2025-08-07 10:31:50
A CPU Heat Sink is a passive cooling component designed to dissipate heat generated by a central processing unit (CPU) in computers and other electronic devices. It works in conjunction with thermal interface material (TIM) and often a fan to maintain optimal operating temperatures. The heat sink's primary function is to absorb thermal energy from the CPU and transfer it to the surrounding environment through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Modern CPU heat sinks are typically made from aluminum or copper alloys. Aluminum (thermal conductivity: 205 W/m·K) offers a good balance between cost and performance, while copper (thermal conductivity: 401 W/m·K) provides superior heat transfer but at higher cost and weight. Some premium heat sinks use a combination of both materials, with copper bases and aluminum fins.
Heat sink efficiency largely depends on fin design and total surface area. Typical fin densities range from 15-30 fins per inch, with surface areas varying from 500-5000 cm² depending on the application. Advanced designs may feature pin-fin, straight-fin, or flared-fin configurations to optimize airflow and thermal dissipation.
The effectiveness of a heat sink is measured by its thermal resistance (θ), typically ranging from 0.1-0.5 °C/W for high-performance models. Lower values indicate better heat dissipation capability. This metric is crucial when matching a heat sink to a specific CPU's thermal design power (TDP).
Many modern heat sinks incorporate heat pipes (thermal conductivity up to 50,000 W/m·K when operating) that use phase-change principles to rapidly transfer heat from the base to the fins. These copper pipes typically range from 6-8mm in diameter and can reduce thermal resistance by up to 40% compared to solid metal designs.
Heat sinks employ various mounting systems with specific pressure requirements. The ideal mounting pressure ranges from 30-70 psi to ensure proper contact with the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS) without damaging the chip. Common mechanisms include push-pins, spring screws, and retention brackets compatible with specific CPU sockets (LGA 1700, AM5, etc.).
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