In a recent development within the semiconductor industry, South Korean giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have embarked on immersion cooling tests for their memory semiconductors, according to industry sources reported by local media. This move comes in response to the demand from server and data center companies looking to establish warranty policies for immersion cooling solutions.

Immersion cooling is an innovative method that involves submerging servers directly into an immersion cooling fluid, a non-conductive liquid, to dissipate heat more effectively than traditional air or water cooling systems. The technique leverages the high thermal conductivity of the coolant to absorb and redistribute heat via heat exchangers, making it a promising next-generation cooling solution known for its superior efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

However, the immersion cooling method necessitates thorough testing for chemical reactions with semiconductor chips, as these chips come into direct contact with the coolant, and their performance is contingent upon temperature and the composition of the coolant. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are conducting compatibility and functional performance tests under various immersion cooling conditions to ensure semiconductor reliability.

The companies have initially started testing on previously released products, and the outcomes are expected to inform the development of next-generation products with an immersion cooling guarantee. Additionally, due to the extensive use of chemicals in semiconductor manufacturing, both companies are working towards establishing a database by validating various coolants.

As semiconductors generate more heat with increasing circuit integration, immersion cooling may also impact the future performance enhancement of semiconductors. Industry insiders explain that in an immersion cooling environment, higher thermal resistance can be achieved, allowing for the development of semiconductors with greater integration and higher performance.

Although still an emerging market, immersion cooling holds immense potential, particularly as advanced semiconductors like AI generate more heat, leading to a rapid increase in cooling power consumption. The use of immersion cooling can improve cooling efficiency and reduce power consumption by 30-40%.

Furthermore, the required floor height is nearly halved compared to air cooling systems (7-8 meters), which also reduces the construction costs of data centers. Another advantage is the absence of cooling fans, thereby eliminating noise and avoiding the reduction in server lifespan caused by vibration and humidity.