Rack Liquid Shipping (Dry vs. Wet)

Overview

Liquid-cooled AI racks can be shipped in two states, each with distinct logistics, cost, and operational implications:

Dry-shipped racks have coolant drained after factory build, replaced with nitrogen gas to prevent rust and contamination. Pressure-release vents are closed during transport. On-site, the rack must be fully refilled and completely de-bubbled before power-on — GPU inrush current with coolant bubbles at the cold plate can cause GPU damage. Dry shipping is lighter, less sensitive to temperature, and lower cost to transport but requires skilled on-site commissioning.

Wet-shipped racks arrive pre-filled with coolant. Pressure-release vents are left open during transport to accommodate thermal expansion. The coolant must be compatible with the broader data center liquid loop. Wet shipping is heavier, requires temperature-controlled transport to prevent coolant from freezing and expanding (which can break internal components), and is more expensive to ship — but the rack is ready to connect and power on upon arrival.