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). See
notebook cooler.
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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 case 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) |
