CPUs and Coolers

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the main brain of the computer. Most of the time a computer is referred to by the type and speed of the CPU: a Core 2 Duo 2.4Ghz, or an Athalon X2 5000+ (2.2Ghz), for example.

The big CPU debate revolves around whether Intel or AMD is the better brand.

What is not up for debate is that Intel chips are generally more expensive and tend to run cooler than the AMD chips. In turn, AMD chips tend to be much less expensive and run hotter.

As with motherboards, CPUs are grouped by socket type. When purchasing a CPU you need to make sure that it will fit the socket on the motherboard.

It is equally important to make sure that the speed rating, supported memory type, and memory speeds are compatible with your motherboard.

A good way to make sure that your CPU, motherboard, and memory will work together is to consult the manufacturer's website or to shop around online.

Online shops usually have the critical specifications listed clearly, which makes it very easy to make sure your parts will be compatible.

You will also want to double check that your power supply will be sufficient. CPUs can place an enormous drain on the power supply, so you should check to see if the CPU lists any minimum power supply requirements.

If so, give yourself a good margin of extra power, because you will have to provide power to a lot more than just that CPU.

You can buy either a retail Box CPU, or an OEM CPU. The OEM CPU comes without a fan and not much of a warranty. The retail one comes with a fan and a warranty.

CPU Coolers

CPU cooelrs come in a large variety of shapes and sizes, including high performance and designer models.

The first cooler shown on the right is a 'stock' fan. It's the one that came in the retail box. Stock fans do the job, but not much more.

The cooler below that is a high performance one with a copper heat sink and copper heat pipes.

Copper transfers heat very quickly; it's one of the best metals for CPU cooling systems. This one has a higher peformance fan and styling.

Take a moment to compare this next photo to the stock fan photo above. The size of the fins on the heat sink are much smaller on the performance fan.

Smaller fins cool much faster, and as these fins are copper, this makes for an excellent cooling combination.

The copper heat pipes (which are solid) also pull a large amount of heat off the CPU, passing through the heatsink fins directly under the fan.

Thermal Paste

Even with today's technology, we still can't make a truly flat surface. We need thermal paste due to the fact that the top of the CPU and the bottom of the cooler are not flat.

In order for the heat to transfer from the CPU to the cooler, the two of them must be in direct contact.

Thermal paste seals the gaps between the CPU and the cooler, ensuring a proper contact.

In not using thermal paste, you can lose up to 40% or more of the surface contact which cuts the performance of the cooler equally.