CPU Coolers

Using a CPU coolers to lower CPU temperatures improves efficiency and stability of the system. Adding a cooling device, however, can increase the overall noise level of the system.

Air Coolers

The CPU cooler may consist of a heat sink (a component designed to lower the temperature of an electronic device by dissipating heat into the surrounding air) or combination of a heat sink and fan.

Liquid CPU Cooling

The cooled liquid travels back through the system to the CPU to continue the process.

Cooling may be designed to reduce the ambient temperature within the case of a computer, such as by exhausting hot air, or to cool a single component or small area (spot cooling). Components commonly individually cooled include the CPU, graphics processing unit (GPU) and the northbridge.