How to choose a cooling system for a processor. We make high-quality processor cooling

To cool the processor, a cooler is used, which consists of a radiator and a fan.

Different processors have different mounts for coolers and have different thermal dissipation (TDP). As for heat dissipation, the more powerful the processor, the larger the cooler should be.

For the cheapest 2-core processors (Celeron, A4, A6), any simple cooler with an aluminum radiator and an 80-90 mm fan will be enough. The larger the fan and radiator size, the better the cooling. The lower the fan speed, the less noise. Some of these couriers are not suitable for all processors, so check the supported sockets in the description. For example, Deepcool GAMMA ARCHER is suitable for almost all sockets except AM4.
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMA ARCHER

Most coolers for more powerful processors are universal and have a set of mounts for all modern processors. DeepCool and Zalman coolers have the optimal price/quality ratio, and I will recommend them first.

Please note that not all coolers can be equipped with a mount for the AM4 socket, and sometimes it can be purchased separately; check this point with the seller.

For 2-core Intel processors (Pentium, Core-i3) and 4-core AMD processors (A8, A10, Ryzen 3), a small cooler with 2-3 heat pipes and a 90-120 mm fan, such as Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T (for TDP 65) is enough W).
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T

Or Deepcool GAMMAXX 300 (for TDP 95 W).
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMAXX 300

For more powerful 4-core Intel (Core i3,i5) and AMD (FX-4,6,8, Ryzen 5) you need a cooler with 4-5 heat pipes and a 120 mm fan. And the minimum option here would be Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 (4 handsets) or slightly better Zalman from the CNPS10X series (4-5 handsets) for more powerful processors.
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMAXX 400

For even hotter 6-core Intel (Core i5,i7) and AMD (Ryzen 7), as well as for overclocking, it is advisable to purchase a large, powerful cooler with 6 heat pipes and a 120-140 mm fan. Some of the best in terms of price/power ratio are Deepcool Lucifer V2 and Deepcool REDHAT.
CPU cooler Deepcool Lucifer V2

2. Do I need to buy a cooler separately?

Most boxed processors, which are sold in cardboard packaging and have the word “BOX” at the end of the label, have a cooler included.

If “Tray” or “OEM” is written at the end of the marking, then there is no cooler included.

Some expensive processors, despite being labeled with the word “BOX,” are sold without a cooler. But the box is usually smaller in this case, and the description often states that the processor does not include a cooler.

If you purchase a processor with a cooler, then you do not have to buy the cooler separately. This usually works out cheaper, and a boxed cooler is quite enough to cool the processor, since it is designed for it.

The disadvantages of boxed coolers are a higher noise level and the lack of a heat sink reserve in case of overclocking the processor. Therefore, if you want to have a quieter computer or overclock the processor, it is better to purchase a separate processor and a separate quiet and more powerful cooler.

3. Processor parameters for choosing a cooler

In order to choose the right cooler, we need to know the socket of the processor and its heat dissipation (TDP).

3.1. CPU socket

Socket is a motherboard connector for installing a processor, which also has a mount for a cooler. Different sockets have different types of cooler mounts.

3.2. CPU heat dissipation

As for heat dissipation (TDP), this indicator is also often indicated on online shopping sites. If the TDP of the processor is not indicated, then it can be easily found on the website of another online store or the official websites of processor manufacturers.

There are many more sites where you can find out the characteristics of the processor by the model number.

You can also use the Google or Yandex search engine.

4. Main characteristics of coolers

The main characteristics of coolers are the supported sockets and the TDP for which the cooler is designed.

Each cooler is designed for certain sockets; it simply will not install on others. Which sockets a particular cooler supports is indicated on the websites of manufacturers and online stores.

4.2. Cooler TDP

Despite the fact that the TDP of the processor for which the cooler is designed is the main parameter, its value is not indicated on the websites of online stores and most manufacturers. However, this data can sometimes be found. For example, on the website of one of the leaders in the production of coolers, the Austrian company Noctua, there is a comparison table of TDP coolers.

The TDP value of some popular cooler models, determined approximately based on test results, can be found on the Internet. Based on this information and personal experience, I have compiled a table with which you can easily select the optimal cooler depending on the TDP of the processor. You can download this table at the end of the article in the “” section.

5. Cooler design

CPU coolers come in many different designs.

5.1. Cooler with aluminum radiator

The simplest and cheapest are coolers with an aluminum radiator and a standard 80 mm fan. The shape of the radiator may vary. Basically, coolers for Intel processors have a round radiator, while for AMD processors it is square.

Such coolers are often included with low-power boxed processors and are usually sufficient for them. Such a cooler can also be purchased separately inexpensively, but their quality will most likely be slightly worse. Well, such a cooler is not suitable for overclocking a processor.

5.2. Cooler with fin radiator

On sale you can still find coolers with radiators made of stacked aluminum or copper plates.

They remove heat from the processor better than coolers with a solid aluminum radiator, but are already outdated and have been replaced by more efficient coolers based on heat pipes.

5.3. Horizontal cooler with heat pipes

Coolers with heat pipes are the most modern and most efficient.

Such coolers are available with more powerful processors. They remove heat from the processor much better than cheap coolers with an aluminum radiator, but they blow warm air in a less efficient direction - towards the motherboard.

This solution is more suitable for compact cases, since in other cases it is better to purchase a more modern vertical cooler.

5.4. Vertical cooler with heat pipes

A vertical cooler (or tower cooler) has a more optimal design.

Warm air from the processor is blown not towards the motherboard, but towards the rear exhaust fan of the case.

