Cooler CPUs on the horizon

Funded via grants, the technology is being brought to market by an RTI spinoff, Nextreme Thermal Solutions Inc., where Venkatasubramanian served as CTO for two years.

It might already be used by Intel or AMD if they hadn't gone the multi-core route, he said. Venkatasubramanian predicts that within 3 to 4 years, chipmakers won't be able to continue boosting CPU performance without seeking alternative solutions such as with micro-refrigeration.

Graphic chip makers have also "shown interest in our hot-spot cooling technology as well, as they do get hot in some selective areas when they are running at blistering speed," Venkatasubramanian said.

For all their promise, Venkatasubramanian said that thermoelectric solutions like this aren't intended to replace heat sinks or fans, but complement them.