Flex Expands Data Center Cooling Portfolio with Launch of Modular Rack-Level Coolant Distribution Unit
Rhea-AI Summary
Flex (NASDAQ: FLEX) has launched its new Modular Rack-Level Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU), expanding its data center cooling portfolio. The solution, developed by Flex subsidiary JetCool, delivers scalable cooling capacity up to 1.8 megawatts (MW) to support growing AI, HPC, and hyperscale workloads.
The modular system allows 2-6 CDUs per rack, operating at 1-1.5 LPM/kW, and enables data centers to start small and scale incrementally. Key features include flexible thermal loading, space efficiency, and integrated deployment capabilities. The company plans to release a dedicated in-row-CDU in April 2026 as part of its broader market coverage strategy.
Positive
- Scalable cooling capacity from 600kW to 1.8MW per rack
- Vertically integrated manufacturing reduces vendor complexity and time-to-market
- Flexible deployment supporting mixed configurations and incremental scaling
- Energy-efficient design that matches cooling output to demand
Negative
- None.
Insights
Flex's new modular cooling solution targets the booming AI data center market with flexible capacity up to 1.8MW, strengthening their competitive position.
Flex's new Modular Rack-Level CDU represents a strategic expansion into the rapidly growing market for data center liquid cooling solutions. With AI and high-performance computing workloads generating unprecedented heat loads, this product addresses a critical infrastructure bottleneck that's constraining computational density growth.
The solution's scalable architecture (600kW to 1.8MW) provides significant technical advantages in a market transitioning from traditional air cooling to liquid cooling. By allowing incremental capacity additions from 2 to 6 CDUs per rack, Flex enables data center operators to optimize capital expenditure while maintaining flexibility for future expansion—a crucial consideration as AI infrastructure requirements continue to evolve rapidly.
What's particularly notable is Flex's vertical integration strategy. By designing and manufacturing these components in-house following their JetCool acquisition, Flex is positioning itself as an end-to-end provider in the cooling ecosystem. This approach reduces supply chain complexity for customers while potentially improving Flex's margins compared to component-only offerings.
The timing aligns perfectly with the industry's urgent need for high-density cooling solutions driven by the AI boom. With this launch and the planned in-row CDU coming in 2026, Flex is establishing a comprehensive cooling portfolio that strengthens its competitive position in the rapidly expanding data center infrastructure market, particularly as companies invest heavily in AI compute capacity requiring advanced thermal management.
New scalable solution delivers flexible capacity up to 1.8 megawatts (MW) to meet evolving AI, high performance computing (HPC), and hyperscale workloads.
Modular Rack-Level CDU: Scalable, High-Performance Cooling
As AI, HPC, and hyperscale workloads surge, data centers need cooling solutions that keep pace without costly overhauls or wasted energy. Flex's Modular Rack-Level CDU meets this with a right-sized design that grows from 2 to 6 CDUs per rack—up to 1.8 MW—allowing operators to start small, add capacity incrementally, and adapt quickly while preserving rack space and efficiency.
It's an ideal solution for facilities deploying liquid cooling today and expanding seamlessly to higher-capacity options.
Key Features & Benefits
- Scalable architecture: 2–6 CDUs per rack, delivering 600 kW to 1.8 MW of cooling capacity
- Flexible thermal loading: Operates at 1–1.5 LPM/kW to support varied hardware and workloads
- Space efficiency: Preserves rack space while maximizing compute density per floor tile
- Integrated deployment: Supports mixed configurations of CDUs, servers, and storage with intelligent manifolding
- Energy optimization: Matches cooling output to demand to reduce waste and lower operating costs
Value of a Vertically Integrated Solution
Flex's liquid cooling portfolio is built for scalable integration and operational simplicity – delivering a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for today's data center demands. By aligning key design elements across its CDU lineup and manufacturing them under one roof, Flex reduces vendor complexity, accelerates time-to-market, and ensures consistent quality. This vertically integrated approach also simplifies procurement and maintenance—helping operators deploy high-performance cooling faster and with fewer risks.
"With AI and high-performance computing driving unprecedented demand, customers need more than just capacity—they need a partner who can deliver scalability, efficiency, and simplicity across the entire cooling ecosystem," said Rob Campbell, President of Communications, Enterprise, and Cloud Business at Flex. "This launch reflects our end-to-end approach from design and manufacturing to deployment and support, providing a right-sized solution for today's challenges and a scalable foundation for tomorrow's growth."
Flex supports this integrated approach with comprehensive warranty and global support options. By designing, validating, and manufacturing all components in-house, the company enables faster deployments and fewer vendor touchpoints, helping customers move from planning to implementation with greater speed and confidence.
Timing & Availability
The Modular Rack-Level CDU is available now, providing data center operators with an immediate solution for scalable liquid cooling. Standard and custom manifolding options are available. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its portfolio further with the launch of its dedicated in-row-CDU in April 2026.
Visit Flex's OCP Global Summit 2025 booth to experience the Modular Rack-Level CDU or learn more at jetcool.com.
About Flex
Flex (Reg. No. 199002645H) is the manufacturing partner of choice that helps a diverse customer base design and build products that improve the world. Through the collective strength of a global workforce across 30 countries and responsible, sustainable operations, Flex delivers technology innovation, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions to diverse industries and end markets.
Contacts
Media & Press:
Christie Haber
Director, Commercial Marketing
(602) 245-1057
Christie.Haber@flex.com
Investors & Analysts:
Michelle Simmons
Senior Vice President, Global Investor Relations and Public Relations
(669) 242-6332
Michelle.Simmons@flex.com
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SOURCE Flex
FAQ
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