How to Run a Computer in a Sub-Zero Environment?

Underdog asks: "I've seen tons of Slashdot articles on cooling hardware, but my company may be taking on the task of wiring a large sub-zero (as low as -14) warehouse with temperature sensors and the requisite network equipment and computers to read them. Our initial proposal includes at least a dozen acquisition computers, hung from the racks in the freezer. Does anyone have any experience with installing computers in extremely low temperature locations?"

Stable Operating System

[QuantumFTL]

Most important thing is to use a stable operating system, that way it doesn't freeze up.

Thanks folks, I'll be here all week!

Intel is your cold weather friend

[Roadkills-R-Us]

Just use any of the Intel processors produced in 2005. Of course, you might have to beef up the A/C to keep the warehouse from thawing...

Re:ATIC

[Anonymous Coward]

Taking advice from people who can't keep their server running isn't advised.

Re:Toughbooks

[pimpimpim]

I'm not really sure about those machines, it looks like they have some real problems coming onto them after being dropped, just look:

Drop Test The Drop test was performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 516.5, Procedure IV (Transit Drop Test). The Toughbook 28 was sequentially dropped in non-operating mode, onto each face, edge and corner for a total of 26 drops from a height of 36 inches. The drop surface was defined as two-inch-thick plywood over a steel plate over concrete. (...)

Results
The Toughbooks boot Windows® following each drop.

Re:Heat it

[DarkMantle]

Use intel Pentium 4's. They get hot enough to keep the rest of the electronics warm. ;) But seriously. Seal them off in a little cabinet. and keep that cabinet warmer. At least, say +5 celsius, that's about 40F so that conedsation doesn't form on the electronics and short it out. Remember, electronics run on smoke, when the smoke gets out they stop working.

Re:A Chicken Will Do

[IntergalacticWalrus]

During the Cold War it was proposed that a live chicken placed inside of nuclear bomb would be sufficient to keep things from freezing up.

But they canned the idea when they realized that the chicken would have full access to the warhead's controls.

Re:Mac G4

[uncle_riley]

This of course begs the question: WHY??

Its something to do in Connecticut?

Re:Heat them up

[Anonymous Coward]

He ment Kelvin, you insensitive clod!

Re:Mac G4

[chill]

Mac's probably weren't allowed in the house. He probably has a reputation to uphold and who knows WHAT would have happened if he was seen fraternizing with "one of THOSE machines". On the porch or in the barn is perfectly acceptable, though.