It's hot ! Cool your PC properly ! (part.2)

In my previous article, we saw together the phenomenon of the heating of our equipment and its consequences on the proper functioning of it. Now, we will focus on the solutions available to keep our PC at a suitable temperature, but also the right actions to adopt and thus not be overtaken by a possible problem.

Three methods, three possibilities

As I mentioned, processor dissipation is an essential element not to be underestimated. It is therefore important to associate a heatsink with your CPU, which will be able to cool it under the most extreme conditions. To date, there are three distinct methods that are suitable for all budgets : passive cooling, air cooling and the famous watercooling. No, I wouldn't talk about liquid nitrogen, used mostly by those who are mad about overclocking. Very expensive and dispensable, this process only allows records to be set in a short period of time. The result is more generally unusable equipment during this experiment.

• Passive and air cooling, both use the same operating process. A radiator is affixed to the processor which has previously been coated with a layer of thermal paste. On this subject, be careful not to apply too many coats. A simple chunk is more than enough to create a conduction effect. The heatsink will increase the contact surface with the ambient air, facilitating the convection principle. In the case of fan dissipation, an air flow associated with the radiator will accelerate the heat transfer between its fins.

• Similar to a cooling system that can be found in some vehicles, liquid cooling or watercooling is a closed circuit containing water. This system includes a tank, a pump to ensure good circulation in the circuit and a heat exchanger with or without ventilation. The purpose is to pass the thermal charge through the fluid and cool it down in order to inject it again. Effective on paper, however, liquid cooling has disadvantages that can seriously damage your system. Indeed, a waterproofing problem presents a potential danger that is not without consequences.

For my own part, after several tests between its two types of cooling, I opted for a classic air cooling system that has the advantage of being a more affordable hair in terms of price and easier to maintain. Especially since kits from well-known manufacturers, such as Noctua or BeQuiet! offer performance similar to a good watercooling kit, for a price half to three times lower.

A case must be well ventilated !

Another important detail is to obtain a case optimized for airflow. Before assembling or purchasing your machine, do not hesitate to observe the air circuit which must come from at least two sources. It is essential that the flow is captured and not obstructed by any obstacle. Choose a case with a fan that will draw in fresh air from the front and exhaust it to the back.

Always keep an eye on this principle : Breathing in and out. Yes, it has to breathe inside. One of the beginner's mistakes is to fix fans only in one direction that blow and mix only hot air into the case. A serious mistake that can be very expensive ! Above all, check your management cable, which should under no circumstances prevent this important passage. Nowadays, mid-range boxes have a side dedicated to connections, allowing you to do something clean without blocking access to the flow, throughout the two points.

Don't let your loyal friend get dirty !

Of course, the use of fans with good invoices and a good flow rate is more than necessary. However, they tend to contain dust quickly. A little cleaning is therefore essential for these fans to perform their functions. So it's up to you to vacuum or use a dry air can quite regularly.

A side note on this subject, dust residues are more of an inconvenience that degrades the cooling capacity of your elements over the long term. Don't skimp on cleaning your computer from top to bottom every two to three months, especially on sensitive areas such as the processor and graphics card. Many devices have "melted" due to a cruel lack of maintenance. Yes, a PC, whether it's fixed or portable, can be cleaned !

In the next part, we will see monitoring and other examples of things to do and not to do. Until then, wear it well and put yourself in a cool place !