The importance of a powerful cooling system for unobstructed functioning of your computer is non-debatable. Continuous use of your system can result in its overheating, which may lower its efficiency. It is crucial to keep a tab on your system’s cooling mechanism. If the computer’s overheating issue starts getting out of hand, it is time to replace its fan and the heatsink.
A heatsink is a fragment of metal that uses conductors like copper and aluminium to channel the heat away from objects into the direction of its enclosing medium. Similarly, a fan is devised to stir the hot air away from the objects unto the air. For the purpose of cooling, the fan and the heatsink should work together for an effectual impact. Without a fan, the hot air will not be dislodged out of the system and into the exterior surrounding. It will lead to constant temperature increase and eventually, continued overheating.
What are the Various Options you can choose from?
Active Heatsink
Technically, an Active Heatsink is constructed as a composite of a Passive Heatsink with a fan. It is this feature of Heatsinks that have given them the popular acronym of HSF, i.e, Heatsink and Fan. Active HSFs need power for its operations and is designed in the form of a fan or similar cooling mechanisms.
Passive Heatsink
A Passive Heatsink relies on constant airflow for its operations. Technically, the
Passive Heatsink is not composed of any automated peripherals. Instead, they are constructed out of a metal-finned radiator. It works on the mechanism of transporting heat out of the hot areas.
Amongst the horde of HSFs available in the market, you could select your best option by taking care of the following factors :
Essentials of a Good Fan
Size
Larger fans tend to be higher in functionality in comparison to smaller ones. While the fan’s operation is measured in cubic feet per minute, its noise is measured in Sones.The higher the number of Sones, the louder your HSF will be and vice versa. Sones are generally mentioned on the product’s outer packaging. Selecting your HSF based on its noise impact is a tricky business as quieter HSFs ( lower Sones) are inefficient in pushing out hot air, in comparison to louder HSFs (higher Sones).
Composition
Copper and Aluminium are the common conductors used to build Passive HSFs. The popularity meter has always been in favor of Copper’s speedier and versatile efficiency. Copper tends to
be more compatible with future processors as well. Copper HSFs are essential if power consumption is above 1.0 GHz Athlon. One drawback in its regard is its cost ineffectiveness. Aluminium, on the other hand, is a more affordable option and quite possibly, a good one too, in case your CPU doesn’t consume too much power.
Air Flow and Compatibility
More airflow means better functionality of the HSF. The compatibility between your processor and the prospective HSF is crucial for competent operational levels of your system.
Thermal Resistance and Even-ness of the HSF
Technically, flat and smooth- based HSFs are more effective with handling heat within the CPU. It is important to note the Thermal Resistance of the HSF as well. Higher Thermal Resistance rating ensures faster ability of the HSF to push out heat.
Since your CPU will be on a run all through the system’s waking hours, heating is imminent. It is crucial to invest in a high quality fan as well as a heatsink to ensure a potent cooling system for your computer. It is good to conduct a thorough research and study your system’s needs in detail before making the final choice.