Cooling and Power

Cooling

  • Excess heat mainly originates from the CPU; unchecked heat can destroy components.
  • Cooling categories:
    • Passive: heat-sink only (no moving parts).
    • Active: heat-sink + fan(s).
    • Liquid: pump, tubing, radiator; preferred for high-heat systems (e.g., gaming rigs).
  • Demonstration topics covered later: applying thermal paste, mounting heat-sink, installing CPU + case fans.

Power Fundamentals

  • Computer components operate on direct current (DC): {3.3\ \text{VDC}}, {5\ \text{VDC}}, {12\ \text{VDC}}.
  • Wall outlets supply alternating current (AC):
    • USA: {120\ \text{VAC}}.
    • Europe: {230\ \text{VAC}}.
  • Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC via transformer, filters, and regulators.

PSU Details

  • Provides multiple DC rails and connector types for motherboard, CPU, GPU, storage, etc.
  • Key selection factors:
    • Total wattage; high-performance builds demand higher \text{W}.
    • Correct input voltage setting (manual switch or auto-sensing).
  • Installation essentials: secure mounting, proper cable routing, observe safety precautions (isolate power, avoid static discharge).

Course Scope

  • CompTIA domain 3 (Hardware): install/configure cooling solutions & power supplies.
  • Objective 3.6: choose/install appropriate PSU (voltages, connectors, wattage).
  • Sequence: cooling methods → liquid cooling → hands-on cooling demo → PSU theory → connectors → global voltages → wattage sizing → PSU installation demo → checkpoint quiz.