Such coolers are the most optimal; they have a very large selection in size, power and price. They are best suited for very powerful processors and overclocking them. Their main disadvantage is their large dimensions, which is why not every such cooler will fit into a standard case.

The efficiency of the cooler most depends on the number of heat pipes. For a processor with a TDP of 80-100 W, a cooler with 3 heat pipes is enough; for a processor with a TDP of 150-180 W, a cooler with 6 heat pipes is needed. You will find out how many heat pipes a particular processor needs from the table, which can be downloaded in the “” section.

In the characteristics of a cooler, they usually do not focus on how many heat pipes it has. But this can be easily calculated from a photo of the base of the cooler or by counting the number of outgoing ends of the tubes and dividing them by 2.

6. Base design

The base of the cooler is the contact pad, which is in direct contact with the processor. The efficiency of the cooler also depends on its quality and design.

In coolers with an aluminum radiator, the radiator itself acts as the contact pad. The base can be solid or through.

A solid base is more preferable, as it increases the contact area between the radiator and the processor, which has a beneficial effect on cooling. And in a through design, dust can accumulate in the gap between the radiator and the fan.

Firstly, it has a bad effect on cooling. Secondly, it is impossible to clean the dust from there without removing the cooler from the processor, while a radiator with a solid pad can be easily cleaned without removing it.

6.2. Radiator with copper insert

The radiators of some coolers have a copper insert at the base, which is in contact with the processor.

Radiators with a copper insert are slightly more efficient than all-aluminum options.

Coolers with heat pipes may have a copper base.

This design is quite effective.

6.4. Direct contact

Some manufacturers actively preach the almost cosmic technology of direct contact (DirectCU), which consists of saving copper by pressing heat pipes in such a way that they themselves create a contact pad in direct contact with the processor.

In fact, this design is close in efficiency to a radiator with a copper base.

7. Design and material of the radiator

The efficiency of the cooler also greatly depends on the design of the radiator and the material from which it is made.

The cheapest coolers have a radiator made entirely of aluminum, since this metal is cheaper than copper. But aluminum has low heat capacity and uneven heat distribution, which requires stronger airflow and therefore noisier fans.

7.2. Aluminum with copper

Coolers with aluminum radiators with copper inserts are a little more efficient, but are no longer relevant.

7.3. Copper radiator

You can still find coolers with radiators made of copper plates on sale.

Copper has a high heat capacity and heat is distributed evenly in it. This makes it possible to stabilize the processor temperature at a certain level and does not require fast, noisy fans. But the effectiveness of such a system is limited due to the fact that a copper radiator has high thermal inertia and it is difficult to quickly remove heat from it. But such a cooler can be indispensable in compact cases for media centers, since it is quite low.

7.4. Radiator made of aluminum plates

The most effective today are coolers with heat pipes and a radiator made of many thin aluminum plates.

Heat from the processor is instantly dissipated through heat pipes to the plates, on which the fan air flow is also quickly removed due to the high dissipation area. This design has very low heat capacity and thermal inertia, so cooling efficiency increases significantly with small increases in fan speed.

7.5. Nickel plating

Good branded coolers may have nickel plating on heat pipes, copper bases, and even aluminum heatsink fins.

Nickel plating prevents surface oxidation. It always remains beautiful and shiny. But the most important thing is that the oxide does not interfere with heat removal and the cooler does not lose its properties. Although, by and large, the difference will not be significant.

7.6. Radiator size

The efficiency of the cooler always depends on the size of the radiator. But coolers with large radiators cannot always fit into a standard computer case. The height of a tower radiator for a standard case should not exceed 160 mm.

The width of the radiator also matters. A cooler with a large radiator may not fit due to the close location of the power supply. You also need to consider the size and layout of the motherboard. It may happen that the cooler cannot be installed due to highly protruding heatsinks of the motherboard near the processor, closely spaced tall memory modules, etc.

All this must be taken into account in advance and, if in doubt, measure the required distances in your computer. It's better to play it safe and take a slightly smaller cooler. If the processor is very hot, and the case is small, or elements protruding from the motherboard are in the way, then tear them off; a horizontal cooler with heat pipes and specially designed with sufficient distance from the motherboard will suit you.

7.7. Radiator weight

The larger the radiator, the heavier it is, and the heavier the radiator, the larger it is. But essentially, the higher the TDP of the processor, the heavier the radiator should be. For a processor with a TDP of 100-125 W, a radiator weighing 300-400 grams is enough; for a monster like AMD FX9xxx with a TDP of 200-220 W, you need a radiator of at least 1 kg, or even 1200-1300 grams. I will not give the weight of the radiator for each processor, since you will see all this in the table, which can be downloaded in the “” section.

8. Fans

The size, speed and other parameters of the fan determine the efficiency of the cooler and the noise level it creates.

8.1. Fan size

In general, the larger the fan, the more efficient and quieter it is. The cheapest coolers have fans measuring 80x80 mm. Their advantage is simplicity and low cost of replacement (which is rare). The disadvantage is the highest noise level.

It is better to buy a cooler with a larger fan - 92x92, 120x120 mm. These are also standard sizes and are easy to replace if necessary.

For particularly powerful and hot processors, such as AMD FX9xxx, it is better to take a cooler with a fan of a standard size of 140x140 mm. This fan is more expensive, but there will be less noise.

It’s better to limit the choice to coolers with standard fan sizes, what if you still have to replace it someday? But this is not important, since among us there are real nuggets of Kulibins who will screw any fan to any radiator on their knees

8.2. Fan bearing type

The cheapest fans have a Sleeve Bearing. Such fans are considered less reliable and less durable.

