What are the Pros and Cons of a Copper Heatsink?

The copper heatsink is a popular thermal management option among computer customizers because of its capacity to absorb heat relatively quickly. This ability can also be a problem, however, as it tends to hold that heat for a long time. Another drawback is the higher cost compared to heatsinks made from other metals. This type of heatsink is also heavier than others. Copper heatsinks perform well at thermal management, especially when it comes to high end processors and overclocking.

Heat sinks are gadgets that transfer heat away from a source. They are generally found on electronic appliances to prevent them from overheating. Different types of thermal heatsinks are available, depending on their intended purpose. When analyzing a copper heatsink, it is usually compared to aluminum and silver heatsinks; these three metals are the most common materials the heatsinks are made of.

One main advantage of the copper heatsink is heat conductivity. Copper conducts heat away from a source relatively faster than other materials. It functions well as a heat spreader because copper transfers heat from the source to a cooler material — usually the air — efficiently. Copper's conductive property is both an advantage and a drawback.

High conductivity gives copper heatsinks a relatively high heat retention. Retention is the ability of a heatsink to store heat in its fin. This means that the material stays hotter longer, which can damage a computer system system if the temperature is not properly monitored. A constant airflow to the heatsink can help ensure its temperature stays at a safe level.

Most experts do not recommend a copper heatsink be used alone. To offset its heat retention, a passive copper heatsink is often combined with a fan made from another material to make it an active heatsink. Another way of combatting this problem is by increasing the number of fins on the heatsink and making them thinner. This increases the surface area, which allows for faster heat dissipation.

The base material for a copper heatsink costs more than aluminum. The high cost may be justified by measuring the heatsink's overall performance, however. It can also be reduced by combining the copper with other materials. Those who use high performance processors or overclock their computers generally value performance over cost.

Weight is another drawback of a copper heatsink. A heatsink made of copper weighs more than an equal-sized one made from aluminum. CPU orientation should therefore be considered before choosing a copper heatsink. A horizontal orientation puts less stress on the chip or motherboard.

Computer enthusiasts often put a great deal of importance on choosing the best heatsink. They study each type carefully before putting it inside their computers. A central processing unit typically contains more than two types, a mini heatsink and a bigger motherboard heatsink. A miscalculation on the heatsink choice might make or break a good computer rig.