CPU cooler
A device that draws heat away from a CPU chip and other hot-running chips such as a graphics processor (GPU). The simplest type of cooler is a heat sink, which is a metal cover glued to the chip that provides a larger surface area for heat dissipation. Even more effective is a CPU fan because it forces the hot air away from the chip. It is often used in conjunction with a heat sink. Water-cooled systems and heat pipe coolers provide more esoteric solutions (see heat pipe). Refrigeration systems are also used to cool down the CPU and other hot chips (see below).
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| Heat Sink |
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| The simplest cooler is an aluminum heat sink, which uses fins to provide the maximum cooling surface for making contact with the air. |
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| Fans and Heat Sinks Together |
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| This Chip Coolers fan sits on top of a heat sink to cool a hot-running CPU chip. Fans and heat sinks are widely used in combination. (Image courtesy of Tyco International, Ltd.) |
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| Water Cooled |
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| For years, water systems cooled large mainframes, but the Zalman Reserator 1 (www.zalmanusa.com) is used here to make a quiet PC. By taking the heat directly from the chips, a quieter case fan can be used. Water is pumped in a closed loop from the external radiator (blue) to the CPU and then to the GPU on the display adapter. The tube runs around the front of the case to a flow indicator. |
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| A Lot Colder |
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| Below this tower is a phase change cooler that uses a refrigeration unit to create subzero temperatures. For more details, see phase change cooler. (Image courtesy of Cooler Express International Technology Co., www.coolerexpress.com.tw) |
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