Fans with ball bearings are considered more reliable. But they make more noise.

Most modern fans have hydrodynamic bearings (Hydro Bearing), which combines reliability with low noise levels.

8.3. Number of fans

To overclock such monsters as AMD FX9xxx with a TDP of 200-220 W, it is better to take a cooler with two 140x140 mm fans. But keep in mind that the more fans, the higher the noise level. Therefore, there is no need to buy a cooler with two fans for a processor with a TDP of up to 180 W. Recommendations for the number and size of fans are in the table from the “” section.

8.4. Fan speed

The smaller the radiator and fan size, the higher its speed will be. This is necessary to compensate for the low dispersion area and low air flow.

In cheap coolers, fan speed can vary between 2000-4000 rpm. At a speed of 2000 rpm the fan noise becomes clearly audible, at a speed of 3000 rpm the noise becomes annoying, and at 4000 rpm your room will turn into a small landing pad...

The ideal option is a fan measuring 120-140 mm with a maximum speed of 1300-1500 rpm.

8.5. Automatic speed control

Motherboards are able to regulate cooler speed depending on the processor temperature. Adjustment can be done by changing the supply voltage (DC), which is supported by all motherboards.

More expensive coolers can be equipped with fans with a built-in speed controller (PWM). In this case, the motherboard must also support speed control via a PWM controller.

It’s good if the cooler has a 120-140 mm fan with a speed in the range of 800-1300 rpm. In this case, you will almost never hear it.

8.6. Cooler connector

Processor coolers can have a 3-pin or 4-pin connector for connecting to the motherboard. 3-pin ones are controlled by changing the voltage by the motherboard (DC), and 4-pin ones using a PWM controller (PWM). A PWM controller can more accurately control the cooler speed, so it is better to purchase a cooler with a 4-pin connector.

8.7. Noise level

The noise level depends on the rotation speed of the fan, the configuration of its blades, and is measured in decibels (dB). Fans with a noise level of up to 25 dB are considered quiet. Based on this indicator, you can compare several coolers and, other things being equal, choose the one that makes less noise.

8.8. Air flow

The strength of the air flow determines the efficiency of heat removal from the radiator and, accordingly, the efficiency of the entire cooler and the noise level. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Based on this indicator, you can compare several coolers and, other things being equal, choose the one that has a higher CFM. But do not forget to pay attention to the noise level.

9. Cooler mount

There are no pitfalls in mounting a small or medium-sized cooler. But with big models there are surprises...

Carefully read the cooler mounting diagram before purchasing it. Some heavy coolers require reinforced mounting using a special frame on the back of the motherboard.

In this case, the motherboard must allow the installation of such a frame and there should be no soldered electronic elements at the installation site. There should be a recess in the computer case where the processor is supposed to be located. Even better if there is a window that allows you to install and remove such a cooler without removing the motherboard.

A set of universal coolers that fit many sockets may contain many different mounts.

If the cooler is of sufficient quality and expensive, then they will not be superfluous if you suddenly want (or have to) change the motherboard and processor to another platform (for example, from AMD to Intel). In this case, there is no need to change the cooler.

10. Backlight

Some coolers have LEDs and glow beautifully in the dark. It makes sense to purchase such a cooler if your case has a transparent window through which you can enjoy how it works while you relax. But keep in mind that the backlight can interfere and irritate not only you, but also your family members. Therefore, think in advance where the body will stand and where the light will go.

11. Thermal paste

Thermal paste is applied to the processor to improve heat transfer and this is very important. In cheap coolers, thermal paste may already be applied to the contact pad and covered with a plastic cover.

More expensive models come with a small tube of thermal paste, which can be enough for 2-3 times. Sometimes thermal paste is not included. Check the availability of thermal paste on the online store website.

If thermal paste is not included, you will need to purchase it separately. Thermal paste greatly influences the transfer of heat from the processor to the cooler. The temperature difference between a processor with bad and good thermal paste reaches up to 10 degrees!

As a budget option, you can take KPT-8 in a white aluminum tube. Its thermal conductivity is not so high, but if the processor is not very hot (TDP up to 100 W) and you do not plan to overclock it, then this will be enough. The main thing is that it is original! It is not advisable to purchase it in syringes, jars, plastic tubes with handmade stickers, since there are a lot of fakes in such packaging.

It should be absolutely obvious that the packaging is factory made.

Alsil-3 thermal paste is similar in quality and price, but even in the original it is sold in syringes that are difficult to distinguish from a fake.

12. Cooler manufacturers

The best cooler manufacturers are the Austrian company Noctua and the Japanese company Scythe. They produce high-quality coolers and are deservedly popular among wealthy enthusiasts. Noctua provides a 72-month warranty on coolers.

The Taiwanese company Thermalright successfully markets the above-mentioned brands, which has very similar models at a slightly more reasonable price.

But the most popular in Russian-speaking countries are coolers from such familiar brands as Cooler Master, Thermaltake, Zalman. Coolers from these manufacturers have the best price/quality ratio.

But by and large, the manufacturer of the cooler is not so important, since there is nothing special to break apart from the fan. Therefore, it’s not a sin to save money and take something cheaper. A fairly large assortment and low prices are offered to us by DeepCool, GlacialTech, Ice Hammer and TITAN.

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, it’s just a cooler. And let the presence of a guarantee calm your nervous system

13. Warranty

The cheapest coolers have a standard 12 month warranty. Basically, all that can come out of the cooler is the fan, and replacing it will not be difficult.

But if you are purchasing a good cooler with branded fans, then it is better that the warranty is 24-36 months, since finding high-quality fans with the same characteristics can be difficult and expensive.

