A CPU cooling system is vital for ensuring a PC’s efficiency and performance. A CPU cooler helps to dissipate heat produced by the operating system. If the processer’s maximum internal temperature is exceeded, it may permanently damage the hardware.
CPU coolers come in many forms. Let’s have a look.
CPU cooler variants
When picking a CPU cooler, you need to consider various factors, and a basic understanding may help. For instance, you may need to decide if you need a liquid or air cooler. You also need to consider the fan speeds, fan noise and fan size.
Let’s look at the CPU cooler types in detail.
Air coolers
Air cooler is usually suitable for general use. Air coolers have a heat sink, and fans that move air through the heat sink aftermarket air coolers are a good substitute for stock CPU cooler. Air coolers allow effective heat dissipation through fan cooling and are more efficient than the stock cooler.
Liquid Coolers
A liquid cooling system is considered more effective in controlling the CPU temperature. They are quieter than air coolers and have a lower RPM too. The liquid cooler has a CPU water block, radiator, cooler pipes and fans.
Passive cooler
In addition to air cooling and liquid cooling, there is also passive cooling. It has a heat sink that absorbs and redistributes heat without a fan. Since there is no fan noise, it is suitable for systems where low sound is preferred.
Working of Air and liquid cooling system
Air and liquid coolers absorb heat from the CPU and redistribute it away from the hardware to control high temperatures.
The heat produced by the CPU is dispersed to the CPU metal lid, the IHS or Integrated heat spreader. The hot air is transmitted to the CPU cooler baseplate from the integrated heat spreader. From there, depending on the cooler type, the heat is dispersed via a liquid or heat pipe to a fan, from where it is blown away from the cooler and then the PC into the surrounding air.
