Renowned technology blogger TrashBench recently embarked on an innovative project: transforming an ice - maker into a bespoke cooling system for an RTX 3060 graphics card. While playing the graphics - intensive game Cyberpunk 2077, this creative setup successfully slashed the GPU core temperature from approximately 60°C to a chilly 22°C.

TrashBench had previously dabbled in a variety of cooling techniques. He tried using automotive antifreeze, placing the graphics card in freezers, and even experimenting with transmission fluid as cooling agents. After these trials, he settled on an ice - maker as his new weapon of choice for cooling.

During the modification process, he meticulously removed the graphics card's original cooler. Then, he installed a custom - made mounting frame to seamlessly connect the water - cooling pipes. To ensure proper water circulation, he placed a submersible pump inside the ice - maker and filled it with water, thus creating a closed - loop circulation system.

Once he activated the ice - maker's cooling function, the graphics card's temperature began to plummet noticeably. However, he encountered an issue with the intermittent operation of the compressor. To solve this, he replaced the thermostat and raised the position of the evaporator coil. This adjustment significantly improved the heat - exchange efficiency.

Final tests revealed impressive results. The modified graphics card's core temperature stabilized at a cool 22 - 23°C. Moreover, the GPU hotspot temperature, which was previously a scorching 75°C, dropped to a mere 34°C. Nevertheless, it's important to note that such a modification is not without its drawbacks. It comes with inherent safety risks and involves a rather complex and intricate process.