Sunway processor liquid cooling is the thermal management approach used to cool Sunway (申威) SW26010 and SW26010-Pro many-core processors in China’s national supercomputer systems, where each chip generates 250–300W across 260+ cores and must operate continuously at 100% load for days or weeks during scientific simulations. Unlike standard server CPUs with commercial socket designs, Sunway processors use proprietary BGA packaging requiring custom-engineered direct-to-chip liquid cooling plates with tailored mounting brackets, optimized micro-channel layouts matching the processor’s unique heat map, and leak-proof construction rated for 24/7 HPC operation. ToneCooling manufactures custom Sunway liquid cooling plates achieving thermal resistance of 0.05°C/W at 1.5 LPM coolant flow.
Last Updated: 2026-04-10 | Author: ToneCooling Thermal Engineering Team
Sunway SW26010 Processor Thermal Profile
The Sunway SW26010 is a 260-core many-core processor developed by China’s National High Performance IC Design Center (NHPIDC). Understanding its thermal characteristics is essential for designing an effective liquid cooling solution:
| Parameter | SW26010 | SW26010-Pro (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Core count | 260 (4 CGs x 65 CPEs) | 390+ cores |
| Architecture | Alpha (custom RISC) | Enhanced Alpha |
| Clock frequency | 1.45 GHz | ~1.6 GHz |
| TDP | 250W | ~300W |
| Die area (approx.) | ~540mm² | ~650mm² |
| Heat flux (avg.) | ~46 W/cm² | ~46 W/cm² |
| Tj,max | 85°C | 85°C |
| Package type | Proprietary BGA | Proprietary BGA |
| Nodes in TaihuLight | 40,960 | TBD (next-gen) |
| Cooling method | Direct liquid cooling | Direct liquid cooling |
With 40,960 nodes in Sunway TaihuLight alone, each requiring an individual liquid cooling plate, this represents one of the largest single-processor cold plate deployments in the world — per the TOP500 supercomputer database.
Liquid Cooling Plate Design for Sunway Processors
Designing a liquid cooling plate for Sunway processors differs significantly from standard Intel/AMD server cold plates:
- Custom mounting bracket: Sunway’s proprietary BGA socket has no standard retention mechanism. ToneCooling reverse-engineers the mounting hole pattern from processor samples and designs custom spring-loaded or screw-mounted brackets.
- Heat map optimization: Sunway’s 4-CG (Core Group) architecture creates a non-uniform heat distribution different from Intel/AMD. Cold plate micro-channels must be denser over the management processing element (MPE) area where heat flux is highest.
- Flow balance: Parallel micro-channels must deliver uniform flow distribution to prevent hot spots. ToneCooling validates flow balance with ANSYS Fluent CFD simulation (included free with every project).
- Leak-proof construction: 24/7 HPC operation demands zero-leak reliability. ToneCooling uses helium mass spectrometry leak testing (10⁻&sup9; Pa·m³/s sensitivity) for all Sunway cold plates.
- Coolant compatibility: 50/50 ethylene glycol-water per ASHRAE W55 water quality guidelines. Materials must resist corrosion over 10+ year operational life.
Sunway Liquid Cooling vs Other Chinese HPC Platforms
| Platform | TDP | Package | Cold Plate Mounting | ToneCooling Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunway SW26010 | 250W | Custom BGA | Custom bracket required | Yes — custom design |
| MetaX C500 | ~350W | Custom BGA | Custom bracket required | Yes — custom design |
| Biren BR100 | ~300W | OAM module | OAM-compatible | Yes — OAM cold plate |
| Hygon DCU | ~300W | Custom | Custom bracket | Yes — custom design |
| Phytium FT-2000 | 100W | LGA | Standard retention | Yes — standard + custom |
ToneCooling Sunway Cooling Capabilities
- Prototype: CNC machined aluminum, MOQ 5 pcs, 7–15 days delivery
- Production: Vacuum brazed copper for maximum performance, MOQ 50 pcs, 3–6 weeks
- Free CFD simulation: ANSYS Fluent analysis of temperature, flow, pressure drop optimized for Sunway’s heat profile
- Quality: ISO 9001 certified. Helium leak testing on every unit. Flatness <0.03mm.
- Tsinghua-validated: Our precision manufacturing was selected by Tsinghua University for research-grade thermal components
Request Sunway Liquid Cooling Quote
➔ Get Sunway Cooling Quote (48h Response) | info@tonecooling.com | US: +1 (832) 720-7542
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sunway processor liquid cooling?
Direct-to-chip liquid cooling for Sunway SW26010/Pro HPC processors (250–300W, 260+ cores). Custom cold plates circulate coolant through micro-channels to maintain junction temperature below 85°C during sustained supercomputer workloads.
Why can’t standard cold plates cool Sunway processors?
Sunway uses proprietary BGA packaging with non-standard die layout (4 Core Groups) and unique mounting holes. Standard Intel/AMD cold plates don’t fit physically or thermally. Custom bracket design and heat-map-optimized channels are required.
How many Sunway cold plates does TaihuLight use?
Sunway TaihuLight has 40,960 compute nodes, each with one SW26010 processor requiring an individual liquid cooling plate — totaling over 40,000 cold plates in a single supercomputer installation.
What thermal resistance does a Sunway cold plate achieve?
ToneCooling’s copper vacuum brazed Sunway cold plate: 0.05°C/W at 1.5 LPM. Aluminum CNC: 0.08°C/W. Both maintain Tj below 75°C at full 250W load with 35°C inlet coolant.
Does ToneCooling support next-generation Sunway processors?
Yes. ToneCooling’s custom design process accommodates any new Sunway processor variant. Submit processor sample or package drawing and we deliver custom cold plate design within 48 hours.
