Heatsinks For LGA 2011 Sockets: Everything You Need to Know
Heatsinks are cooling units designed to draw hot air away from the most important parts of a computer. Excessive heat can negatively impact your computers performance and may cause serious damage to your CPU. A land grid array (LGA) socket, known as Socket R, can accommodate cooling systems manufactured by a variety of brands.
How does a heatsink work?A heatsink draws heat from an object by direct contact. A cooling unit with fans can be used to cool different areas of a computer, but commonly the term heatsink refers to a CPU cooler. Coolers compatible with LGA 2011 sockets have thin metal slats attached to a base. These slats help to maximize the surface area available for heat absorption. Hot air absorbed in this way is then directed out of the computer by a fan.
Do you need a new cooling unit?Under normal conditions, heatsinks do not require regular replacing. There are a couple of reasons why you might be looking for a new cooling unit. If youre building your own computer from individual parts, you will need a cooler and fan capable of maintaining an acceptable air temperature for your CPU. It may also be beneficial to upgrade your cooling system if your computer is typically used for things that cause it to generate high heat, such as:
- Overclocking (forcing a computer to run at higher specifications than those intended by the manufacturer)
- Graphically demanding video games
- 3-D animation
The right CPU cooler for your computer will depend on the requirements of your CPU and the demands that will be placed on your computer. Choosing the right cooling system is important for top-notch computer performance as well as preventing damage over time to your processing unit and its neighboring components. Some important factors to consider in choosing the right unit include:
- CPU Wattage: If the wattage of your processing unit is below 70, a small to medium CPU cooler should be sufficient. Any wattage over 70 will require greater cooling power, so a larger cooling unit is more appropriate.
- Demands on the Computer: If your computer will be used for prolonged periods for high-end gaming, extreme multi-tasking, or digital design, these activities may generate extra heat and require a larger CPU cooler.
- Available Space: Be sure to have a good idea of how much physical space is available within your computer tower for your CPU cooler. CPU coolers range from small to quite large. While larger is generally better because it keeps your computer cooler, youll want to be sure to choose a cooling system that fits.