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A CPU heat sink is the conductive, usually finned part of a cooling system that draws heat away from the processor and spreads it over a larger area. In a typical desktop PC, a fan moves air across the fins to carry that heat away. The heat sink is often one part of a complete CPU cooler, rather than the entire cooling assembly.
How a CPU heat sink works
A desktop processor with an integrated heat spreader (IHS) transfers heat through a series of connected surfaces. Thermal interface material (TIM), commonly called thermal paste, fills tiny imperfections and gaps between the IHS and the cooler’s contact surface. The cooler’s base conducts heat into the heat-sink body, and its fins spread that heat across a larger surface for air to remove.
Intel explains that TIM compensates for microscopic surface imperfections and voids at the contact between the IHS and cooler. Intel’s guidance on thermal solution and paste says all processors require TIM between the IHS and the thermal solution’s contact surface.
Heat sink versus CPU cooler
The heat sink is the heat-conducting, finned component. A CPU cooler or thermal solution can mean the full assembly that removes heat from the processor area, including a fan in an air cooler or the pump, liquid loop, and radiator in a liquid cooler. Intel describes both air and liquid designs as ways to absorb and redistribute CPU heat.
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- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification] Thermalright PA120 SE ARGB; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger
- 【2 PWM Fans】Model:TL-C12C-S; Colorful and gorgeous ARGB light effects; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); Product weight:0.97kg(2.1lb); fan speed (RPM):1500rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), leave room for memory-chip(RAM), so that installation of ice cooler cpu is unrestricted
- 【AGHP technique】6×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation, cpu cooler TDP is 120 to 245W. 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes & PWM fan & Pure copper base&Full electroplating reflow welding process, When CPU cooler works, match with ultra-silent airflow fans, aim to extreme CPU cooling performance
- 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:115X/1200/1700/17XX AMD:AM4;AM5; For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided
Air and liquid cooling
Air coolers
In an air cooler, heat travels from the processor through TIM into the cooler base and fins. A fan pushes or pulls air across those fins. The heat sink provides the surface area; airflow carries heat away from it.
Liquid coolers
A liquid cooler moves heat from the processor area through circulating liquid to a radiator, where it can be released into the surrounding air. A liquid system still needs a suitable contact surface and TIM at the processor. The radiator and other components also need space and appropriate case support. Intel’s cooler selection guidance covers air and liquid approaches and fit considerations.
Rank #2
- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification] Thermalright PA120 SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger（(Note:Please check your case and motherboard for compatibility with this size cooler.）
- 【2 PWM Fans】TL-C12C; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), leave room for memory-chip(RAM), so that installation of ice cooler cpu is unrestricted
- 【AGHP technique】6×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation, 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes & PWM fan & Pure copper base&Full electroplating reflow welding process, When CPU cooler works, match with pwm fans, aim to extreme CPU cooling performance
- 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:115X/1200/1700/17XX AMD:AM4;AM5; For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided（Note: Toinstall the AMD platform, you need to use the original motherboard's built-in backplanefor installation, which is not included with this product)
What affects heat-sink performance
- Surface area: More fin area can expose more of the heat sink to cooling air.
- Heat-conduction path: A direct path from the processor contact surface to the fins helps transfer heat through the cooler.
- Material and dimensions: Thermal conductivity and the path’s size and shape affect how heat moves.
- Contact quality: Secure contact and correctly applied TIM help conduct heat from the IHS into the cooler.
- Airflow and fit: The fan, case airflow, and physical installation affect whether heat can leave the finned surface effectively.
Intel’s older Pentium III thermal design guide gives a historical example of a component with a heat sink rated at 2 °C/W: in that example, dissipating each watt corresponds to a 2 °C temperature increase. This is an engineering illustration from approximately 2002, not a rating or benchmark for current CPU heat sinks. There is no single universal performance figure that applies to all heat sinks.
Does a CPU need a heat sink?
A processor needs a thermal solution to keep its operating temperature within its limits. Intel states that the goal of thermal management is to keep the processor at or below its maximum operating temperature. In a common desktop air-cooling setup, the heat sink is part of that solution; liquid cooling uses a different arrangement to move heat to a radiator.
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- Quiet Cooling Fan: SickleFlow 120 Edge with Dynamic PWM control (690–2,500 RPM), designed for low noise and peak cooling performance.
- Simplify Brackets: Redesigned brackets simplify installation on AM5 and LGA 1851|1700 platforms.
- Versatile Compatibility: 152mm tall design offers performance with wide chassis compatibility.
- Easy Installation: Easy to install with included thermal paste for hassle-free setup and optimal cooling performance.
How to choose a compatible CPU cooler
- Check socket and mounting support. Confirm that the cooler includes mounting hardware for the processor socket and motherboard.
- Match cooling capacity to the processor. Check current specifications for the exact processor and cooler; do not assume a cooler suitable for one CPU will be adequate for another.
- Measure available clearance. Confirm the cooler fits the case and does not conflict with memory, the motherboard, or other components. For a liquid cooler, also check radiator space and mounting support.
- Account for airflow. Make sure the case can supply and exhaust air appropriately for the selected cooler.
- Check the TIM situation. Find out whether thermal material is pre-applied or must be supplied separately, and follow the cooler’s installation instructions.
- Verify the processor package contents. Cooler inclusion varies by exact model and SKU. Intel’s boxed-processor list, last reviewed March 11, 2026, identifies models that ship without an Intel fan heat sink; check the exact product listing rather than assuming one is included.
Intel’s cooler selection guidance identifies socket compatibility and cooling capacity as baseline considerations. Its boxed desktop processor list provides model-specific cooler inclusion details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need thermal paste between the CPU and heat sink?
Yes. TIM is needed at the contact between the processor’s IHS and the cooler surface so microscopic gaps do not impair heat transfer. If you remove and reinstall a processor or cooler, remove the old TIM and apply fresh material; do not put new paste on top of used paste. Some boxed cooler solutions have TIM pre-applied, so check the cooler instructions before adding any more. See Intel’s instructions for applying thermal interface material.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Supports Motherboard Socket: AM4
- Aluminum heatsink - Pre-applied thermal paste
- Direct screw mounting to socket AM4 motherboard
- 3.5-inch 90mm fan
- 4-pin PWM power connector (9-inch length, approximate)
Rank #4
- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification]AX120R SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x71(W)x148(H)mm (4.92x2.8x 5.83 inch); Product weight:0.645kg(1.42lb); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation
- 【PWM Fans】TL-C12C; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), the fan pairs efficient cool with low-noise-level, providing you an environment with both efficient cool and true quietness
- 【AGHP technique】4×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation. Up to 20000 hours of industrial service life, S-FDB bearings ensure long service life of air-cooler radiators. UL class a safety insulation low-grade, industrial strength PBT + PC material to create high-quality products for you. The height is 148mm, Suitable for medium-sized computer case
- 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX/1851,AMD:AM4 /AM5; For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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