical source, anyway. I’ve learned this over a lifetime of watching heist movies, rap movies, and clamorous, obnoxious people throwing them in my face at parties to show me exactly how much their partner values ​​them or something like that.

But according to Akash Systems, they may also be the future of chip cooling (via Tom’s equipment). The company recently signed a “non-binding tentative memorandum of understanding” for $18.2 million in CHIPS Act funds (along with $50 million in federal and state tax credits) to scale up diamond-cooled semiconductor production, which is quite the buzz and will become possible if you ask me.

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While the exact methodology behind how this diamond cooling technology works remains a mystery, the company has released a promotional video filled with an amazing soundtrack to explain the technology, and the claims are impressive.

Akash Systems says it combines synthetic diamond with conductive materials such as gallium nitride to make semiconductors. Diamond is said to conduct heat five times better than copper, making it ideal for removing heat from electronic devices.

However, diamond does not conduct electricity, so this fusion technique is intended to be a “best of both worlds” scenario where devices using this material can operate in a conventional manner while being much more thermally effectiveallowing chips to draw more power while running cooler than conventional chip materials currently allow.

Akash Systems – How our technology works – YouTube


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How much more effective? Well, Akash Systems claims that balmy spot temperatures have been reduced by 20°C, along with potentially 50% reduced fan speeds, 25% greater overclocking, double the potential server lifespan, and overall less thermal throttling. I’ll believe it when I see it, but at first glance, yes, please.

Akash Systems claims that its diamond cooling technology is also the same revolutionizes satellite communications thanks to heat-absorbing properties, leading to five to ten times faster data rates, increased reliability and a 50% smaller footprint.

However, whether CHIPS Act funding will ever be received remains a major question mark for now. While this first step is essential, there will be many hurdles to overcome before financing can be agreed.

Not to mention, with the arrival of the up-to-date U.S. government, the financial situation under the CHIPS Act appears to be uncertain. President-elect Donald Trump does he was critical before the Act as a whole, as is currently the case with enterprises race to approve contracts before his administration takes power January 20, 2025.

Taking all this into account, this diamond cooling technology seems promising. Anything that allows for more effective chips seems good to me, although it’s not clear if that means my computer gets shinier on the inside.

I would like to wear it around my neck at some point in the near future like Flavor Flav. Give me different ideas here, don’t throw them all at me at once.

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