Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Use the following guidelines when choosing an HSF:
• Make certain the HSF is rated for the exact processor you use. An HSF that
physically fits a processor may not be sufficient to cool it properly. By defi-
nition, a bundled HSF is rated for the processor it comes with.
• Make sure the HSF is usable with your motherboard and case. Some HSFs
are incompatible with some motherboards because clamping the HSF
into position may crush capacitors or other components near the proces-
sor socket. Good third-party CPU coolers often list compatibility with spe-
cific motherboard models. Check the website. Premium CPU coolers are
usually physically large. If you intend to purchase such a cooler, make sure
your case has enough clearance between the motherboard and cover
panel for the cooler to fit.
• Pay attention to noise ratings. Some high-efficiency HSFs designed for use
by overclockers and other enthusiasts have very noisy fans. Other HSFs
are nearly silent. The best (and most expensive) third-party CPU coolers
are both highly efficient and very quiet. Note that these coolers are often
supplied without a fan, which you must purchase separately from among
the models recommended for that specific cooler.
• Use the proper thermal compound. When you install an HSF, and each
time you remove and replace it, use fresh thermal compound to ensure
proper heat transfer. Thermal compound is available in the form of viscous
thermal “goop” and as phase-change thermal pads, which melt as the pro-
cessor heats up and solidify as it cools down. Make sure that the thermal
compound you use is approved by the processor maker and, if applicable,
the cooler maker.
RecommendedCPUcoolerbrands
Unless you have good reason to do otherwise, buy a retail-boxed CPU with a
bundled cooler. If you need high-performance cooling or an extremely quiet
cooler, purchase a CPU cooler made by
Arctic Cooling
(
http://www.arctic-
cooling.com
),
Scythe
(
http://www.scythe-usa.com
),
Thermaltake
(
http://www.
thermaltakeusa.com
)
, or
Zalman
(
http://www.zalmanusa.com
)
.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main logic board around which a PC is built. It is the
center of the PC, in the sense that every system component connects to the
motherboard, directly or indirectly. The motherboard you choose determines
which processors are supported, how much and what type of memory the
system can use, what type of video adapters can be installed, the speed of
communication ports, and many other key system characteristics.
Here are some important considerations when choosing a motherboard:
CPU socket
The fundamental characteristic of a motherboard is the CPU socket, be-
cause it determines which processors physically fit that motherboard.
There are two types of sockets:
