Cooling and Power Lesson 001: General Terms

What computer component generates the most heat?

The CPU.

What are the three different types of cooling?

Passive cooling, active cooling, and liquid cooling.

What type of power current do electronics use?

Direct Current (DC).

What does VDC stand for?

Volts of Direct Current.

What voltages of DC amps are used by computers?

+3.3 VDC, +5 VDC, +12 VDC, and -12 VDC.

What voltage is provided through wall outlets?

Alternating Current (AC).

What AC voltage is provided in the United States?

110-120 volts AC (alternating current).

What AC voltage is provided in Europe, Asia, and most other countries?

230-240 VAC (volts of alternating current).

Transformer

A built in component in a PSU (power supply unit).

Thermal Load

Heat from different components inside the computer.

Passive Cooling

Type of cooling that relies on components that don't have moving parts or power for removing heat.

Heatsink

Finned metal device that radiates heat away from the processor and other components, increasing the surface area for heat to dissipate.

Thermal Paste

Chemical compound used to ensure optimal heat transfer from the CPU to the heat sink.

How much power does passive cooling require to operate?

None.

Active Cooling

Uses a fan to cool down the heat from the device.

Where can you find active cooling fans in a computer?

On top of the processor on an active cooling heat sink, the case fans in the computer case, the back of the power supply, and on external graphics cards.

How often should you blow out dust from the fans in a computer?

Every three to six months.

Where is liquid cooling most commonly used?

Very popular with high end gaming PCs.

Closed Loop System

Very simple systems for liquid cooling that cool a single component.

How difficult is it to install a closed loop system?

Not difficult, easy to install and upgrade.

Open Loop System

A liquid cooling based system that has different components and is able to cool several components across the system.

Why's liquid cooling popular in high-end gaming PCs?

Water and liquids are more effective coolant than air convection and are a lot quieter.

Water Looper Tubing

Allows coolant in a liquid cooled PC to move around the system.

Pump

Moves coolant in a liquid cooled PC to ensure the coolant is moving through the system.

Reservoir

Holds coolant in a liquid cooled PC, giving room for the coolant to expand and contract due to temperature.

Water Block/Water Bracket

Attached to each device that pulls heat away from the components by using convection.

Radiator

Cools down the coolant in a liquid cooled PC.

Is liquid cooling or active cooling PCs easier to work with?

Active cooling PCs.