3.5h - Cooling: Professor Messer

Cooling

The process of removing heat from computer components to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Active Cooling

A method that uses fans or liquid coolants to actively remove heat from components in a computer.

On-board fans

Fans designed to cool an entire adapter or expansion card, often bulky and typically seen on high-end graphics cards.

Heat Sink

A component made of copper or aluminum that transfers heat away from internal components and dissipates it into a medium.

Passive Cooling

Cooling method that relies on heat sinks and does not use fans or active components.

Thermal Paste

A conductive grease placed between a heat sink and a component to enhance thermal conductivity.

Thermal Pads

Non-reusable materials placed between heat sinks and components, requiring replacement each time a heat sink is removed.

Liquid Cooling

A type of active cooling that uses liquid coolant to circulate through a computer for enhanced cooling.