Chp.3 CPU Cooling

Chp.3 CPU Cooling

1. Cooling

   • hundreds of millions of transistors are hammering away in these power houses
     • need to keep it and other devices in the computer cool

2. Heat Sinks

   • is a block of metal made to sit right on top of the CPU, with metal fins stretching away from the CPU
     • uses conduction to direct heat away from the CPU and out through the fins
   • passive heat sinks have no moving parts to dissipate heat
   • Active heat sinks have fan attached to the top of the heat sink
   • heat sinks normally are made of aluminum
     • now you can see copper heat sinks as well
       • they have superior conductivity
   • If heat sinks become loose it can lead to
     • adverse affect on performance of CPU
     • cause overheating
       • can lead to random reboots

3. Thermal Compound

   • CPU cap and the bottom of the heat sink have slight imperfections in the metal
     • surface area is key, for best heat dissipation from CPU to Heat sink
     • to fill tiny gaps and imperfections, thermal compound is used
   • reapply thermal compound whenever removing and re-installing a heat sink

4. Fans

   • intake fan
     • pulls cool air inside PC case
   • exhaust fan
     • blows out hot air from PC case
   • Chassis Air Guide
     • Intel designed
     • a hollow tube that leads from the side of the case to the CPU, guiding cool room ambient air toward the CPU

5. Liquid Cooling systems

   • kit usually comes with a CPU water block, pump, radiator/fan, PVC tubing, and coolant
   • advantages are improved heat dissipation, higher overclocking rates, and support for latest CPUs
   • disadvantages
     • risk of a leak that can damage components
     • water pumps becoming faulty
     • air being trapped in the lines
       • can cause system to overheat
   • maintenance in the from of inspecting the lines and replacing coolant every few years

6. Troubleshooting

   • most common issue is that it isn't installed properly or securely
     • can cause a complete failure
     • Causes
       • fan is connected and functional
         • heat sink is connected properly
         • CPU is installed properly
       • check all connections
       • big four
   • system will turn on, and power is supplied to system, but no POST, display, or HD activity
   • other possible symptoms
     • unexplained crashes during boot up or use
     • computer locks up after short time
     • voltage is near, at, or above the top end of allowable range
     • CPU is plain defective

7. Installing

   • select CPU
     • employ ESD prevention methods
       • ready the motherboard
         • install the CPU
           • test the installation
             • BIOS POST recognizes the CPU
             • within Windows
               • check with Device Manager