Liquid cooling is becoming essential in data centers due to the high temperatures generated by AI processors. Recently, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Equinix, a leader in cloud services and colocation hosting, have adopted this technology to manage heat more efficiently.
Equinix plans to implement a two-phase, direct-to-chip cooling system from Accelsius in its Co-Innovation Facility located in Ashburn, Virginia, expected to launch in Q3 2025. This facility is designed for collaboration with companies developing advanced technologies and provides customers an opportunity to see innovative solutions in action.
According to Josh Claman, CEO of Accelsius, making technology tangible for clients is vital. Their cooling technology operates effectively with slightly warmer water, capitalizing on chips that can tolerate temperature increases of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius without damage. This approach also reduces energy costs associated with running energy-intensive cooling compressors.
The collaboration between AWS and Equinix was facilitated through the ARPA-E COOLERCHIPS program, aimed at reducing cooling-related energy consumption in data centers.
AWS has also developed In-Row Heat Exchangers (IRHX) specifically for its Nvidia Blackwell GPUs, which are heavily utilized for AI tasks. This custom-built liquid cooling system consists of three main components: a water-distribution cabinet, an integrated pumping unit, and in-row fan-coil modules. Like Equinix’s system, AWS’s solution employs direct-to-chip liquid cooling, which uses cold plates attached to chips to draw heat away. The liquid coolant flows through heat exchangers cooled by high-speed fans.
While liquid cooling technology isn’t new, AWS’s modular approach—separating the pumping unit from the fan-coil modules—allows for scalability and adjustment of cooling systems according to demand, fostering efficiency in data center operations. Although there were concerns that AWS might disrupt the liquid cooling market, experts believe their focus is on custom solutions without directly competing with existing infrastructure companies.
This trend highlights a shifting landscape in data centers, emphasizing the growing necessity of advanced cooling systems as AI technologies continue to evolve and proliferate.
Welcome to DediRock, your trusted partner in high-performance hosting solutions. At DediRock, we specialize in providing dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and cloud services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and individuals alike. Our mission is to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure hosting solutions that empower our clients to achieve their digital goals. With a commitment to exceptional customer support, cutting-edge technology, and robust infrastructure, DediRock stands out as a leader in the hosting industry. Join us and experience the difference that dedicated service and unwavering reliability can make for your online presence. Launch our website.