For recording engineers, one of the most common noises is likely the fan. Here, it refers not to the electric fans used in summer, but to various cooling fans used in electronic devices to reduce temperature. Common devices like computers and even cars produce this noise, as do filming equipment, cameras, and lights. However, a new technology called Ion Cooling Engine (ICE) solid-state cooling technology, if widely adopted, could bring recording engineers a much quieter world.
The main issue with solid-state heat sinks is that they are more susceptible to dust and debris than traditional fans. While fans can also be obstructed by dust, solid-state heat sinks can completely fail with just a small amount of foreign matter, making them very difficult to apply in long-term usage scenarios, especially when existing fan-based coolers are both cheap and reliable.
However, Ventiva claims to have solved and overcome these problems, although specific details cannot be shared with Dave2D or the wider public due to its patented nature. Its official “About Us” page guarantees that all products have been validated for “pressure and airflow generation (CFM),” “quietness (decibels, noise levels),” “radio frequency interference/electromagnetic interference immunity,” “humidity and dust immunity,” and “system lifespan.”
These claims were further confirmed in a demonstration laptop using Ventiva coolers and a testing box featured in a video witnessed by Dave2D. Dave noted that while the demonstration laptop performed quite well, more custom laptop manufacturing will be needed to truly unleash the potential of solid-state laptop cooling and compensate for its weaknesses in static pressure.
Dave2D showcased the cooling performance per watt based on Ventiva’s test results.
In terms of raw cooling performance and noise levels, Ventiva ICE clearly shows potential. Please refer to the above table for Ventiva’s quality and advantages.
However, we will ultimately have to wait and see if laptop manufacturers are willing to develop products around this technology and whether this technology can be applied in more retail products to truly determine its value. The future of a truly silent or near-silent (in hybrid designs) solid-state laptop cooling is indeed exciting, but we are not there yet. However, Dave2D hinted that we will see a significant partner of Ventiva at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
