Overview

In order to guarantee the reliable and stable functioning of the elements and subsystems of the computer in normal and especially in overcloking modes, you must ensure that they are being properly cooled. This can be achieved using the following methods:

• Choosing and using an appropriate case

• Acquiring an effective heatsink

• Acquiring an effective cooling fan

• Using the appropriate software coolers

For the architecture of modern computers, the best choice of case is the standard ATX. Taking into consideration the high heat flux from the elements used in overcloking modes, it makes sense to direct your attention towards the mini ATX cases, or even the larger midi ATXs, which guarantee better temperature conditions for all components of the system.

It's advisable to supply the case you selected with an additional fan(s), which will lower the air temperature inside the given case. This will improve the efficiency of all local cooling devices.

Beginning with 486DX2/66 processors, heatsinks have become an integral attribute of all processors. Along with the growth of CPU processing power, the heat flux has also grown, and thus the size of the heatsinks also had to be increased. Starting with Pentium processors, heatsinks began coming with a cooling fan mounted onto them. These devices are also known simply as coolers.

In order to improve the heat contact between the body of the element to be cooled and the attached heatsink, it makes sense to buy and use special thermal grease, or thermal tape. These thermal compounds eliminate tiny air gaps between the body of the element and the heatsink attached to it. This improves heat transfer to the heatsink, and therefore provides more efficient cooling.