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DeepCool's Open‑Air Mini PC Prototype Redefines SFF Cooling

TechPowerUp News •
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At Computex 2026 DeepCool unveiled a prototype PC that flips conventional case design. The unnamed mini‑tower houses the motherboard and core components in a compact chassis, but leaves a cutout over the CPU where a Assassin V tower cooler protrudes into open air. By exposing the heatsink, DeepCool hopes to sidestep the thermal limits that plague densely packed SFF builds.

The open‑air cooler offers two clear benefits: constant fresh air boosts CPU performance, and the cooler’s size no longer dictates case dimensions. However, the large aperture invites dust, and unfiltered airflow will deposit debris on the heatsink over time. A separate GPU module slots beneath the base via a PCIe riser, creating distinct compartments that aid cooling and give the chassis a cleaner look.

DeepCool did not reveal internal specs, but the standard cooler mount and full‑length riser suggest an ITX or micro‑ATX board. If mass‑produced, the system would sit opposite Steam Machine‑style boxes, targeting enthusiasts who value modularity and extreme cooling. Until pricing and availability are announced, the prototype remains still a daring proof‑of‑concept rather than a marketable product.