Heat is produced when electricity passes through a circuit, which can be dangerous for computer components. Heat sinks made of copper absorb heat from the CPU or graphics processing chip and disperse it into the air with the help of a fan. It is important to ensure that the heat sink is properly mounted with conductive grease or glue to prevent damage. Heat sinks come in different shapes and sizes but must have adequate airflow, surface area, and secure contact with the CPU.
When electricity passes through a circuit, it produces heat. Heat is dangerous to computer components, so parts that get particularly hot use heat sinks to dissipate the heat they create. Generally, the central processing unit (CPU), the main chip that runs a personal computer, is the part most likely to require a heat sink. Some graphics cards also use their own heat sinks to dissipate heat, particularly if they are very powerful.
Heat sinks are made of a metal that conducts heat very well, usually copper. When a section of the heat sink is in contact with something very hot, the CPU or graphics processing chip, the heat sink absorbs the heat from the chip. The heat spreads through the metal of the heat sink and disperses into the air. Most heat sinks have a fan attached, which moves air across the heat sink, making cooling more efficient.
The heat sinks are attached to the CPU or graphics card by plastic and metal clips. These clips hold the entire heat sink snugly in place. If the heat sink comes off while the computer is running, it’s only a matter of seconds before the processor gets so hot that it fails. It is very important never to start a computer without a properly mounted heat sink.
To ensure that the heat sink is in constant contact with the processor, a layer of conductive grease or glue is usually added. This grease or glue conducts heat very well and prevents air from getting between the heat sink and the CPU. Air is a relatively poor conductor of heat, so it won’t cool the CPU efficiently enough to prevent damage.
Heat sinks come in many different shapes and sizes. Experts disagree on the exact size and configuration that produces the best results. Some computer users prefer rounded heat sinks with open centers like a tube and a fan that pulls air through the heat sink’s fins and out the top. Another common design is a cube-shaped heat sink, with many thin metal fingers and a fan that blows air over the heat sink.
The important factors are that the heat sink has a lot of surface area, that it is secure, and that it has adequate airflow. Metal fins or fingers give heat sinks more surface area from which heat can escape. The grease or glue, along with the clips, keep the heat sink in constant and secure contact with the CPU. The fan keeps the air flowing by either pulling it up or pushing it down over the heat sink. Regardless of the size, shape, or style of heat sinks, they all perform the crucial job of keeping your computer’s vulnerable components from overheating with use.
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