Computer processors generate enormous amounts of heat, and with more processing power comes even more heat. That is why we have CPU coolers, devices that use a combination of various cooling methods to keep your CPU chilled out. Although many modern CPUs come with a cooler module, aftermarket coolers can still be a must have if your CPU does not include one or you plan to overclock your processor past the specs your stock cooler can support.
Modern CPU cooling systems consist of these main parts:
Base Plate: The copper or aluminum heatsink plate that sits at the bottom of the cooler unit, absorbing heat from the CPU’s heat spreader and the thermal compound.
Heat Pipes: Metal pipes, usually made from copper, draw heat upward from the base plate using tiny amounts of water that are constantly evaporating and condensing.
Fins: Metal fins increase the heatsink's surface area and allow it to disperse heat much more efficiently.
CPU Cooling Fan: A fan attached to the cooler blows air across the fins and heat pipes, significantly improving heat dissipation.
Put together, these components form the CPU coolers that sit atop many of our processors. Typically, however, you will only have the option to choose a CPU cooler on a desktop PC - most laptops don’t make it possible to replace the cooler.
Of course, all-in-one liquid cooling systems are also popular among users who want to push their processors a little harder. They are especially common in Gaming PCs and other high performance systems, but they are slightly more complex and require tubing placement and a radiator. Check out our full selection of AIO water cooling systems here.
Choosing a CPU Heatsink for Your Processor
What factors should you look at when you are evaluating CPU air coolers? These are some of the most important:
CPU Socket: Heatsinks are designed to fit certain Intel or AMD motherboard sockets. Make sure you know which type of CPU you have and which socket it uses.
Airflow: Generally, more airflow means more cooling power. A coolers airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM, will give you an approximate idea of how much air the fan can move.
Fan Size and Speed: These are two more specs that affect the cooler's heat dissipation performance. Larger fans move more air and thus provide more cooling. A fan’s maximum speed, measured in RPM, can also be a factor in cooling performance, although it is worth noting that running a fan at higher RPM will be louder and can wear the fan out more quickly.
Connector Pins: Most modern CPU coolers use a 4 pin connector to attach to the motherboard header. The 4 pin structure allows the use of pulse width modulation or PWM fans, which offer more fine grained control over fan speeds and temperatures. However, some coolers still use the older 3 pin connector, especially smaller form factor models used for cooling SSDs, so make sure to choose one that is compatible with your motherboard’s fan headers.
Noise Level: Some CPU fans can produce relatively high noise levels. Check the fans noise rating measured in decibels or dBA for an approximation of how loud it will be.
Form Factor: CPU coolers can be fairly large and take up a significant amount of room in your PC case, so check the dimensions carefully, especially if you are also using a large GPU. Look for a low profile cooler if space is a big concern, or consider switching to a larger mid tower or full tower case if you need more room.
Shop Micro Centers lineup of coolers for great prices on high performance CPU heatsinks from the industry's biggest names, including Thermaltake, Cooler Master, Noctua, and more. Remember to grab a tube of quality thermal paste for your CPU, and check out our selection of case fans to perfect your custom air cooling solution.
