How To Choose CPU Cooler

Last update: 2023-01-28

CPU as we all know stands for the central processing unit. However, this article is not going to discuss the CPU, but a CPU cooler instead. It is not as leading a role as the CPU component regarding the computing system. However, the CPU cooler is what ensures the operation of your CPU, and it is vital for the CPU capability to operate, indeed.

Therefore, the question is how to choose the right CPU cooler for your device, and what are the factors to take into serious consideration. The answer to all of those would be lying down below. We have several sections with a certain purpose for each, in terms of the topic CPU cooler choosing.

Fan Issues In CPU Coolers

The most common and probably the only issue that many PC users have engaged in is occurring for the cooler fan. The fan dilemma here would be either not working for a while or broken if worse. Should you already have a CPU cooler and be accidentally having this problem, then perhaps the guide to troubleshooting here can be helpful to you.

How To Choose CPU Cooler

First, you need to turn off the PC. Let the device have its time to reset. Now that you have turned off the device, take some time to clean the fan properly. In numerous cases, a CPU cooler fan does not work because of the dirt all around it. Hence, a deep cleaning may be the key to your problem.

Nonetheless, in other cases, the problem lies in the central processor. It can be a result of physical damage or any technical error. If you are in this situation, you would need to repair or replace the CPU for proper operation.

Another circumstance that can occur is that your fan may have broken, and you need a new fan for your computer. Or it can be the motherboard. In both cases, replacement is encouraged for users. None of us wish for a broken component, but it is quite unavoidable for many users, to be honest.

How To Choose CPU Cooler

What Is A CPU Cooler?

A CPU cooler is simply understood as a device that helps the CPU to reduce the heat levels when in operation. As we have acknowledged to our readers, the CPU when overheated for prolonged or even short periods, can no longer perform well and stop working gradually. It is not a good idea at all to not have a CPU cooler equipped. A CPU cooler, in fact, helps the CPU to work more smoothly and faster when we use it.

How To Choose CPU Cooler

What Are The Types Of CPU Coolers To Choose?

Just like any other item, CPU coolers are divided into different groups with specific pros and cons. There are two types of CPU coolers nowadays in the marketplace, which are air coolers and liquid coolers. They all have their shortcomings and benefits over one another, offering PC users.

In the upcoming lines, we are going to briefly present the comparison between these two, and perhaps let you decide which is the most suitable for your case. We don't really follow the rule that the more expensive or more common is better. We rather think that the most compatible item is always the best solution.

Air Coolers

Air coolers are popular and suitable for general PC users. The advantages when you use the air coolers for CPUs are affordability and a variety of aftermarket products. These are probably the two most massive reasons why users would go for such items. They are best for miniature custom computers and desktops.

However, the drawback is their sizes, which can trigger the installation process because of incompatibility with the overalls. Apart from that, the fan sound is quite loud during usage. But there has been innovation and upgrade for CPU air coolers

The air coolers are divided into three types, including the U-type or Twin Tower cooler, C-Type, and Low Profile cooler. The first two (U-Type and C-Type) perform impressively for heat lowering. The C-Type coolers can be more favorable to many shoppers because of the diversity in size limits, enabling the cooler to fit in multiple CPUs.

How To Choose CPU Cooler

Liquid Coolers

Liquid or water-based coolers are wonderful heat reducers. They are perfect for frequent PC users, or CPUs that are prone to stay at high-temperature levels. For the benefits, it is undeniable that all liquid-based coolers are doing an excellent job in their major functionality. If you take on gaming tasks at a high intensity, we do recommend the liquid-based. Also, they can fit into almost any device.

But the biggest factor that may prevent shoppers from these coolers is their potential threats to safety. Once the cooler is leaked, your entire computer faces extreme hazards. There are two types of liquid-based coolers, which are one manufactured in factories, and the other group is DIY.

How To Choose CPU Cooler

How To Choose The Best Cooler For Your CPU?

You have almost come to the ending of this article. This last round would tell you some information about CPU coolers. These pieces below are the additional but crucial factors you need to consider thoroughly before making the final decision of choosing a CPU cooler.

IHS

IHS is a short name for an integrated heat spreader. In case you have yet to know what it is or what it may look like, the IHS refers to the top silver cover space for the CPU. The leading duty of an IHS is to protect the CPU core, explicit the heat transferred from the CPU, and distribute heat evenly to the surrounding areas. When choosing a cooler, keep an eye on those with soldered IHS models.

TIM

TIM, known as Thermal Interface Material, is our next concern. It is the connection bridge between the IHS and CPU cooler base. The smoother the surface is, the more effective it will perform. The makers, even though has never been capable of creating a completely smooth surface for the TIM, have been putting efforts to artificially come up with an even surface with conductive or non-conductive pastes applied.

How To Choose CPU Cooler

Thermal Paste Types

In the industry of making CPU coolers, five thermal paste types are applied. They are carbon-based, metal-based, diamond-based, silicon-based, and ceramic-based. The cheapest one is silicon-based, but it is not the most ideal one for conductivity. However, it conducts a great job as a filling factor.

The longest lifespans are diamond-based and ceramic-based. These two are both expensive to purchase, but we do not think really highly of their effectiveness. The two most applicable CPU coolers are carbon-based and metal-based. The ranges of price are reasonable. Their performances are also excellent, along with a comparatively long lifespan.

How To Choose CPU Cooler

Heat Fins

The heat pipes, sinks, and bases are built-in and come from metal such as aluminum. As a result, we would not talk about them anymore and focus on the heat fins. The heat fins are usually made of aluminum like the mentioned parts. They are the primary component of a CPU cooler. The performance of heat fins relies greatly on the construction, location, shape, quantity, and spacing.

How To Choose CPU Cooler

Final Thoughts

We hope that you have gathered yourself all the needed information for selecting a CPU cooler. If you are a gamer using your PC frequently, and the device is always in the condition of overheating, a water-based cooler is advisable, but the safety must be guaranteed. Lastly, when determining which CPU cooler is the best for you, check the factors to consider and decide which type of cooler suits your situation better.


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