FAQ
Q - Why does my CPU produce heat?
A – The CPU acts as the brain of a computer. It tells the other components what to do when you enter commands into the computer. This is done by electricity passing through a conductive material. When electricity passes through the conductive material, the material will oscillate. The frequency of these oscillations is measured in Megahertz where 1 MHz is 1,000,000 cycles. Therefore, if you have a 500 MHz computer, then it will oscillate at 500,000,000 times per second. The oscillations produce heat and if not controlled it will cause the conductive material to degrade and change its properties.
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Q - What does a system fan do?
A – A system fan is a fan that will cool the entire computer system. Although it will not cool specific components within the computer case it will keep air moving throughout your computer case. In an effort to be competitive, many of the computer manufacturers keep their costs low by only having an exhaust fan at the power supply. In the new era of GHz these exhaust fans do little to keep the inside of your computer cool, let alone the specific component such as the CPU or hard drive.
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Q - My Pentium IV fan does not have a clip to attach to the CPU. How will I attach it?
A – Most Pentium IV computers will come with a CPU fan and this same clip is used. If it does not come with a CPU fan it should have the clip on the motherboard for you to use.
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Q - How can I reduce the fan noise of my computer?
A – Here are some facts that might help you reduce the noise of your computer:
- The more airflow within your computer - the more noise.
- Obstructions along the path of the airflow will create noise.
- The higher speed fan will generate greater noise than a lower speed fan.
- A larger size fan will generate lower noise level than a smaller size fan for the same amount of airflow.
- The higher voltage applied to the fan will generate higher noise level.
- Fan design can reduce noise level therefore users should choose reliable fans to avoid excessive noise.
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Q - Does my CPU need a fan?
A – Unless you have a very old computer with a low MHz, your CPU should have a fan. The old computers had such low MHz, the case fan that cooled the computer case was sufficient. Since the MHz produce heat (see above), many of the modern PCs will come with a fan and heat sink installed on the CPU.
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Q - How do I know if I need a computer fan?
A – If your existing fan is making noise or sounds as if it's laboring, you need to replace it. Also, if you do not hear anything when you turn your computer on, chances are your fan has quit working.
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Q - How do I know if I need a CPU fan?
A – If you purchased your computer "off the shelf" you must open up the computer case, locate the CPU on the motherboard and see if it is cooled by a fan. If you have a CPU of 200 MHz or better you definitely need a CPU fan to cool it. We strongly advise all CPUs to have cooling fans, however.
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Q - What types of computer fans are there?
A – There are basically three types of fans - case fans, CPU fans and hard drive fans.
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Q - I hear a fan running in my computer so I must not need one. Is this correct?
A – Well that like saying all breathing creatures are in good health and will live on. The computer has many components. Chances are the only fan you hear is the case fan that, most likely, is part of the power supply. That does not mean these components are operating efficiently and are not on the verge of breaking down. Many of the "off the shelf" computers do not come with CPU fans, additional case fans and hard drive fans. This results in a shorter life span for your computer.
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Q - Why is it so hard to put the CPU cooling fan on the CPU?
A – Heat is transferred from the CPU to the heat sink of the cooling fan by way of thermal contact. This is the whole idea behind cooling the CPU. The quality of the contact between the cooler and the CPU is usually the result of how it's clamped onto the CPU. It also depends on the contact with the heat sink. The makers of the various clips want the heat sink to fit as tight as possible. Therefore the more flat contact there is with the heat sink - the more heat can be transferred. This is why thermal grease is used many times to ensure the most contact between the CPU and the heat sink.
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Q - What is a 3-wire fan?
A – The third wire in a 3-wire fan measures the rpms of the fan. It is sometimes referred to as a tachometer wire. Our 3-wire case fans are referred to as sensor fans.
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Q - I've heard about sockets and slots. What does all of this mean?
A – Well, if we had only one computer manufacturer and there were not better ways to improve the existing products - then we would have only one type of socket. Fortunately, technological advances have been so great that there are a number of different types of CPU sockets on the market. The following is a brief summary of the different types of sockets and/or slots for CPUs. Other types exist however these seem to be the most popular.
| Type |
Fits CPU |
No. of Pins |
| Socket 7 |
Pentium; MMX; K5; 6x86; K6; IDT WinChip; 6x86MX; K6-2 |
321 |
| Socket 8 |
Pentium Pro |
387 |
| Slot 1 |
Pentium II(100 MHz system bus); Pentium III(100 and 133 MHz); Celeron; Coppermine |
242 |
| Slot 1 |
Pentium II(100 MHz system bus); Pentium III(100 and 133 MHz); Celeron; Coppermine |
242 |
| Slot 2 |
Pentium III; Xeon; Tanner |
|
| Socket 370 |
Socketed Celeron; Pentium III; Tualatin; Celeron 2; Coppermine |
370 |
| Socket 423 |
Pentium IV |
423 |
| Socket 478 |
Northwood |
478 |
| Slot A |
Athlon (500MHz to 800MHz); Duron |
? |
| Socket A |
Athlon; Duron |
? |
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