MSI has created a new heatsink named the “Air Power Cooler” that has a fan which is powered not by electricity, but by the heat generated from A CPU.

This amazing feat is actually accomplished by a bit of technology that dates all the way back to 1816 called the Sterling Engine, invented by Dr. Robert Sterling. The system uses variations in temperatures to drive a piston that turns the fan. It’s a fascinating approach to reducing the electrical consumption in PCs. Granted, not much electricity is used to turn a fan, but every little bit helps.

It’s nice to at least see new innovation in the computer industry other than just more horsepower. How this design actually succeeds in a market with chips that widely vary in thermal output however remains to be seen.

Personally, I can see the same concept being used to run a water pump in a system with a water-cooled processor. While MSI’s “Air Power Cooler” may or may not be the next greatest thing for computers, it certainly provokes thought at the very least. Let’s hope that unique new ideas continue to bounce around and become solutions, in PCs, and in life.