Thermal management is a priority as data centers race to add AI capacity. Operators are weighing the pros and cons of single-phase vs. two-phase direct liquid cooling solutions as they seek a quick, effective approach. Single-phase cold plate cooling is the default choice and likely to dominate in the next five to ten years because it’s easier to deploy, costs less, and aligns with future silicon roadmaps. It has been called the most effective liquid cooling solution and has an estimated 2026 market share of 55 percent.
Two-phase liquid cooling is more complex, requiring a bigger investment in infrastructure and more time to deploy. It could become more popular in the long term, but for now, operators need to act quickly because demand for AI is exploding. Grand View Research estimates the market will grow at a 30.6 percent annual rate through 2030.
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What is the difference between single and two-phase liquid cooling?
When it comes to direct-to-chip (DTC) options, the choice comes down to single-phase or two-phase DTC cooling. Single-phase solutions use coolant – usually a mix of 75 percent water and 25 percent glycol – to remove heat from GPUs and high-density AI chips.
