Chinese Enthusiast Builds PC Cooling System Using an Air Conditioner

In China, a unique fusion of household appliances and high-performance gaming PCs has emerged. The enthusiast, operating under the pseudonym Electrolytic sodium carbonate, has integrated a split-system air conditioner into a custom cooling setup for a powerful computer. This experiment not only proved the feasibility of the idea but also paved the way for extreme cooling solutions for next-generation GPUs.

At the heart of the project is a modified external unit from a Xiaomi air conditioner, replacing a traditional liquid cooling radiator. The device, measuring 76.5×26.8×55 cm and consuming 1.2 kW of power, was customized with a liquid reservoir and a redesigned piping system. This allowed it to be connected to a PC equipped with an RTX 4090 and an Intel Core i9-13900K processor.

During a 40-minute stress test (FurMark + AIDA64), the GPU temperature never exceeded 20°C, with the "hotspot" reaching just 36°C. When idle in open air, the temperatures dropped to a record-low 2°C and 12°C, respectively. For comparison, even high-end custom liquid cooling systems rarely keep flagship GPUs below 50°C under load.

The creator considers this system a “ready-made solution” for the upcoming Intel Core i9-14900K and RTX 5090, whose heat output is expected to break current records. Interestingly, this project is part of a larger concept: the modder previously showcased a network of five cooling loops capable of servicing multiple PCs simultaneously.

Despite its efficiency, the system remains a niche solution—the air conditioner’s power consumption is comparable to that of the PC itself. However, for enthusiasts willing to invest in extreme cooling, this could be a stepping stone toward record-breaking overclocking. As the creator jokingly notes, “Now even the RTX 6090 won’t be a problem—just make sure there’s enough space on the balcony.”