Top coolers are expensive, but manufacturers give them a warranty of up to 72 months.

I do not recommend purchasing coolers from little-known manufacturers whose lineup is represented by only a few models, as there may be problems with warranty service. Remember - a guarantee never hurt anyone

14. Setting up filters in the online store

1. Using the table, determine the main parameters of the cooler for your processor.
2. Go to the “Cooling Systems” section on the seller’s website.
3. Select the "Processor" destination.
4. If you want a better cooler, then choose only the best manufacturers.
5. If you want to save money, then choose all popular manufacturers whose lineup includes at least 15-20 models.
6. Select your processor socket.
7. Note the presence of heat pipes in the filter.
8. Size and number of fans (optional).
9. Availability of speed controller (only if necessary).
10. Cooler height (for a standard case up to 160 mm).
11. The presence of backlighting (will greatly narrow the choice).
12. Other parameters that are important to you.
13. Sort the selection by price.
14. Look through the coolers, starting with the cheaper ones (from the photo you can determine the number of heat pipes and the massiveness of the radiator).
15. Select several suitable models, view their photos from different angles and compare them based on parameters that were not included in the filter.
16. Buy the cheapest suitable model.

Do not overdo it with filters, as you can weed out successful models. Select only the parameters that are most important to you.

Thus, you will receive a cooler with the best price/quality/efficiency ratio that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

15. Links

Below you can download a table that allows you to easily determine the main parameters of the cooler, depending on the processor heat dissipation (TDP).

CPU cooler Deepcool REDHAT
CPU cooler Zalman CNPS10X Optima
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMAXX S40

As you know, many problems in a modern computer arise not because of poor reliability of components, but because of a very banal situation - their overheating. Therefore, ensuring a high-quality cooling system for the entire system unit is the key to long-term operation of the computer. Choosing the best CPU cooler Intel or AMD plays an important role in this.

But all problems begin with the computer case - this is not only the base on which all components are screwed for compact placement. This is also one of the components of the PC cooling system. Just a few years ago, processors and video cards were not so powerful and did not produce as much thermal energy. Therefore, the case was not subject to such stringent requirements as today - it was a heavy box, closed on all sides, with 1 or maximum 2 small fans for air intake from the front and exhaust from the rear.

Today, if you are assembling at least a universal home computer, this is no longer enough. Cases on the market today have holes for large fans on all walls, and air intake and exhaust are carried out from several directions.

Not only are two fans not enough, but very often users take cases without pre-installed fans and do not install them themselves, causing overheating to occur even faster.

The same applies to the processor cooling system. As you already know from the article about, they are sold either with a cooler (the so-called “BOX”) or without it. So, boxed versions are suitable only for office work with processors that do not heat up too much, such as Intel Core i3, i5, i7. From experience, they heat up little in normal mode and stock CPU coolers cope with the task quite well.

If you plan to overclock them, play games, or work in complex graphics applications, then you need to buy a separate cooler (radiator + fan). This is especially true for AMD processors that generate a lot of heat.

How to choose the best CPU cooling cooler for Intel and AMD?

So we come close to the issue of choosing a cooler for the processor. Let's take a closer look at those parameters that affect performance and are worth paying attention to when purchasing.

First of all, choose the cooler that fits your processor socket! As a rule, they support several sockets from both Intel and AMD, but given that they all have non-standard mounting, take the time to look at the instructions - perhaps installation is not provided for your socket.

CPU cooler type

This is more likely not even a type of cooler, but of the entire system as a whole. The most common is air, which is what we call a processor cooler. It consists of a metal radiator, which absorbs heat from the processor cover, and a fan, which blows air onto it and thereby cools it. Advanced models even have two fans - one for blowing in and one for blowing out.

Another type of processor cooling common among gamers is water. Options for such systems vary, from small fans associated with cooling liquid tubes to large, expensive systems with remote radiators. One thing in common is that thermoregulation involves liquid, which cools more than just air.

By the way, if you plan to use this type of cooling, then pay attention to the presence of special holes on the rear panel of the case for the tubes to exit - they are usually covered with rubber curtains.

Coolers can also be divided into active and passive - the passive one does not have a fan and is usually used for inexpensive and already outdated video cards - of course, this is not suitable for a processor.

Cooler radiator size

I won’t touch on water cooling, but let’s talk about the most accessible and widespread - air cooling. And here the size of the radiator and the number of metal plates are important - the more there are, the easier it is for it to remove excess heat. It is also desirable that they be as thin as possible.

Fan size

A fan or even two must be installed on the radiator to pump and exhaust air. The larger the fan (120x120x25), the more efficiently it cools the processor, and secondly, it is easier for it to do this than a small one, so with the same quality of heat dissipation it will make less noise. It is also better to take fans with the inscription “Ball bearing” - they have a quieter and more durable bearing.

Ability to adjust CPU fan speed

It would be good if it was possible to adjust the speed of the processor cooler - so that it would not just spin at a constant speed, but would select it depending on the heating. It is easy to distinguish such a fan - its power connector, which connects to the system board, must have 4 contacts.

Metal and number of heat pipes of the computer cooling system

The radiator is in direct contact with the surface of the processor case, so the metal from which this surface is made, as well as the tubes through which heat goes to the radiator, are important. The characteristics of the metal must be such that it heats up and cools down as quickly as possible. There are tubes made of aluminum, but copper works best for this, although such a unit turns out to be heavier. So get the CPU cooler that has them in dark yellow color.

