Max. TDP
The maximum TDP provided by the cooling system. Note that this parameter is indicated only for solutions equipped with heatsinks (see "Type"); for separately made fans, the efficiency is determined by other parameters, primarily by the air flow values (see above).
TDP can be described as the amount of heat that a cooling system is able to remove from a serviced component. Accordingly, for the normal operation of the entire system, it is necessary that the TDP of the cooling system is not lower than the heat dissipation of this component (heat dissipation data is usually indicated in the detailed characteristics of the components). And it is best to select coolers with a power margin of at least 20 – 25% — this will give an additional guarantee in case of forced operation modes and emergency situations (including clogging of the case and reduced air exchange efficiency).
As for specific numbers, the most modest modern cooling systems provide TDP
up to 100 W, the most advanced —
up to 250 W and even
higher.
Fan size
The diameter of the fan(s) used in the cooling system.
In general, larger fans are considered more advanced than smaller ones: they allow you to create a powerful air flow at a relatively low speed and low noise level. On the other hand, a large diameter means large dimensions, weight and price. As for specific figures,
40 mm and
60 mm models are considered miniature,
80 mm and
92 mm are medium,
120 mm and
135 /
140 mm are large, and even
200 mm fans are found in the most powerful
case systems.
Min. RPM
The lowest speed at which the cooling fan is capable of operating. Specified only for models with speed control (see below).
The lower the minimum speed (with the same maximum) — the wider the speed control range and the more you can slow down the fan when high performance is not needed (such a slowdown allows you to reduce energy consumption and noise level). On the other hand, an extensive range affects the cost accordingly.
Noise level
The standard noise level generated by the cooling system during operation. Usually, this paragraph indicates the maximum noise during normal operation, without overloads and other "extreme".
Note that the noise level is indicated in decibels, and this is a non-linear value. So it is easiest to evaluate the actual loudness using comparative tables. Here is a table for values found in modern cooling systems:
20 dB — barely audible sound (quiet whisper of a person at a distance of about 1 m, sound background in an open field outside the city in calm weather);
25 dB — very quiet (normal whisper at a distance of 1 m);
30 dB — quiet (wall clock). It is this noise that, according to sanitary standards, is the maximum allowable for constant sound sources at night (from 23.00 to 07.00). This means that if the computer is planned to sit at night, it is desirable that the volume of the cooling system does not exceed this value.
35 dB — conversation in an undertone, sound background in a quiet library;
40 dB — conversation, relatively quiet, but already in full voice. The maximum permissible noise level for residential premises in the daytime, from 7.00 to 23.00, according to sanitary standards. However, even the noisiest cooling systems usually do not reach this indicator, the maximum for such equipment is about 38 – 39 dB.
Heat pipes
Number of heat pipes in the cooling system
The heat pipe is a hermetically sealed structure containing a low-boiling liquid. When one end of the tube is heated, this liquid evaporates and condenses at the other end, thus removing heat from the heating source and transferring it to the cooler. Nowadays, such devices are widely used mainly in processor cooling systems (see "Intended use") — they connect the substrate that is in direct contact with the CPU and the heatsink of the active cooler. Manufacturers select the number of tubes based on the overall performance of the cooler (see "Maximum TDP"); however, models with similar TDPs can still differ markedly in this parameter. In such cases, it is worth considering the following: increasing the number of heat pipes increases the efficiency of heat transfer, but also increases the dimensions, weight and cost of the entire structure.
As for the number, the simplest models provide
1 – 2 heat pipes, and in the most advanced and powerful processor systems, this number can be
7 or more.
Socket
Socket - processor connector - with which the corresponding cooling system is compatible.
Different sockets differ not only in compatibility with a particular CPU, but also in the configuration of the mounting place for the cooling system. So, when purchasing a processor cooling system separately, it is worth making sure that it is compatible with the socket. Nowadays, solutions are mainly produced for the following types of sockets:
AMD AM2/AM3/FM1/FM2,
AMD AM4,
AMD AM5,
AMD TR4/TRX4,
Intel 775,
Intel 1150,
Intel 1155/1156,
Intel 1366,
Intel 2011/2011 v3,
Intel 2066,
Intel 1151/1151 v2,
Intel 1200,
Intel 1700.
Mount type
—
Latches. The simplest and most convenient type of fastening, in particular due to the fact that it does not require the use of additional tools. Plus, you don't need to remove the motherboard for snap-on installation.
— Double-
sided (backplate). This type of fastening is used in the most powerful and, as a result, heavy and large-sized cooling systems. Its feature is the presence of a plate installed on the opposite side of the motherboard — this plate is designed to protect against damage and so that the board does not bend under the weight of the structure.
—
Bolts. Fastening with classic bolts. It is considered somewhat more reliable than latches (see above), but less convenient, because. You can remove and install the cooling system only with a screwdriver. To date, bolts are mainly used to fasten case fans, as well as cooling systems for RAM and hard drives (see "Type", "Purpose").
—
Silicone mounts. The main advantage of silicone fasteners is good vibration absorption, which significantly reduces the noise level compared to similar systems using other types of fasteners. On the other hand, silicone is somewhat less reliable than bolts, so both types of fasteners are usually supplied in the kit, and the user chooses which ones to use.
— Adhesive tape. Fastening with adhesive tape (adhesi
...ve tape), usually double-sided. The main advantages of this mount are ease of use and compactness. On the other hand, it is difficult to remove such a cooling system. In addition, adhesive tape is inferior in thermal conductivity to the same thermal paste.Dimensions
General dimensions of the cooling system. For water systems (see "Type"), this paragraph indicates the size of the external radiator (the dimensions of the water block in such devices are small, and there is no need to specify them in particular).
In general, this is a fairly obvious parameter. We only note that for case fans (see ibid.), the thickness is of particular importance — it directly depends on how much space the device will take up inside the system unit. At the same time, it is customary to refer to
fans with a thin case for models in which this size does not exceed 20 mm.
Height
The cooling system should fit into the computer case without any problems. The vast majority of case manufacturers indicate in the specifications the maximum height of the cooler that can be installed on their chassis. It is from this value that it is necessary to build on when choosing a cooling system. With an oversized cooler, you will have to leave the side wall of the case wide open, which violates the built-in air circulation pattern and provokes dust pollution of the internal space of the system unit.
