Back/Flex Introduces Innovative Cooling Technology to Transform Data Center Infrastructure
tech·November 15, 2025·flex

Flex Introduces Innovative Cooling Technology to Transform Data Center Infrastructure

ED
Editorial
Cashu Markets·2 min read
TL;DR
  • Flex showcases advanced rack-level liquid cooling technology to enhance efficiency in high-performance computing and AI environments.
  • The SmartPlate System reduces IT power consumption by 15% and water usage by 90% compared to traditional methods.
  • Flex's collaboration with Equinix aims to revolutionize data center cooling, emphasizing sustainability and performance improvements.

Flex Unveils Advanced Cooling Technology to Revolutionize Data Center Infrastructure

Flex (NASDAQ: FLEX), a prominent player in data center infrastructure solutions, showcases its cutting-edge rack-level liquid cooling technology at the Equinix Co-Innovation Facility (CIF) in Ashburn, Virginia. This deployment marks a significant advancement in cooling capabilities, integrating single-phase direct liquid cooling (DLC) from JetCool, a Flex subsidiary, into an Open Compute Project (OCP) ORv3 rack. The new solution is specifically engineered to address the growing demands for efficiency in high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) environments, aiming to reduce both water and power consumption significantly.

The innovative SmartPlate System from JetCool operates seamlessly with Dell PowerEdge R760 servers, enabling closed-loop cooling without the need for external coolant distribution units. This advanced setup results in a remarkable 15% reduction in total IT power consumption, underscoring Flex's commitment to energy efficiency. In addition, the technology is designed to support Dell PowerEdge R660 systems, which can function effectively with coolant inlet temperatures reaching up to 70°C. This capability translates to a staggering 90% reduction in water usage and up to a 50% decrease in cooling power consumption compared to traditional cooling methods, thereby enhancing sustainability in data center operations.

Flex’s deployment also features the SmartSense 6U Liquid-to-Liquid (L2L) CDU, capable of managing cooling demands up to 300kW and interfacing with Equinix’s secondary loop for comprehensive DLC operation. This integration not only optimizes performance but also addresses critical challenges in data centers regarding power, heat, and scalability. Rob Campbell, President of Flex's Communications, Enterprise, and Cloud Business, emphasizes the transformative potential of this collaboration with Equinix, asserting that it represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of data center cooling and infrastructure.

In addition to its cooling innovations, Flex's comprehensive portfolio aims to tackle a variety of challenges faced by data centers. By enhancing energy efficiency and performance in high-density computing environments, the company positions itself as a leader in developing sustainable and effective solutions for modern data center needs. This strategic deployment at the Equinix CIF illustrates Flex's commitment to driving technological advancements in the industry.

The collaboration with Equinix not only highlights Flex’s technological prowess but also underscores a shared vision for the future of data center infrastructure. As companies increasingly prioritize sustainability alongside performance, Flex’s advanced cooling solutions are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the industry.