Keep Your Intel Processor Chilled With an LGA 1155 CPU Fan
Your CPU cooler is your processor's lifeline during operation, and if you've ever experienced the slow down of an overheating processor or felt the panic of your system shutting down when it gets too hot, you know just how important a properly cooled CPU is. With a fan and heatsink designed specifically to keep your system cool, you can avoid these issues even during extended operation. LGA 115 CPU fans are abundant and readily available to fill this need.
How do heatsinks work?
Heatsinks are devices of variable size that sit directly on top of your system's processor. They are designed to carry heat away from your CPU and disperse it using a small fan. Frequently made from a metal with a very high heat conductivity like copper, heatsinks usually feature metal coils placed in direct contact with the CPU. These coils pull excess heat away from the processor in order to keep it cool. Longer coils are generally able to absorb more heat and cool your processor with a slower fan speed.
What should you look for when picking a CPU cooler?
There are many CPU coolers available for purchase and which one is best for you will depend on your system and its setup. You may be looking for a quiet CPU cooler or one that is AMD compatible. Some desktops will be able to have larger cooling devices while others may be limited by a smaller form factor. Here are some things to look for when purchasing a CPU cooler:
- Size and shape: Cooling devices come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Some will be very tall and only fit in the largest cases. Others will be laid out flat, resulting in a very wide form factor. Be sure to get the fan that will fit inside your case and still have room to carry heat away from your CPU. LGA CPU fans are measured in millimeters. A Dual NF-A15 140mm fan is an example.
- Compatibility: Your fan and heatsink combo will need to be designed to fit inside your motherboard's mount type. This will ensure that it is able to bolt onto the processor and cool your system. Be sure these numbers match when looking for your setup.
- TDP Rating: A very loose gauge of fan power, your heatsink and CPU fan should have a Thermal Dynamic Power rating at least equal to your processor's TDP. This will increase the likelihood of proper cooling when your system is under stress.
What is an LGA 1155 socket?
Designed specifically for Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge Intel processors, an LGA 1155 socket is a mount for your CPU to attach to your motherboard. Short for Land Grid Array, these mounts allow for easy and safe mounting of CPUs with little risk of damage or improper connections. They also specify the types of CPU coolers that can be mounted on top of the processor to cool the system.
Will this cooler work with your Intel processor?
Whether or not your cooler will work with your processor depends on the socket type on your motherboard as well as the number of pin connections it has. You'll want the socket type on your cooler to match the mounting type on your motherboard.