Learn About Desktop CPU Coolers
Desktop CPU cooler quick guide
What is it?
It is a part that takes the heat off the CPU. CPUs operate at a certain range of temperatures. If it is too cold (-40 Celsius) or if it is too hot (+150 Celsius), CPUs can't work, and they might get permanently damaged from such extreme temperatures. Normally, CPUs operate in room temperatures (23 Celsius), however, when active and under load CPUs generate a lot of heat, which can take them very quickly to very high temperatures. As a result, CPUs need something to take off the heat from them to keep them running at full speed sustainably. This is where the CPU cooler comes in. It is designed to take the heat off the CPU to make it run at maximum performance for the longest period of time. There are mainly 2 types:
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Air
They have fans that push air through metal fins.
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Liquid
They circulate water through a radiator, then fans on the radiator push air through it.
How does it work?
CPU coolers work by doing the following (over simplified) steps:
- Take heat off the CPU
- Dissipate heat into the air
Look for
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Compatibility
Make sure it is compatible with your Motherboard and CPU socket
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Performance
Check how the CPU cooler performs at your normal workload
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Sustained Performance
Check if the CPU cooler can sustain performance at an acceptable level
CPU coolers can lose performance if they are under constant load for long periods of time.
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Clearance
Check if the CPU cooler fits on Motherboard and PC case
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Noise Levels
Make sure the CPU cooler has acceptable noise levels
This is directly correlated with power consumption and cooling headroom. You need less power consumption and more cooling headroom to reduce noise levels.
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PC Case Airflow
Make sure the PC case airflow is good for sustained performance
Avoid
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Type Comparisons
Avoid comparing CPU coolers based on type, instead focus on performance
Water CPU coolers can perform better than air based ones, but it is not always the case.