Cooler location type

As I said, the larger the processor cooler, the better, but at the same time consider how it will be located on the motherboard and in the case - will it interfere with the installation of RAM or expansion cards, covering the necessary slots? And will it fit in the width of the case? Considered optimal tower type, since it exhausts air directly to the exhaust rear case fan.

In the same time classical the option when the fan blades are directly in front of you, when looking at the motherboard from above, is more suitable if the case and mother are small in microATX format, and you need to compactly place as many devices as possible on them. The advantage of this type is also that the radiator fins blow around other components inserted into the motherboard.

However, there are also expensive models in which these two types are combined, as in the figure below.

All the characteristics described above are indicated in one general parameter - heat dissipation (in watts). The higher it is, the better your processor will be cooled.

Manufacturer

Thermal paste

And finally, the final touch is the choice of thermal paste as an intermediate link between the processor cover and the cooler. Its task is to displace excess air between the metal plates, while it should also maximize heat transfer. In order for this to be as effective as possible, metal is added to good pastes, which is why it has a dark gray color rather than white - buy just such a paste. It is a little more expensive, but more effective. I already wrote somewhere, but I’ll repeat it again - I use MX-2 paste, it’s cheaper than competitors with comparable quality.

CPU cooler rotation speed

And now, after we bought a cooler for the processor, I will show you how to adjust its speed, if this function is supported in it and in the motherboard. This can be implemented in two ways - through a program running under Windows or through the BIOS. Gigabyte has developed a special utility for its products called i-Cool, which, however, is not supported by all motherboards. It makes it very easy for any novice user to do all this without delving into the depths of the blue BIOS screen.

If you own a motherboard from another company, then reboot the computer, go into the BIOS and look for menu items such as CPU Smart FAN Control and CPU Smart FAN Control (I found them in the PC Status section).

In the first, the processor fan speed control mode must be activated (Enabled or Auto), and in the second, one of the modes must be set - automatic (Auto, Normal, Silent) or manual (Manual) to set the speed manually.

In conclusion of this article about processor cooling coolers, I suggest you watch an educational video - tests of several sophisticated models for Intel Core and AMD.

[This is nothing more than an experiment; I do not claim to be a discoverer!]
Greetings to blog readers.
I have always been interested in non-standard solutions in computer systems. Water cooling, passive cooling, overclocking and other things not needed by the average user. My urge to “reveal all the hidden capabilities” of a computer began during the release of the first generation Intel core. My home computer had an i3 530. Later it was overclocked from 3 to 4 GHz on the bus. I still laugh when I remember phrases from various forums that this processor does not overclock. After successful overclocking, I realized that this is accessible to everyone, the main thing is to read enough of the necessary information. Computers have become an interesting construction set for me (for adults). I started assembling systems for my friends. I got one of them into overdrive. Sometimes I bought laptops, but I couldn’t stand it and seeing a system on sale on some fx 8350 for an inexpensive price, I sold the laptop and bought a PC. This is how my fx 8350 at 4.7 GHz worked in mining.

I recently purchased DEEPCOOL DRACULA for a small amount. I took it for the future, I plan to put an r9 290x on the card. Well, while the cooler was collecting dust on the shelf, another thought came into my head. This cooler removes 250 watts of heat when the processor emits 50-120 watts (we don’t take into account the latest amd fx, I consider their 250 watt heat output nonsense). But what if we try this cooler on an already cold Intel stone. Thoughts were spinning in my head, my hands were itching. And I carried out these manipulations. At the end of the article I will outline the pros and cons.

TEST STAND

To be honest, the system was assembled from what was available.

Motherboard:GIGABYTE GA-Z68P-DS3
Processor:intel pentium g2020
RAM: Corsair Vengeance Low Profile(CML4GX3M1A1600C9)
Cooler 1: DEEPCOOL Theta 9
Cooler 2:DEEPCOOL DRACULA
Hard drive western digital 160 gb
Video: Intel graphics core.
Thermal paste: complete from DEEPCOOL DRACULA
Chieftec aps 850cb power supply
Operating system: windows 8.1

Test participant DEEPCOOL DRACULA


The sole is smooth as always.


Comparison of coolers in size (relative to each other)

Assembly

The assembly turned out to be quite fun. At first I wanted to cut out the fasteners from metal, but then I abandoned this idea and decided to cheat a little. :)
It was decided to put elastic bands and tie everything together with strong threads (there were no ties at hand, and the threads fit well)
This is what the implemented fastening scheme looks like.




It seems to be more or less in appearance, but it’s terrible on the other side: D




Regarding RAM. With such a radiator, even two low-profile strips are installed with problems. The second one can be installed, but it will be tilted and may get scratched during installation. So I didn't make my life any more difficult.

Installing a video card. I also thought about this problem. We use a riser. I did not use a video card in testing, but for readers I took a photo of a riser with this cooling.


Imprint of thermal paste. As you can see, the cooler is not designed for the CPU, so it does not fit over the entire surface of the heat distribution cover.


So, the assembly is coming to an end. This is what the installed cooler looks like.
It takes up an awful lot of space in this arrangement.




At the socket connector itself.


Cooling covers all slots. Well, okay, we have extension cords (risers). It should be admitted that this solution is not a standard, which is where such incidents arise.




Photo with a ruler.




And for comparison, a photo with a regular cooler

We connect the power supply, hard drive, and the fighter is ready for battle.


I didn't use a video card, but a graphics core. Therefore, I connect the hdmi cable directly to the motherboard.


Let's move on to testing.

TESTING

I used my favorite tool LinX 0.6.4 And real temp for temperature measurements.
As you know, LinX exists with and without AVX.

