Credit: Future
Noctua, a brand celebrated for its iconic brown fans and top-tier air coolers, is gearing up to make a splash in the liquid cooling arena with its pumpless thermosiphon cooling unit. This innovative prototype, showcased by Noctua founder Roland Mossig in Japan, is expected to hit the market in 2026, according to Japanese tech outlet Hermitage Akihabara. The design promises a fresh take on liquid cooling, eliminating the need for a pump while offering a practical lesson in thermodynamics.
How It Works: Cooling Without a Pump
The thermosiphon unit operates by harnessing heat from the CPU to evaporate a refrigerant. This vapor rises through a tube to a fan-cooled condenser, where it cools, condenses back into liquid, and returns to the CPU to repeat the cycle—all without mechanical assistance. This pumpless approach mimics a vapour chamber effect, potentially delivering all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling performance without the typical drawbacks of traditional systems, such as pump noise, vibration, or the risk of mechanical failure.
Noctua emphasizes that the system’s ability to absorb heat in the liquid phase before vaporization provides extra cooling headroom, positioning it as a contender against conventional AIO coolers. Mossig expressed confidence in the product, stating, “When we release it, it will be a product that delivers performance that will satisfy our customers.” If development progresses smoothly, commercialization is targeted for 2026.
Mounting Considerations and Compatibility
One notable caveat is the radiator’s positioning: it must be mounted above the CPU to facilitate the vapour-to-liquid exchange. Unlike traditional AIO systems, which can be flexibly mounted vertically at the front of a case, this thermosiphon design requires top mounting. Thankfully, many modern PC cases feature top venting that accommodates this setup. The prototype sports a 280 mm radiator, suggesting compatibility with a range of builds, including some small form factor systems.
Potential Benefits and Market Impact
The absence of a pump could make this unit a game-changer for enthusiasts seeking quiet, reliable cooling solutions. By sidestepping the complexities of pump-based systems, Noctua’s thermosiphon cooler reduces potential failure points, appealing to those skeptical of traditional watercooling. If it achieves AIO-level performance, as Noctua aims, it could carve out a unique niche in the competitive cooling market.
Pricing, however, remains a critical unknown. Given Noctua’s reputation for premium products and the significant R&D behind this innovation, the unit may carry a higher price tag than some competing AIOs. Still, if priced competitively, it could attract a broad audience, from silent PC builders to performance-driven users.
A Glimpse into Thermodynamics
Beyond its practical applications, this development doubles as an educational showcase. The thermosiphon principle—using heat-driven refrigerant cycles—offers a tangible example of thermodynamics in action, blending cutting-edge tech with a nod to scientific fundamentals.
Looking Ahead
Noctua’s pumpless thermosiphon unit signals an exciting evolution in PC cooling, merging simplicity with high performance. While its 2026 release feels distant, the prototype’s promise of AIO-like cooling without the downsides of pumps has already sparked intrigue. As development continues, all eyes will be on Noctua to see if this innovation can deliver on its potential—and at what cost. For now, it’s a cool concept, both literally and figuratively, that’s taught us a thing or two about the science of staying chill.
