AI Glossary

Data center cooling

Also called liquid cooling

What does “Data center cooling” mean?

Data center cooling: Nearly all the electricity a chip uses turns into heat, which must be removed to keep it working. Dense AI hardware produces more heat than fans and air can easily handle, so newer systems often pipe liquid directly to the chips. Some cooling methods also use substantial water.

Data center cooling visual guide: Nearly all the electricity a chip uses turns into heat, which must be removed to keep it working. Dense AI hardware produces more heat than fans and air can easily handle, so newer systems often pipe liquid directly to the chips. Some cooling methods also use substantial water.
Visual guide Open full size (new tab)

What is an example of “Data center cooling”?

Many recent high-end AI server designs are built around liquid cooling rather than air.