Compare CDU Architectures
The choice of CDU architecture impacts performance, efficiency, and long-term scalability. This guide helps you evaluate the trade-offs between different approaches.
Each architecture plays a role within the broader data center ecosystem, and the right choice depends on how your cooling system integrates with compute, facility infrastructure, and long-term scaling strategy.
Architecture Types
Make the Right Cooling Decision Before you Build
In-Row CDU
Installed directly within the rack row, close to the IT equipment.
Key Advantages
- Consumes valuable white space within the row
- Less flexible once deployed
- Best suited to planned layouts rather than retrofits
Trade-Offs
- Close-coupled cooling for precise thermal control
- High efficiency with minimal heat loss and pressure drop
- Optimized for high-density AI and GPU workloads
Perimeter CDU
Installed outside the rack row, with flexible placement options.
Key Advantages
- Flexibility to support a single row or multiple rows
- Flexible positioning within white space or adjacent areas
- Easier integration into existing or retrofit environments
- Supports mixed air and liquid cooling deployments
Trade-Offs
- Longer piping runs can reduce efficiency slightly
- More complex piping and layout design
Centralized CDU
Deployed at facility level to support multiple rows or zones. Can be deployed in the grey space or the white space.
Key Advantages
- Highly efficient at scale with shared infrastructure
- Simplifies management across large deployments
- Ideal for hyperscale and multi-megawatt environments
Trade-Offs
- Higher upfront design and infrastructure complexity
- Less flexible for phased deployments, unless it’s a modular CDU
- Not typically suited for retrofit environments
Guidance
- Choose In-Row if: You need maximum efficiency at rack level
- Choose Perimeter if: You’re retrofitting or need flexibility
- Choose Centralized if: You’re building at scale
Not Sure Where to Start?
Every deployment is different. Our experts can help you design the right liquid cooling solution – aligned to your infrastructure, timeline, and growth strategy.
