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 have also been built to cool down the CPU.
Heat Sink
The simplest cooler is an aluminum heat sink, which uses fins to provide the maximum cooling surface for making contact with the air.
Fans and Heat Sinks Together
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.)
Water Cooled
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 hot chips, a quieter fan can be used for the rest of the components. Water is pumped in a closed loop from the external radiator to the CPU to the graphics processor (GPU) on the display adapter. The tube runs around the front of the case in order to connect to a flow indicator.
Heat Sink
The simplest cooler is an aluminum heat sink, which uses fins to provide the maximum cooling surface for making contact with the air.
Fans and Heat Sinks Together
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.)
Water Cooled
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 hot chips, a quieter fan can be used for the rest of the components. Water is pumped in a closed loop from the external radiator to the CPU to the graphics processor (GPU) on the display adapter. The tube runs around the front of the case in order to connect to a flow indicator.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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