Any part of a computer that consumes energy generates heat.
The heat sink is an assembly of cooling systems consisting of a series of thin tubes and reservoirs. It is required to dissipate the heat from the element being heated into the atmosphere. The air passing through the heat sink absorbs the heat.
Heat capacity is the amount of heat released (absorbed) by an object during heating (cooling).
Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct energy from the more heated parts to the less heated parts.
Heat sinks are made of thermally conductive materials with a minimum heat capacity. Heat sinks must absorb heat quickly and release it quickly. This principle is used to cool any system that transmits heat during operation.
Parts of the motherboard that become very hot during operation are equipped with heat sinks. This includes, for example, the chipset and CPU.
Types of computer cooling systems
Air-cooling
A heat sink is fitted to the processor through a special heat-conducting paste. A fan drives a large volume of air through the aluminum grid, and the heat is dissipated with great efficiency.
Standardized heat sinks and cooling fans are used to cool the CPU.
If the enclosure is insufficiently ventilated, the fans in the system unit will drive hot air around in a circle. The heated air will not absorb the heat efficiently. As a result, the heat energy accumulated in the enclosure of the system unit will cause the system to overheat. Overheating may cause the system to burn out or cause some computer components to malfunction.
Liquid cooling system
This cooling system is more expensive to use and more complex to install in the system unit. A liquid cooling system is installed in premium gaming computers. On average, this system provides better heat dissipation than standard air cooling.
Components of the system:
- Ventilator
- Heat sink to dissipate the heat received from the liquid.
- A heat sink (water block) is a device that draws heat from the system elements to be cooled. The heat sink transfers the heat to the liquid.
- Pump for circulating liquid. The pump can be combined with a heat sink.
- Liquid reservoir - this element is necessary to compensate for the thermal expansion of the liquid, easy filling, and draining of the liquid.
- Hoses or pipes required to move fluid flow between system components.
A liquid flow detector can be fitted.
The liquid that is used is distilled water, often with additives that have a bactericidal or antigalvanic effect.
Some waterblocks, combined with a pump, have a display that shows temperature, fan rotation speed, frequency, voltages, and other parameters.
Classification of liquid cooling systems
A maintained liquid cooling system is a set of individual cooling system components. The pump and water block are separate. This system can be retrofitted, i.e., an additional water block for the graphics card can be installed, the pipes can be lengthened, the heatsink or the liquid can be replaced if required. This system is more complex to install than a maintenance-free liquid cooling system. In addition, there is a risk of leakage and liquid contamination.
A maintenance-free system is a set of ready-to-use sealed systems with liquid filler. The system consists of a combined waterblock and pump, one or more ventilators, tubes, and heatsink. Easy to install. There are no system upgrades or liquid changes.
Freon cooling systems
The system consists of a compressor, condenser, evaporator, dryer, and capillary tube.
The principle of operation of this cooling system is the same as that of a domestic refrigerator or air conditioner. A refrigerant, Freon, is pumped through the system. The Freon cycle is based on the Joule-Thomson effect. This effect consists of lowering the refrigerant's temperature as its pressure decreases as it flows through a constriction in the tube ducts.
The temperatures obtained with this cooling system are below zero. Due to condensate formation, it is necessary to insulate the cold part of the system.
These cooling systems are very complex to produce and install. In freon systems, it isn't easy to cool several computer components.
Water chillers
These are systems that combine a liquid cooling system with a freon unit. The principle of this system is to cool the antifreeze circulating through the system using a freon unit in a unique heat exchanger. These systems allow low-temperature cooling of several computer components.
The disadvantages of this system include the complexity of installation, the high cost, and the need for thermal insulation of the entire cooling system.
Open-type cooling systems
These units use dry ice, liquid nitrogen, or helium as a refrigerant. The refrigerant is evaporated in a special sealed container mounted on the cooling element. This type of cooling is for those who engage in extreme overclocking. This cooling system has a limited operating time and requires constant refrigerant replenishment.
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