Cool Your Computer Using a Chipset Southbridge Fan with Heatsink
Your computer might be working all through the day. Even if it is not, the computer generates a lot of heat through the current that constantly runs through the components of the CPU. A blower with a heatsink is one of the ways to keep your CPU and PC motherboard cool and protect them from damage.
How does a fan with a heatsink work?The fan is a rotating device that keeps cool air coming into the CPU case of the computer and blows hot air out. A Chipset Southbridge fan with heatsink is a device that is made of a metal like zinc, aluminum, or copper. It is attached to the processor through thermal materials that draw the heat from the components towards the heatsink. The cooler on top of the heatsink keeps the air around the heatsink cool so that the heatsink does not get too hot. An HSF (Heat Sink Fan) device combines both of these components. A CPU thermometer keeps track of the temperature. If this rises too much, the cooler speeds up to increase the cooling of the motherboard.
What are the different sizes used?The dimensions of the blower should be chosen according to the equipment that will be cooled with it. Square and round frames are available. The dimensions are sized by the size of the spinning element. The most common sizes are:
- 40mm
- 50mm
- 60mm
- 80mm
- 92mm
- 120mm
- 140mm
See the manufacturer site for details.
What is the rotational speed and what does it affect?The rotational speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and is the number of rotations that the blower makes in a single minute. This value and the static pressure determine the airflow. If the noise is a concern, the lower RPM value and the larger blower size are usually preferred for cooling. Some blowers have an alternating RPM value depending on the temperature of the motherboard. These blowers have sensors that speed up or slow down the rotation depending on the measured temperature.
What are the different bearings?The Southbridge chipsets have a case that holds and moves the spinning piece. The different cases are:
- Sleeve bearing - A surface that is lubricated with an oil or grease; often have porous sleeves that are self-lubricating and require that the oil or grease is changed once in a while for maintenance
- Ball bearing - Good for high temperatures and makes less noise than other bearings
- Fluid bearing - The one to choose if the noise is a priority as it works at near-silent noise
- Magnetic bearing - Uses magnets on the bearing to move the fins around by repelling them from the surface
- Rifle bearing - Spiral groove pumps fluid from a reservoir that moves the fins; fluid lubricates the shaft