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Project Heavy Water documents a proposal, not a confirmed PS3 modification. In an AnandTech Forums thread opened on August 18, 2012, user mmntech outlined plans to liquid-cool a 60 GB “fat” PlayStation 3. The available discussion does not confirm that the build was completed or provide temperature, reliability, or other performance results.
What the Project Heavy Water thread proposed
Thread starter mmntech described the plan as “Over the fall, I’ll be building a water cooled Playstation 3 60gb.” The target was a 60 GB fat-model PS3, but the thread does not identify a more precise hardware revision. The post followed an earlier console failure and a reflow repair that, according to mmntech, lasted only a few months.
The thread is a project announcement and design discussion. It does not establish that the conversion happened, that the proposed components fit, or that liquid cooling improved reliability. Read the AnandTech Forums discussion.
How the proposed cooling layout was meant to work
Liquid-cooling components
mmntech proposed using a Larkooler iSky Water 300 kit and thought its stock block could be modified to fit the console’s mounting holes. The post also proposed a Koolance GPU-200 block, whose bracket mmntech described as fitting the PS3’s stock holes. These are the builder’s proposed fitment claims, not a verified guide for this console or other PS3 revisions.
#1 Best Overall
- On/Off switch
- 4 x Low-noise sleeve fans
- Cooling fan system is designed to contour the shape of your PS3
- Quad-fan design provides maximum cooling capacity
- Enhanced cooling environment extends the life of your PS3 console
Airflow for components outside the loop
The plan included two 80 mm fans for other components after removal of the stock cooler. That separate airflow matters to the design: liquid blocks cool only the parts connected to the loop, while the thread does not establish how the remaining components would be cooled in a completed build.
Why the power supply and ventilation were concerns
mmntech identified the internally mounted, passively cooled power supply as a problem to solve. The author said it became hot, while the case had limited top venting and little room for an internal fan. The thread does not show how the proposed build addressed that heat or whether the PSU’s operating conditions changed.
Rank #2
- 【2 in 1 Dual Row 120mm USB Fan】ELUTENG dual row 12cm USB fan, USB powered, plug and play, can place the fan horizontally or vertically, ideal for cooling PC/Laptop/TV box/Receiver/Mobile phone/PS4 /Projector Instrument/ Router/Hard Drive Enclosure. 2 fans are connected together and run at the same time, the cooling effect is better.
- 【3 Adjustable Wind Speeds】The latest upgraded 120mm silent fan has a 3-speed speed controller (low, medium and high) to control the wind speed. The speed is: 900/1200 /1500rpm (×2）and the air volume is: 23.9 / 27.9 / 31.98 CFM（×2）. Depending on the operating environment, you can choose between different wind speed levels.
- 【Durable & Quiet】 Adopting hydraulic bearings, it is very durable and has a long service life. The noise level is 25.6dB (weak) to 32.5dB (strong), so you can use it flat or upright in a quiet place such as library or study. In addition, the noise does not increase with the use time and it can work continuously for 24 hours.
- 【Multiple Protection】The bottom is equipped with 4 removable rubber shock absorbers for more convenient use, safer, more stable and reliable. Metal grids are used on both sides to prevent the blade from hurting your fingers and damaging the wire when working. The corner joint is equipped with cable protection glue, which is wear-resistant, not easy to break, and is safer and more reliable to use.
- 【Wide Practicality】Size: 12 x 12 x 2.5cm(×2); Cable length: 1 m. It is not only suitable for cooling devices such as PCs, routers and hard drives, but also AV devices and game consoles. Just plug in any device equipped with a USB port to start cooling without the hassle of wiring.
What participants debated about the radiator and pump
Forum replies questioned the kit’s pump and radiator. One participant suggested a thicker radiator and a better pump, and aigomorla, identified in the thread as a Cases & Cooling moderator, wrote: “Also that radiator was not intended to be used with slow and quiet fans.” These were participants’ opinions and advice, not results from controlled comparisons; the discussion provides no test data that settles the disagreement.
For any similar design, the relevant trade-offs raised in the thread are radiator capacity at the fan speeds and noise level a builder accepts, confidence in the pump, verified block mounting for the exact board revision, and airflow for components outside the liquid loop—especially the power supply. The thread does not rank parts or configurations on measured performance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Fit for PS3 Console: Designed with precision engineering to seamlessly replace your old internal cooling fan without modifications
- High Performance Cooling: 15 blades design generates powerful airflow to effectively dissipate heat and maintain optimal system temperature during extended gaming sessions
- Durable Metal Construction: Premium metal housing provides superior durable and ensures long-lasting reliability for consistent cooling performance
- Optimized Airflow Efficiency: 12 volt 2.65 amp motor delivers balanced airflow with minimal noise interference for uninterrupted gaming experiences
- Complete Replacement Package: Includes 1pcs 145 mm cooling fan specifically engineered for PS3 console internal heat dissipation requirements
What the thread does—and does not—establish
- It records a proposed water-cooling project for a 60 GB fat-model PS3, without a more precise hardware revision.
- It records a proposed Larkooler kit, Koolance GPU-200 block, and two 80 mm auxiliary fans; it does not confirm installation or fitment.
- It raises pump, radiator, fan-noise, power-supply heat, and ventilation concerns, but reports no completed design that resolves them.
- It gives no final temperatures, test results, or evidence of improved console reliability.
- The named products are discussed as proposed parts in a 2012 thread. The discussion does not verify present availability or compatibility with other PS3 versions.
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