Computer

Make a subtraction and get it right in choosing the heatsink for your processor

Tower type heat sinks with fans are more than enough for the vast majority of cases. The problem usually resides in the choice of the same, since it is usually not clear how to choose. As simple as doing a very basic mathematical operation that will surprise you.

Forget processor TDP, use the math

He TDP or Thermal Design Poweris a value in “watts” that indicates the maximum heat generated for him processor. Actually, defining it like this is not entirely correct, since this parameter tells us the TDP maximum when the processor is 100%. Getting to use a processor to the maximum is very rare in everyday tasks, so it is still indicative.

If we do not want to complicate our lives, there is a very simple way to choose a heatsink for the processor. We do not need to know the TDP for this, the only thing we need to know is the number of heat pipes or heat pipes. These with closed cylinders that touch the processor and rise through a series of aluminum fins that help dissipate heat.

Intel core gaming processor range

All commercial processors from Intel and AMD are subdivided into ranges. Intel names them Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 and Core i9. while AMD Name these ranges as Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9. It is precisely the number of each of these ranges of processors that matters to us.

We must catch the processor range number and subtract 1. The result tells us how many heatpipes the heatsink for our processor should have, as a minimum. If we choose the Intel Core i5 12500K, what we are interested in taking is the number 5 of the «i5». we make a simple subtraction: 5 – 1 = 4. Ok, we need a heatsink with 4 heatpipes.

Furthermore, this simple mathematical operation tells us that there is no processor that is incompatible with an air cooler. If we have an AMD Ryzen 9, we will need a heatsink with 8 heatpipes. For this processor we could purchase the Noctua NH-U12S chromax.black heatsink

Note: We must consider that the heatpies on each side are independent, even though they are joined at the base

But, what if we make intensive use of the processor?

This very simple calculation is focused on the creation of equipment for games. Normally, in the games the component that is most use is the graphics card, being the one that “suffers” the most. Usually, the processor in these cases moves between 40-60% load compared to the total. This can vary depending on the resolution, if you are streaming simultaneously and other aspects.

It may be the case that we need an advanced cooling system, such as liquid cooling. Always before making a purchase decision we must be very clear about the use of the equipment. It does not consume the same amount of processor to play in 1080p resolution as in 4K.

amd ryzen gaming processors

Additionally, the photo and/or video editing software they tend to rely heavily on the processor. The CAD Tools, For example, they use most of the processor. Sure, the higher the usage of the processor, the more heat it will generate.

We can, for this type of case, use a mathematical formula to know how many heatpipes we will need. Now it would be a sum, we must add 1 to the number of the range of the processor. If we choose a Ryzen 9then we must do this: 9 + 1 = 10. We should install a heatsink with 10 heatpipes.

noctua nh-d15 processor heatsink

Conclusion

Let’s forget about the TDP for once, it is a parameter of little use except in very specific cases. For most users it should not have any relevance. Nor does it tell us the heat that a processor will generate in average use, much less how much the processor consumes.

In the end, choosing a heatsink for our processor is reduced to performing a subtraction or an addition, depending on the use. When we acquire it to play mostly, subtracting 1 from the processor range number is plenty. If we are going to use it for streaming, professional editing and cases where the processor is “stressed” intensely, we add 1 to the processor range number and that’s it.

If from now on you warm your head, it’s because you want to

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