What component inside the computer case is used to draw heat away from the CPU?

Keeping the CPU cool is critical. Both Intel and AMD have technologies that reduce processor energy consumption (and heat) by turning off unused parts of the processor or slowing down the processor when it starts to overheat. But these measures alone are not enough. Today’s systems use one or more of the methods listed in Table 3.6. Figure 3.18 shows a heat sink and a fan.

Inhaltsverzeichnis Show

What draws heat away from the CPU?
What is a component used to prevent the overheating of the CPU?
What is used to move the heat away and cool the computer system?
Which component allows for cooling on a CPU?

TABLE 3.6 Processor cooling methods

Method

Description

heat sink

A block of metal (usually aluminum or copper), metal bars, or metal fins that attach to the top of the processor or other motherboard components. Heat from the processor is transferred to the heat sink and then blown away by the air flow throughout the computer case.

fan

Fans can be attached to the processor, beside the processor, and in the case.

thermal paste or thermal pad

Thermal paste, compound, or grease is applied to the top of the processor before a heat sink is attached. Some heat sinks and fans come pre-applied. A thermal pad provides uniform heat dispersion and lies between the processor and the heat sink.

liquid cooling

Liquid is circulated through the system, including through a heat sink that is mounted on the CPU. Heat from the processor is transferred to the cooler liquid. The now-hot liquid is transported to the back of the system, converted to heat, and released outside the case. CPU temperature remains constant, no matter the usage. Some systems require the liquid to be periodically refilled.

phase-change cooling (vapor cooling)

Expensive option that uses a technique similar to a refrigerator: A gas is converted to a liquid that is converted back to gas.

heat pipe

A metal tube used to transfer heat away from an electronic component.

passive cooling

Passive cooling involves no fans, so a heat sink that does not have a fan attached is known as a passive heat sink.

The largest chip on the motherboard with a fan or a heat sink attached is easily recognized as the processor. Figure 3.19 shows an Intel Core i7 that has a fan and a heat sink installed. Notice the heat pipes that are used as part of the heat sink.

Additional motherboard components can also have heat sinks attached. These are normally the chipset and/or the I/O (input/output) controller chips. Figure 3.20 shows a motherboard with these cooling elements.

The central processing unit (CPU) and the heat sink/fan assembly may be installed on the motherboard before the motherboard is placed in the computer case.

Figure 3-2 shows a close-up view of the CPU and the motherboard. The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. When handling a CPU and motherboard, make sure that you place them on a grounded antistatic mat. You should wear an antistatic wrist strap while working with these components.

Figure 3-2 CPU and Motherboard

Caution

When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts at any time.

Caution

When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts at any time.

The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly. CPU sockets today are zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets. You should be familiar with the locking assembly before attempting to install a CPU into the socket on the motherboard.

Thermal compound helps keep the CPU cool. Figure 3-3 shows thermal compound being applied to the CPU.

When you are installing a used CPU, clean the CPU and the base of the heat sink with iso-propyl alcohol. Doing this removes all traces of old thermal compound. The surfaces are now ready for a new layer of thermal compound. Follow all manufacturer recommendations about applying the thermal compound.

Figure 3-4 shows the heat sink/fan assembly. It is a two-part cooling device. The heat sink draws heat away from the CPU, and the fan moves the heat away from the heat sink. The heat sink/fan assembly usually has a three-pin power connector.

Figure 3-4 Heat Sink/Fan Assembly on the Motherboard

How To

Follow these instructions for CPU and heat sink/fan assembly installation:

Step 1. Align the CPU so that the Connection 1 indicator is lined up with Pin 1 on the CPU socket. Doing this ensures that the orientation notches on the CPU are aligned with the orientation keys on the CPU socket.

Step 2. Place the CPU gently into the socket.

Step 3. Close the CPU load plate and secure it in place by closing the load lever and moving it under the load lever retention tab.

Step 4. Carefully apply a small amount of thermal compound to the CPU, and spread it evenly. Follow the application instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Step 5. Align the heat sink/fan assembly retainers with the holes on the motherboard.

Step 6. Place the heat sink/fan assembly onto the CPU socket, being careful not to pinch the CPU fan wires.

What draws heat away from the CPU?

A heat sink is a piece of metal that sits on top of a computer chip such as a CPU and draws power away from components by letting it rise through a series of fins.

What is a component used to prevent the overheating of the CPU?

Thermal paste is a highly conductive material usually used to coat components such as the CPU and GPU. Thermal paste helps to dissipate heat more efficiently and prevent temperatures inside your machine from reaching critical levels.

What is used to move the heat away and cool the computer system?

Computer fans are widely used along with heatsink fans to reduce temperature by actively exhausting hot air. There are also more exotic cooling techniques, such as liquid cooling.