Central Processing Unit and Cooling Systems May 2016 | Page 16

3.3

 Types of cooling systems

Cooling systems
3.3.1

Lead-in Activity:
In pairs, discuss these questions.
1. Under what conditions do computer components perform better?
2. What can happen if too much heat builds up in a computer?
3. What devices are used to cool computer components?

3.3.2

Reading part:
COOLING SYSTEMS
The flow of current between the electronic components generates heat. Computer components perform better when kept cool. If the
heat is not removed, the computer may run slower. If too much heat builds up, computer components can be damaged.
Increasing the air flow in the computer case allows more heat to be removed. A case fan installed in the computer case makes the
cooling process more efficient. In addition to a case fan, a heat sink draws heat away from the CPU core. A fan on top of the heat sink
moves the heat away from the CPU.