Overview / Usage

Scope: Introducing project ‘Hydro XII’, world’s first agriculture desktop computer based on the latest Intel 12th generation Alder Lake Processors. Our concept is a scalable demonstration of innovative self-sustained, off-grid farming and computing experience with environmental consciousness in mind.

Methodology / Approach

Method: Our project will be based on the Be Quiet! Silent Base 802 chassis. On the right side where the hydroponics growing system will be mounted, growing a handful of vegetables and plants.

There will be a pump to constantly bringing nutrient water to the top of the soil-free growing system and excess will find its way back to the main reservoir, making it very conscious of water usage.

The pump will be powered by solar panels mounted on adjustable arms on tops of the case. Alternatively, solar panels could be detached and relocated closer to sunlight. This is our first step on achieving net-neutral power usage.

The computer will be cooled by the same liquid found in the growing system, both of the loops will be interconnected at the main reservoir. Any heat energy generated by the computer will be regulated towards the growing system and promoting photosynthesis, which means better yields.

Silent computing and clean indoor air quality is also a focus. First, having indoor plants is proven to improve air quality. Second, In order to further improve air quality, HEPA filters will be retro-fitted to the front intake of the chassis. As a result, this PC system will purify surrounding air as air travels through the chassis. I understand HEPA will be more restrictive than the stock dust filter, we might need to add more quality case fans, and I will entrust Be Quiet’s products.

We will utilize 3 of the Pure Wings 2 fans and potentially upgrade to top-of-the-line Slient Wings 3 fans to further improve airflow and acoustics performance, leveraging MSI’s FROZR AI Cooling engine to adjust fan speed, ensuring a pleasant computing experience.

In a future phase of this project, we are planning the goal of 100% off-grid computing, minimizing our carbon footprint. This entire system could be powered by solar panels external to our building, connected to a battery reserve system.

Rain-water collection system will collect rain water to be filtered, after that, will be utilized in our system for cooling and growing.

Building: Custom PC liquid-cooling parts such as CPU Block, GPU Block, Radiator, Reservoirs and Pump will be utilized, the tubing will be green, as well as individually sleeved cables as dress-up. Also, selected parts of the chassis such as the power supply tunnel will be vinyl wrapped in walnut wood texture, to achieve a more natural look. Intel and supporting partners’ logos will be located throughout the PC case.

The hydroponics growing system will have its own dedicated submerged pump in the main reservoir mounted at the bottom of the case. The PC cooling loop will also connect to this reservoir. PVC pipes will be mounted on the right side of the case on a slight slope so water would travel down back to the main reservoir.

Solar Panels will be mounted on ball-joint mounts commonly found in photography gear.

Technologies Used

Tools: hole saw, drill, dremel, paint, silicon sealant, pc building tools, along with pipes to build the hydroponics growing system. I already have parts for the PC liquid cooling. I have built many PCs with custom liquid cooling, but combining it with a growing system should be very exciting.

Tech: Utilizing the industry-leading Intel 12th generation Alder Lake Processors and combining a case mod with the future of agriculture, this is a small demonstration how we can better utilize space and energy to provide more food sources, all while minimizing carbon footprint.

HEPA filters can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns, very effective in removing potential harmful particles from indoor air. By harnessing the cooling fans on the chassis, our PC system doubles as an indoor air purifier, improving living conditions & quality of life.

Undoubtedly, adding plants in any living space has numerous benefits such as improved air quality, help raise humidity levels , improved productivity and reduced stress. I am sure everyone can use some of that.

On a larger scale, there is potential to expand this concept to high-rise residential, datacentre or commercial buildings. There is no better time to innovate together for a better future.

Other links

• What is HEPA Filter
• Benefits of indoor plants
• What are hydroponics systems
• Relation between photosynthesis and temperture