By Jennifer Ruth
Staff Writer
HOULTON — If you’ve often wandered past PC Sales and Service and noticed a glowing blue light in the background, don’t worry, it’s just one of the most unique computers that Alain Desjardins has yet to create.
Desjardins spent approximately three weeks constructing a computer that is cooled entirely by water. 
Pioneer Times photo/Jennifer Ruth
NEVER BEFORE SEEN — Alain Desjardins is seen here with his custom-made computer cooling system. Desjardins is the owner and operator of PC Sales and Service located at 43 Market Square in Houlton.
“Water has the ability to conduct heat four times faster than copper,” he explained. “The thermal conductivity of water is 24 times greater than air.”
What this means is that by using water to cool the computer’s hard drive, it allows the machine’s system to double in productivity. Fans are commonly used to cool the system, but Desjardins says using his method of cooling is far better for the machine.
“One of the limitations from air cooling is space,” he explained. “Liquid Cooling allows you to remove the heat and transfer it to a better and much larger location to be cooled. This lets you control either more performance or quieter fans to remove heat, or a combination of the two.”
Desjardins said by using distilled water, which is mixed with copper sulfate to prevent algae from forming, heat is removed from the computer case whereas with an air solution, hot air is cycled and pushed out of the PC. Other additives can be mixed to offer UV Sensitive fluid for an impressive glow with black lights. Desjardins’ systems has a bright blue glow, which can be seen from outside his 43 Market Square office. 
“Liquid cooling is also complex and requires a multitude of modifications but if done right can increase performance, lifespan of the computer, quiet and be very pleasing to look at,” he said.
For approximately $1,500 he can take an average system and modify its cooling method. Desjardins said it all depends on the system and what needs to be done to accommodate its needs.
Desjardins’ modified systems will be on display in his store until mid November.
PC Sales and Services can customize computers and offer local support as well. Desjardins can build systems for the performance hobbyist, gamer, businessperson, homeowners, students alike, and he can make recommendations based on each individual’s needs. Retailing in PCs, laptops and computer accessories, he has what is needed to upgrade any PC.
“Have a sick computer, loaded with spyware, viruses and Trojans?” said Desjardins. “We take care of those as well with our system service. A lot of our customers are repeat customers who enjoy local service at an affordable price.
“With strong referrals and competitive prices, it’s not hard to understand why our customers are pleased.,” he added. “When companies offer a product that requires a lot of support and fail to fulfill that commitment, we are here to save the day.”
For more information, visit PC Sales and Service at their Market Square location or call 532-4756.
