"In the physical sciences, a phase is a set of states of a macroscopic physical system that have relatively uniform chemical composition and physical properties (i.e. density, crystal structure, index of refraction, and so forth)."

"Phases are sometimes confused with states of matter, but there are significant differences."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_(matter)

When a nice little email from Thermaltake came into my email inbox on Tuesday exalting the virtues of the Xpressar cpu refridgeration system, I am rather skeptical of its "1st DC Type micro-refrigeration system" claim. IIRC Asetek's Vapochill came first

I think it's gas, liquid and then gas again. Not three different phases but three total.

Everything in all my computers at home is cooled with gas too. It's called Oxygen. And Carbon Dioxide. They're gasses too.

Three phase cooler? Okay, Charlie, I'll admit it's been a few years since I took physical chemistry, but if my feeble brain is firing even somewhat right, that would mean liquid, gas, and either solid or plasma. Either way, it's thought provoking.

From the picture it appears the GPU version of the cooler takes up 4 5.25" bays, not 3. Was the '3' stat from the manufacturer or just a quick once-over by INQ, pre morning caffeine?