Get to Know How to Choose the Cooler for the CPU
A processor cooler is installed in the system unit of each personal computer to cool the central processor. The stability and durability of the processor itself and other components of the computer depend on it. This article will help you choose the cooler that is most suitable in terms of format, characteristics, and purposes of use. Continue to read.
Know the purpose
First of all, you need to decide for what purpose you will choose your cooler. This could be maximum cooling efficiency, low noise levels, or a trade-off. In addition, coolers differ in appearance – they are backlit, and also made in different colours.
Compatibility with the system
There are two types of home computer platforms – with Intel or AMD processors. If your computer has an Intel processor, you need to focus on coolers with support for LGA775 / 1150/1155/1366/2011 sockets, if AMD – with support for Socket AM2 (+) / AM3 (+) / FM1 / FM2.
However, these conditions are valid only for coolers of the lower price segment, as a rule, they have support for any modern processor sockets. The only exceptions are flagship platforms with LGA2011 and LGA2011-v3 sockets, with which not all coolers of the middle price segment are compatible.
The next criterion to be followed when choosing a cooler is the heat dissipation level of the processor. In modern processor models, it can vary from 40 to 220 W, and the higher it is, the more stringent requirements are imposed on the cooling system. You can always find the heat dissipation level of the processor on the manufacturer’s page, and the company always indicates the maximum power dissipation for each cooler model in its characteristics.
Finally, the third criterion for compatibility is the height of the cooler. In recent years, the most popular and efficient models are coolers of the so-called “tower” design, when a heatsink with a fan is located vertically relative to the motherboard. In some cases, such a cooler may simply not fit, so before buying, pay attention to the height of the cooler indicated in the specifications.
Cooling efficiency
Cooling efficiency is a key characteristic of a cooler. Currently, the most efficient are tower coolers based on copper heat pipes. With proper implementation, to ensure cooling of any serial processor in the design of the radiator, three or four heat pipes are enough. A further increase in the number of pipes in radiators does not always lead to a decrease in peak processor temperatures, so you shouldn’t chase after that. The fins of the radiators and the heat pipes themselves are usually nickel-plated, which allows them to maintain an almost perfect appearance throughout the entire service life.
Installation
Before installing the cooler, it is necessary to apply a uniform layer of thermal paste with a minimum thickness to the processor. You need to install the cooler strictly according to the instructions, while it is very important to ensure an even pressure – if at least a minimum gap forms between the processor and the heatsink, the processor will instantly overheat, and the protection system will turn off the computer.
Visit the AWD-IT website to choose your perfect cooler.
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