Cooling an RTX 3060 with an Ice Maker: A DIY Innovation That Hits 22°C

Repurposing a countertop ice maker as a GPU cooler—what might sound absurd at first glance has proven to be an innovative solution for dramatically reducing gaming PC temperatures. According to a report by Tom’s Hardware, YouTuber “TrashBench” modified an ice maker to slash the operating temperature of an RTX 3060 by up to 62%, with an astonishing 22°C recorded while running Cyberpunk 2077. Known for his extreme cooling experiments, including immersing GPUs in antifreeze, freezers, and even transmission fluid, TrashBench took a unique approach this time by utilizing a consumer-grade ice maker.

Background and Motivation

With climate change driving temperatures higher across the globe, overheating has become a serious issue for devices in environments without air conditioning. TrashBench sought a solution to “cool PCs regardless of ambient temperature” and turned his attention to a countertop ice maker. The idea was inspired by another modder, MrYeester, who had previously cooled a CPU using a small ice maker. TrashBench expanded this concept to GPUs, taking on the challenge of extending its application.

Step-by-Step Modification Process

TrashBench began by disassembling an ASUS RTX 3060, removing the standard cooler, and attaching a custom water-cooling bracket to the GPU die. He then connected liquid cooling tubes to the setup. Next, he placed a submersible pump into the water reservoir of the countertop ice maker, filling it with water to create a cooling loop. Warm water from the GPU would flow into the ice maker’s reservoir, get cooled, and then circulate back to the GPU.

However, the default operation of the ice maker posed a challenge. The compressor only ran in short cycles, stopping when ice was discharged into the water, as controlled by a non-adjustable thermostat. To address this, TrashBench completely removed the built-in thermostat and replaced it with one designed for beer refrigerators. This new thermostat bypassed the internal logic, allowing the compressor to run continuously.

Another issue arose with the evaporator coil, which was not fully submerged in water. TrashBench resolved this by placing a small plastic bowl beneath the coil, ensuring it remained submerged. This adjustment allowed warm water from the GPU to directly contact the evaporator, significantly improving cooling efficiency.

Benchmark Results

The results of the modification were compelling. Even without activating the ice maker, the GPU achieved a temperature of approximately 44°C under benchmark stress. However, water temperature fluctuated without stabilization. Once the ice maker was activated, temperatures dropped by more than 10°C. Initially, the cooling capacity was surpassed by the GPU’s heat output, but this issue was resolved after the thermostat was replaced to enable continuous operation.

During actual gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 3060’s core temperature reached a remarkable 22°C. Even in an environment exceeding 30°C ambient temperature, this cooling performance stood out. When compared to the GPU’s original cooler, the modification resulted in a 62% reduction in temperature.

However, the project was not without challenges, particularly the constant battle against water leaks. Ice makers are not designed for sealed water-cooling loops, so addressing leaks at the connection points was essential. Despite encountering several leaks, TrashBench eventually achieved stable operation.

Evaluation of Cooling Performance and Challenges

Using a countertop ice maker as a GPU cooler presents several inherent challenges. Firstly, ice makers are not designed for continuous operation, and keeping the compressor running constantly could shorten its lifespan and increase power consumption. Secondly, maintaining a fully sealed water-cooling loop is difficult, requiring regular water refills and leak checks during extended use.

That said, the value of this modification cannot be underestimated. Compared to commercial water-cooling kits or phase-change cooling systems, this approach is significantly more cost-effective and less dependent on ambient temperature. For users in high-temperature regions, the potential benefits are particularly appealing. TrashBench concluded that “if you have the patience to deal with leaks, an ice maker can effectively cool a GPU.”

Editorial Opinion

In the short term, this DIY case challenges conventional notions of PC cooling. Particularly during the summer months, PC enthusiasts struggling with rising ambient temperatures might start to consider “repurposed cooling” as an alternative to traditional air or liquid cooling methods. However, the durability and power consumption issues associated with continuously running an ice maker’s compressor remain largely unexplored, making it risky for general users to adopt this method without proper precautions.

From a long-term perspective, this project offers intriguing insights into the “flexible use of cooling resources.” In data centers and edge computing environments, initiatives to repurpose waste heat for water heating or space heating are already gaining traction. On a household scale, the idea of integrating existing heat exchange appliances, such as refrigerators or ice makers, into computational cooling systems could lead to improved energy efficiency. With further development, the integration of water-cooling loops into consumer appliances via APIs might pave the way for optimal temperature control as part of a smart home ecosystem.

As a publication, we are keenly observing whether such modifications will transcend the realm of hobbyist experimentation to inspire broader innovation in democratizing cooling technologies and modular thermal management solutions.

References

• Tom’s Hardware — Published on June 21, 2026