What are the types of cpu heat sinks?

There are many styles and types of cpu heat sinks. Which one should we choose?

I believe the following classification of these heat sinks can help you find the answer!

1. Air-cooled CPU heatsinks

Air-cooled cooling is the most common way of CPU cooling. It mainly uses a combination of heatsinks and fans to lower the CPU temperature.

The structure of an air-cooled heatsink usually consists of a base, heatpipes, cooling fins and cooling fans.

• Base: Responsible for absorbing the heat generated by the CPU.
• Heatpipes: transfer the heat absorbed by the base to the heat sink quickly.
• Heat sink: It increases the heat dissipation area for better heat distribution into the air.
• Cooling Fan: It generates airflow by rotating rapidly to take away the heat from the heatsink and discharge it into the air.

2. Water-cooled heat sink:

Water-cooled cooling transfers heat through water or other coolant. Its cooling efficiency is usually higher than air-cooled cooling. A water-cooled radiator usually consists of a cold header, a water pipe, a water pump, a cold plate and a cooling fan.

• Cold header: directly contacting the CPU and absorbing the heat it generates.
• Water pipes: transfer the heat from the cold header to the cold plate.
• Water pump: drives the coolant to circulate in the system.
• Cold Platoon: Increases the heat dissipation area and radiates the heat into the air through the cooling fan.

Specific types:

• One-piece water cooling radiator (AIO)
• Split water cooling radiator

3. cpu heat sinks type by material:

Copper heat sinks:

Copper has excellent thermal conductivity but is more costly and heavier. Some high-end cooling devices will use copper base or heat pipes to improve cooling efficiency.

Aluminum heatsinks:

Aluminum’s thermal conductivity is not as good as copper’s, but it costs less and weighs less. Many low- and mid-range heat sinks use aluminum. It is also the main heatsink style in the market.

 

Copper-aluminum composite radiator:

It combines the advantages of copper and aluminum to ensure thermal conductivity. And control the cost and weight. This type of heatsink is mainly used in the server cooling system.

4. Classified according to the design structure of heat sinks

The design structure of the heat sink will directly affect its heat dissipation effect. For example, the number of heat pipes, the shape and arrangement of heat sinks, fan size and speed are all important design factors.

Some high-end heat sinks also use special designs to improve cooling efficiency. For example, Direct Heat Pipe Touch (DHT) technology is used to reduce thermal resistance. The use of special shaped fins to increase the heat dissipation area.

Final Conclusion

There are various types of CPU heatsinks, and users should consider them according to their needs, budget, and CPU model and performance when choosing one.

For most common users, a cost-effective air-cooled aluminum heatsink is good.

Hugh Aluminum is aluminum extrusion manufacturer. We design and manufacture all types of aluminum heat sinks.

 If you need to purchase aluminium heatsink in bulk or looking for aluminium suppliers?

 Please contact us! We have 14 years of manufacturing experience and served more than 600+ customers from 40+ countries. Our team is friendly and professional.

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