Cpu cooling is an important consideration for anyone building a PC. Modern CPUs consume a lot of power, as much as 130W, and most of that ends up as heat. Dissipating that heat efficiently is essential, as the CPU can burn itself to a crisp very quickly if not properly cooled.
Most computers have a fan in the case that helps blow air out of the computer, but for the most efficient performance, you should also use an aftermarket CPU cooler that has a fan on top to cool the processor directly. This is especially important if you plan on overclocking the CPU to run at higher speeds, or running graphically intensive programs like video editing software and PC game titles.
A typical CPU cooler has a base made of a metal such as copper (although you can sometimes find aluminum units at lower cost), with heatpipes that extend up to the top of the CPU. The heat transfers from the top of the CPU to the thermal paste on the bottom of the CPU heatplate, and then up the heatpipes to the cooler base. The cool fan on the CPU cooler blows air over this large, flat surface area and disperses the heat into the surrounding environment.
Air cooling is relatively simple, inexpensive, and effective at reducing CPU temperatures. However, liquid cooling offers improved heat dissipation, and is generally regarded as the best way to go if you’re willing to invest in it. Keeping your CPU and CPU cooler clean is also crucial, as dirt can trap heat and damage the motors in the fans. You should regularly clean these with a can of compressed air, and make sure there aren’t any cables or other components blocking the vents in your computer case.