CPU Fans & Heatsinks Buying Guide
CPU fans are perfect for just about any type of PC that you might own. They are generally quite inexpensive and can typically easily be installed in the computer that you own.
They work by actively pushing air through the system using especially created heat fines. Therefore, the temperature inside your PC will stay comfortable, safely low thanks to the hard work of the fans inside.
These fans will make sure that your computer can run at peak ability without slowing down or actively becoming damaged. Without the right sort of CPU fan or heatsink, the computer will experience major slow downs and will not be able to run many of the high-end, graphic-heavy, intense programs that many PC users hope to enjoy.
Types Of CPU Fans
C-Type
A C-type CPU fan looks exactly like you would imagine. It is C-shaped and made with heat pipes that curve gently from the heat fin stacks inside the computer. These stacks then connect one of their ends to the heat base.
This will allow the hot air to be expelled from inside the CPU and promote safety inside it. Although the C-type is a very popular type of CPU fan, there are many varieties within this classification. And when you are buying a C-type, you should put special attention and care into buying the right thickness so that the fan will be effective and will keep your computer as safe as possible.
Low-Profile Fan
This type of CPU fan is usually used for mini-ITX builds that don’t have a whole lot of space. Lacking space means that certain types of coolers, such as liquid ones, do not fit and that means that a low-profile fan might be more appropriate.
These fans are built with thinner heatsinks and smaller fans inside too. This will decrease the cooling ability of the fan, which means that you won’t get just as much power out of these when you compare them to other fans on the market. But they can still get the job done, although you will need to keep an eye on them to monitor performance and make sure everything is working as it should.
U/Twin Tower Type Air Cooler
This type of CPU fan is made with two big heatsinks that create a U shape, or a pair of towers that are positioned right next to each other inside the CPU.
The fans are attached on the side of each heatsink and then eliminates the heat inside your computer. Typically, they are also aligned to the exhaust fans in the back of the CPU case and that will help increase the amount of coolness inside the computer.
Liquid Cooler
The liquid coolers that you can buy for your CPU get the job done quite well and keep the interior of your CPU comfortable and cool but, more than that, they look darn cool too.
They will definitely decrease the temperature inside your computer but they will look wonderful, both expanding the lifespan of your CPU and making it look more appealing and fun while it works.
How Much Should You Spend?
When you are buying your CPU fan/heatsink, you should certainly pay attention to the amount of money that you are spending.
You can expect to spend at least around $30 on a CPU fan but you can spend much, much more than that. Some of the coolers we have discussed above can cost you nearly $200 at the minimum.
Will It Fit?
You also need to make sure that the CPU fan you are purchasing will actually quite literally fit inside the computer that you won. You can look to the CPU sockets inside your case to ensure that the possible purchase will align perfectly and work.
Most of the CPU fans in question will come with the devices needed to install them. However, you will definitely want to make sure you know what you are doing when you are installing the fan. Any sort of mistake will only hurt your CPU because the fan/heatsink will be seemingly installed but actually don’t be doing anything to dissipate the heat inside your computer. Therefore, your rig will soon not be able to function and you can do serious, long lasting damage to it.
