There is no universal winner. Air, water, and hybrid plant topologies each solve different problems, and the right answer depends on the thermal load, the local climate, and the staffing model that will maintain the plant over time.
- Air-heavy designs fit lower density and simpler facilities.
- Water-heavy designs fit high-density racks and liquid-cooled accelerators.
- Hybrid designs fit teams that want efficiency options without losing operational flexibility.
For GB200, GB300, and Vera Rubin environments, the topology usually tilts toward liquid handling at the rack and water-side rejection at the plant. Air remains useful, but mostly as a supporting layer rather than the core answer.
Sources: GB200 NVL72 · GB300 NVL72 · Vera Rubin · DOE cooling control systems
Data Center Health 