First test. Passive cooling. LinX without AVX
during the test


completion of the test


I'm running LinX AVX. The temperature has risen, but is still within good limits. You can use it 24/7 without any problems with this passive cooling.

Tests with DEEPCOOL Theta 9.
I turn off the fan. The temperature is ok. The slight heat generation of the processor makes itself felt.

I connect the cooler spinner.

DEEPCOOL Theta 9 with the turntable turned on. We go through LinX AVX.


Total temperature 45-47 degrees. And again the credit goes to the small heat dissipation package.

NOISE LEVEL

But don't forget about the noise. Unfortunately I don't have a sound meter. But I will try to give you an approximate picture using the program.
Noise level in the room 30db

Noise level during the test.


We can conclude that the system, as expected, does not make any sounds.

And lastly, the noise level with DEEPCOOL Theta 9.

CONCLUSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Minuses:
-no CPU mount
-covers all PCI slots
-not rationally located in the body.
-the sole is not made for CPU
Pros:
+creation of an ABSOLUTELY silent system
+ copes with 250W of heat

It's worth saying that DEEPCOOL DRACULA copes well with 55W heat dissipation without fans. Temperatures under LinX AVX were 67-68 degrees. This is a decent result. Of course, a cooler for 200 rubles copes with such a heat dissipation package with a bang, showing a temperature of 45-47 degrees in the same test, but at the same time making a lot of noise. DEEPCOOL DRACULA is suitable for creating a passive cooling system. All you have to do is replace the hard drive with an ssd, remove the turntable from the power supply, and your system will no longer make sounds. The noise level will be zero.

Any computer or laptop needs a good cooling system to function properly. During operation, elements such as a processor (CPU), video card, and motherboard generate a large amount of heat and become very hot. The higher the CPU performance rating, the more heat it produces. If the PC does not quickly remove air, this can lead to various system failures, incorrect operation of equipment, decreased performance, and cause failure of important elements. Why does the processor get hot? How to cool the CPU in PCs and laptops? Which cooler to choose for optimal PC cooling? We will try to answer these questions in this article.

Reasons for CPU overheating

If the computer starts to turn off, glitch, or freeze, this may be due to overheating of the CPU. The reasons why a PC processor begins to overheat are of a very different nature. Therefore, we will consider the main ones, and also give simple ways to solve problems.

In most PCs and laptops, the main elements of the cooling system are the cooler (fan) and radiator, which are installed on the processor. Thanks to the tightest possible contact, heat transfer between the surface of the radiator and the processor is minimal, which in turn ensures fast, efficient heat dissipation.

The radiator can be monolithic or consist of two parts. In the first case, it is completely fixed on the processor (budget option); in the second case, only a small part of it is attached to the CPU, inside of which there are heat pipes that transfer heated air to the main radiator.

The primary role in the case ventilation and PC cooling system is played by the fan. Regardless of its location, it cools the entire radiator or its main part. The more efficiently it works, the better the heat dissipation from the CPU will be, and, accordingly, the lower its temperature. Heat pipe coolers provide greater CPU cooling.

If the processor starts to heat up, the main reasons include:

• deterioration of contact between the processor and the heatsink;
• speed reduction cooler (fan) operation;
• use of ineffective cooling systems;
• absence ventilation systems in the case, in the PC power supply;
• pollution ventilation holes housings with dust;
• failure cooling systems;
• wrong radiator fixation.

An increase in process temperature can also be caused by the fact that the cooler is trivial clogged with dust. For this reason, its speed and efficiency are reduced. The fan is simply not able to remove heat. To increase heat transfer, after replacing the CPU, it is worth purchasing and installing a new model of case cooler.

Another reason is upgrade PC. For example, after replacing an old CPU, a new, more powerful and productive one was installed. But at the same time, the fan in the cooling system remained the same. Due to the increase in power, the processor cooler simply does not fully cope with its task.

If the processor gets hot, let's consider what to do in this situation.

How to cool the processor of a PC or laptop

Overheating of the processor in laptops and desktop computers significantly increases the load on all system elements. To reduce heat generation and reduce energy consumption, you need to:

• check the condition of the cooling system, perform cleaning;
• reduce the load on the CPU;
• overclock the processor cooler;
• replace thermal paste;
• install additional coolers.

You can also reduce processor heat dissipation by BIOS settings operating system. This is the simplest and most accessible method that does not require much time or physical effort.

There are special technologies that reduce CPU frequency when idle. For AMD processor technology is called Cool'n'Quite, For Intel - Enhanced SpeedStep Technology. Consider how to activate it.

On Windows 7 you need to go to " Control Panel", select section " Power supply" In the window that opens, check which mode is active: “ Balanced», « High performance», « Energy Saving" To activate the technology, you can select any one, with the exception of “High Performance”. In Windows XP you need to select " Energy Saving Manager».

Energy Saving Settings must be enabled in the BIOS; if they are not, you can load the default settings.

It is equally important to pay attention to the system housing ventilation. If the cooling system is working properly and is regularly cleaned, but the CPU is still heating up, then you need to look to see if there are any obstacles in the path of air flow, for example, if they are blocked by thick cables.

The system unit or PC case should have two or three fans. One is for blowing on the front wall, the second is for blowing out on the rear panel, which in turn ensures good air flow. Additionally, you can install a fan on the side wall of the system unit.

If the PC system unit is in a bedside table inside the table, then do not close the doors so that the heated air comes out. Do not cover the ventilation openings of the case. Place the computer a few centimeters from the wall or furniture.

You can purchase a special cooling pad for your laptop.

There is a large selection of universal models of stands on sale that adapt to the dimensions and size of the laptop. The heat-dissipating surface and the coolers built into it will contribute to more efficient heat removal and cooling.

