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A heatsink is a computer component, typically made of a thermally conductive material like aluminum or copper, that absorbs and dissipates heat from a hot component, such as a CPU or GPU, to prevent overheating. It works by drawing heat away from the source and transferring it to the surrounding air, often with the help of a fan for enhanced cooling (active cooling), though some heatsinks operate passively using natural convection. This process is crucial for maintaining system stability, ensuring optimal performance, and preventing damage to sensitive hardware.

How it works

Heat absorption: The heatsink makes direct contact with the heat-generating component (like a CPU), often with a thermal paste layer to ensure a strong connection. Heat is transferred from the component to the base of the heatsink through conduction.

Heat dissipation: The heatsink is designed with a large surface area, usually through a series of fins, to efficiently release the absorbed heat into the air.

Cooling method:

Passive cooling: Relies on natural convection, where hot air naturally rises and is replaced by cooler air. These are typically less effective and are used for less heat-intensive components.

Active cooling: Uses a powered device, such as a fan or blower, to force air over the heatsink's fins, greatly increasing the rate of heat dissipation. This is the most common method for CPUs and GPUs in desktop and high-performance computers.