http://www.gamersnexus.net/ Sun, 26 May 2013 03:16:59 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.gamersnexus.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=981#josc3005 Hi there, Alan! I've included a few different resources -- I'm assuming you're looking for more mathematical backing, which is provided in some of the linked slides. I'm not sure that it provides the depth you're after, but it may point you in the right direction. Here are [url=http://web.iitd.ac.in/~pmvs/mel2422008/mel242-16.ppt]some slides[/url] on the subject. Here's a [url=http://www.smps.us/thermal.html]short article[/url] on heatsink design that may prove helpful. And of course, I'd also like to point you toward [url=http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=heatsink+thermal+analysis&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart&sa=X&ei=FabFUJm-LIPm8QSv1YHIBw&ved=0CDQQgQMwAA]Google Scholar[/url] for a wide range of topics surrounding heatsinks in general (not necessarily CPU heatsinks, though principles are mostly similar). Our manufacturing contacts have been (expectantly) unable to provide us with engineering insight, but you may want to also try reaching out to some cooler companies as a student seeking direction. Who knows, you may get lucky! Hope that helps a bit, best of luck! - Steve. Lelldorianx Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:07:24 +0100 http://www.gamersnexus.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=981#josc3003 Hi Mr. Burke, I am an engineering student and I found your article very interesting. In fact, I was wondering if you could help me with some research on the topic. I have taken it up as the topic of my term paper in my thermodynamics course. I was wondering if you could point me into a certain direction to find in depth thermodynamics analysis of what actually goes on in the heat sink. Anything would be appreciated. Thanks! Alan Bui Sun, 09 Dec 2012 22:39:56 +0100 http://www.gamersnexus.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=981#josc2993 Hey there, Argentum! Liquid cooling generally does provide better potential for overclocking, but there are a lot of other limiting factors as well (see [url=http://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/924-overclocking-primer-guide]this guide[/url]), like die volatility. As a general rule, a low-end liquid cooler will be outperformed by a mid-range or high-end air cooler. The first thing to note with liquid units is the thermal conductivity of water vs. air (most liquid units will use some form of mineral oil, not pure water... but close enough for comparison). Water is about twice as thermally conductive. There's always a smooth copper heatsink mounted to the bottom of the unit (these do not have heatpipes in the sense that air units do), and that heatsink extends internally from the CPU surface to the inside of the CPU block. The copper heatsink inside of the CPU block is often cut into high-precision "microfins" (see [url=http://www.zalman.com/eng/product/Product_Read.php?Idx=709]this Zalman image[/url]; scroll down to "microfins"). The microfins are tiny enough to maximize surface area within a small amount of space, but still large enough to allow liquid to flow between the fins and wick the heat rapidly. The liquid then is carried up a special, insulated tube toward the radiator (assuming closed-loop), which circulates the water and sends down a cool supply through the other pipe. The flat base plate does have a lot to do with a liquid unit's ability to rapidly cool the CPU (see Corsair's H100 plate: [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ox3Zp.png[/img] But the micro fin design is what really delivers the heat to the liquid. I'm writing a similar article to the one you just read for a near-future post, I'm just waiting to collect some info from our own liquid unit testing. I'll do us all a favor and dismantle one of the units so you can all see what's inside :) To answer your question: Air cooling is "all that is necessary" for most purposes. It's affordable, it's efficient, it's cost-to-degree effective, and it isn't too crazy loud. If you're looking for the ultimate in quiet computing and maximum OC potential (for a performance user), then liquid is the way to go. You'd probably want an open liquid loop (rather than closed) for maximized enthusiast potential, though. I run my cores OC'd a fair amount with just air and am quite happy with the setup, so liquid is certainly not required if you have a great air cooler! Lelldorianx Thu, 06 Dec 2012 07:39:23 +0100 http://www.gamersnexus.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=981#josc2992 Great article, informative and easy to understand for those newer to tech. When I read this article, I saw that overclocking was mentioned a few times, but would water cooling provide much better overclocking potential, or is air cooling all that is necessary? I always had the impression that liquid cooling is just better, but I'm not sure now that I see how complex air cooling is in comparison to what I thought it was. ArgentumPanda Thu, 06 Dec 2012 05:41:51 +0100 http://www.gamersnexus.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=981#josc2988 @kr0matik: Thanks for the kind words! I tried to lay it out in a way that conveys the information and enables decision making. Personally, when researching a new component, I like to feel like it's ultimately my decision (after research), so we try to write articles that facilitate that mentality. Always feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions on system building topics. Thanks again! It's great to have the community's support. - Steve. Lelldorianx Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:22:01 +0100 http://www.gamersnexus.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=981#josc2985 I like that you guys didn't just do a benchmark-type comparison of heatsinks, but rather showed elements that contribute to the value of all heatsinks. This leaves it to the consumer to choose and lets them choose without any influence of sponsership or partnership between the site and heatsink company. Even though Zalman helped out, they didn't push their products towards readers. Giving information without influence is very good and very lacking in today's reviews/articles. Good job. kr0matik Wed, 05 Dec 2012 03:25:08 +0100