When working on a laptop, always keep your work area clean. The ventilation openings must not be blocked by anything. Objects lying nearby should not obstruct air circulation.

For laptops you can also do overclocking the cooler. Since a PC has at least three fans installed (on the CPU, video card, built-in storage), and most laptop models have only one. The second one can be installed if you have a powerful video card. In this case, you can overclock coolers:

• through special utilities;
• via BIOS.

Before increasing the fan speed, you first need to clean the cooler and motherboard elements from dust.

Cleaning the cooling system of a laptop or desktop PC should be done at least once every six to seven months.

Cleaning the cooling system

If the processor heats up, check the condition of the fan and the entire PC cooling system. Dust is a serious enemy of any technology. Clogged between the edges of the radiator, dust, lint, and pet hair impair air circulation.

To thoroughly clean it, you need to disconnect the cooler from the power supply and disassemble it. By removing the fan, you can also clean the dust that has accumulated on the radiator. The radiator and cooler blades can be cleaned with a special plastic spatula or a stiff brush. After removing dust, wipe the radiator with a damp cloth.

In addition to removing dust from the radiator and cooler, wipe the wires located in the case from dust. Blow or wipe the vents on the chassis.

Replacing thermal paste

Upgrading and replacing the thermal paste on the processor will help reduce the heat generated by the processor. Thermal paste is nothing more than a lubricant for cooling the processor. It acts as a heat conductor between the CPU and the heatsink, eliminates microscopic irregularities of the contacting surfaces, and removes air between them, which impedes heat dissipation. Good, high-quality thermal paste will reduce the temperature by 5–10 degrees.

Over time, the paste dries out, loses all its properties, and does not cool the processor. Therefore, it needs to be replaced every six months. If your PC has a more modern CPU, the thermal paste can be changed less frequently. You can purchase it at any computer store. Thermal paste must be of good quality.

Before you apply the thermal paste that cools the CPU, you need to get to the processor itself. For this:

How to choose a good thermal paste

Given the large selection of thermal pastes, many are interested in the question of which thermal paste is better. Note that the difference between pastes from different manufacturers can be from ten to twenty degrees. It all depends on the quality characteristics and heat-conducting properties of thermal interfaces. A good thermal conductivity paste should have low thermal resistance and high thermal conductivity.

According to experts, for cooling the processor you can purchase:

• Arctic Cooling MX-4.
• Arctic Silver Ceramique.
• Noctua NT-H1.
• Prolimatech PK-1.
• Thermalright Chill Factor III.
• Zalman ZM-STG2.
• Glacialtech IceTherm II.
• Coollaboratory Liquid Pro.

Some pastes can also be used to overclock the processor. For example, Arctic Cooling MX-4, Glacialtech IceTherm II, Thermalright Chill Factor III, Coollaboratory Liquid Pro. Knowing which thermal paste is better, how often and how to replace it correctly, you can significantly reduce the temperature of the CPU, thereby extending its service life.

How to cancel CPU overclocking

Many users, in order to improve performance and speed up the CPU, overclock the processor (overclocking). But in some cases, this procedure significantly increases the load on the CPU, which can negatively affect its functioning and lead to a decrease in operating life.

To check the performance of the CPU after overclocking, you need to warm up the processor using special utilities.

If you are interested in how to remove CPU overclocking, go to CMOS and BIOS. Cancel all motherboard voltage settings, return them to normal configuration.

Actions are performed in the following sequence:

1. We go into the BIOS by pressing the desired button when starting the computer.
2. Select the item “ Set BIOS Default/Use Default Settings", press Enter.
3. A window will appear in which you need to press the Y key.
4. After this, the original settings that were set before overclocking the CPU will be returned.
5. Now we save all the changes made and exit the settings.
6. Reboot the computer.

This can also be done by selecting the option " Restore Fail Safe Defaults", after finding out on the Internet the exact specifications of the installed motherboard and CPU. This is necessary in order to make changes by setting the basic frequency and voltage settings.

In addition, you can change the system bus frequency and multiplier settings to the base value, returning back all the parameters that were changed during overclocking.

You can also remove additional cooling hardware that you installed to prevent the CPU from overheating.

You can manage and monitor the operation of the processor using a special utility - CPU Core, where you need to specify and set the required values ​​of the multiplier and bus frequency.

Installing additional fans

If the CPU continues to heat up after cleaning and canceling overclocking, then in order to increase cooling efficiency, we recommend installing additional fans on the case to increase air circulation. This is necessary if there are many heating elements inside the system unit or if there is a rather small amount of free space inside it.

Give preference to large-diameter coolers, which will provide greater air flow at lower speeds. Such models work efficiently, but are noisy. When installing, consider the direction of their operation.

CPU coolers are classified into:

• Boxed, without heat pipes. The most common models. Consist of an aluminum plate with ribs. May have a copper base with a fan attached to it.
• Cooling systems based on thermal aluminum and copper tubes. They function by removing heat, which is carried out due to the liquid circulating in them. They have high efficiency indicators.

When choosing fans for the cooling system, read the installation instructions, check its compatibility with the socket, motherboard, and which socket is available for the processor. Consider weight, fan size, radiator type.

Too large, high-power fans will create additional stress on the motherboard and may cause its deformation. As for the size, select the housing to match the tire, take into account the location of other components. Choose products from well-known, trusted manufacturers.

If a large number of hard drives are installed, you can additionally install a fan on the front panel of the case, as well as on the rear upper part of the system unit to remove warm air outside. Modern cases allow you to install at least two fans: from the bottom, if there is no perforation on the front panel, and opposite the location of the hard drives.

If the PC has very advanced hardware and the processor gets hot, you can remove the side cover of the system unit. In this case, the cooling efficiency will be increased significantly.

How to overclock a cooler

You can overclock the cooler, as already noted, through the BIOS or using special free utilities that will allow you to monitor and control the speed of the fans. The programs are designed for various types of processors.

Let's look at how to overclock coolers via BIOS:

For processors Intel programs will allow you to reduce or increase the speed of rotation of the cooler Riva Tuner, SpeedFan. They have great functionality, a choice of settings, a clear interface, do not take up much space, and automatically control the operation of coolers.

If third-party PC software does not allow you to adjust the fan speed, the processor cooler can be controlled using original utilities from the manufacturers. For example, in the HP leptota there is a program Notebook Fan Control, in Acer - Smart Fan, ACFanControl. In Lenovo - Fan Control.

Modern “advanced” cooling systems, which are most often used in overclocking, include: radiator, freon, liquid nitrogen, liquid gel. Their operating principle is based on coolant circulation. The intensely hot elements heat the water, which is cooled in the radiator. It can be located outside the case or be passive, operating without a fan.

Conclusion

This article discussed various causes of processor overheating and solutions to this problem. Sometimes the reason for its occurrence can be ordinary dust, which periodically needs to be removed, or the consequences of inexperienced overclocking of equipment, as well as its upgrade. When replacing thermal paste, you must be careful and careful not to damage the equipment.

Video on the topic

CPU cooling affects the performance and stability of your computer. But it does not always cope with the load, which is why the system malfunctions. The efficiency of even the most expensive cooling systems can be greatly reduced due to the fault of the user - poor installation of the cooler, old thermal paste, dusty case, etc. To prevent this, it is necessary to improve the quality of cooling.

If the processor overheats due to previously overclocked and/or high loads when operating the PC, then you will have to either change the cooling to a better one or reduce the load.

The main elements that produce the greatest amount of heat are the processor and video card, sometimes it can also be the power supply, chipset and hard drive. In this case, only the first two components are cooled. The heat generation of the remaining components of the computer is insignificant.

If you need a gaming machine, then first of all think about the size of the case - it should be as large as possible. Firstly, the larger the system unit, the more components you can install in it. Secondly, in a large case there is more space, which is why the air inside it heats up more slowly and has time to cool. Also pay special attention to the ventilation of the case - it must have ventilation holes so that hot air does not linger for a long time (an exception can be made if you are going to install water cooling).

Try to monitor the temperature of the processor and video card more often. If the temperature often exceeds the permissible values ​​of 60-70 degrees, especially when the system is idle (when no heavy programs are running), then take active steps to reduce the temperature.

Let's look at several ways to improve the quality of cooling.

Method 1: Correct positioning of the case

The housing for productive devices should be large enough (preferably) and have good ventilation. It is also desirable that it be made of metal. In addition, you need to take into account the location of the system unit, because Certain objects can block air from entering, thereby impairing circulation and increasing the temperature inside.

Apply these tips to the location of the system unit:

Method 2: Clean from dust

Dust particles can impair air circulation, fan and radiator performance. They also retain heat very well, so it is necessary to regularly clean the “insides” of the PC. The frequency of cleaning depends on the individual characteristics of each computer - location, number of ventilation holes (the more ventilation holes there are, the better the cooling quality, but the faster dust accumulates). It is recommended to do cleaning at least once a year.

Cleaning should be done using a soft brush, dry rags and napkins. In special cases, you can use a vacuum cleaner, but only at minimum power. Let's look at step-by-step instructions for cleaning your computer case from dust:

Method 3: Install an additional fan

By using an optional fan that attaches to the vent on the left or rear wall of the case, you can improve air circulation inside the case.

First you need to select a fan. The main thing is to pay attention to whether the characteristics of the case and motherboard allow you to install an additional device. There is no point in giving preference to any manufacturer in this matter, because... This is a fairly cheap and durable computer element that is easy to replace.

If the overall characteristics of the case allow, then you can install two fans at once - one on the back, the other on the front. The first one removes hot air, the second one sucks in cold air.

Method 4: Speed ​​up the fans

In most cases, fan blades rotate at only 80% of their maximum speed. Some “smart” cooling systems are capable of independently adjusting the fan speed - if the temperature is at an acceptable level, then reduce it, if not, then increase it. This function does not always work correctly (and in cheap models it does not exist at all), so the user has to manually overclock the fan.

There is no need to be afraid to overclock the fan too much, because... otherwise, you only risk a slight increase in your computer/laptop's power consumption and noise level. To adjust the speed of rotation of the blades, use the software solution -. The software is completely free, translated into Russian and has a clear interface.

Method 5: replace thermal paste

Replacing thermal paste does not require any serious expenditure in terms of money and time, but it is advisable to exercise some caution here. You also need to take into account one feature with the warranty period. If the device is still under warranty, then it is better to contact the service with a request to change the thermal paste, this should be done for free. If you try to change the paste yourself, your computer will be void of warranty.

When changing it yourself, you need to carefully consider the choice of thermal paste. Give preference to more expensive and high-quality tubes (ideally those that come with a special brush for application). It is desirable that the composition contains compounds of silver and quartz.

Method 6: installing a new cooler

If the cooler does not cope with its task, then it should be replaced with a better and more suitable analogue. The same applies to outdated cooling systems, which due to a long period of operation cannot function normally. It is recommended, if the dimensions of the case allow, to choose a cooler with special copper heat sink pipes.

Use step-by-step instructions for replacing an old cooler with a new one: