4 Important Aspects Of Convection Cooling Computer Equipment

Do you hate the endless drone of the fans in your computer as they struggle to keep temperatures down at ideal levels? Does your computer's cooling system need far more maintenance than you feel comfortable providing? If so, consider building a fanless system using convection cooling equipment instead of traditional cooling fans. The convection cooling components perform the same functions as the fan without all of the noise and dust accumulation. Here is more info on the four main features you will need to seek in an ideal convection cooling unit for your processor or graphics card.

Innovative Dust Protection

Unlike plastic fan cases, metal convection coolers tend to repel, not attract, dust particles. Dust accumulation can drive up internal computer temperatures by acting as an insulator for those parts. Dust stuck on the surface of fan blades and lodged inside the moving components reduces the efficiency of the entire cooling system.

Furthermore, dust can hold moisture that creates humidity, which often leads to corrosion of the metal connectors on the electrical components. Even if you attempt to clean off the dust, tiny particles will remain jammed in the crevices and continue to cause problems. By selecting coolers with inherent dust protection, you can keep your computer components clean, cool and moisture-free.

Unique Cylindrical Design

With a cylindrical design, the cooler can easily push heat up toward the top of the unit to allow cool air to replace it below. This convection process constantly moves the hot air around to keep the processor, video card or other components bathed in cool air.

In fact, the cylindrical design acts as a superfast tunnel for all of the heat generated by the electronic components. As a result, the average 70 degrees Celsius internal temperature may dramatically fall to lower levels directly around those hardworking parts. If you can keep the air moving at a fast rate out of the case, you will notice those numbers barely change even after putting the computer under heavy load.

Ample Fins and Pipes

The cylindrical design also puts the cooling fins and pipes in an ideal configuration for eliminating heat that does not rise quickly enough. A wide array of cooling fins and pipes absorb the heat and allow it to dissipate far from the working components. Otherwise, in high demand applications, there's a chance that heat may pool around the top of the convection cooler before it can escape through the case vents.

Without help from cooling fins and pipes, the heat accumulation could quickly displace the cool air below, driving up the part temperature considerably. If temperatures rise too high, such as past 100 degrees Celsius, the computer will often shut down and display an error message. The exact temperature rating your computer can handle depends on its component layout, case size and power rating.

Smooth Mirror Finish

Infrared heat rays flow off the parts toward the path of least resistance. Nearby structures may absorb or reflect the heat, depending on their material composition and finish. Convection coolers feature a super smooth mirror finish on specific areas to help direct heat through the central passageway or into the cooling fins. The mirror finish continually reflects the infrared rays to keep the heat traveling through the cooling system in a controlled manner.  

Perfecting Your Fanless Computer

When creating your fanless build, select a case that has at least one large vent at the top. The convection cooling devices will work best if heat can rise straight out of the case. You will also need to consider the ambient temperature of the room housing your computer equipment to fully enjoy this type of setup. Find a place for your tower to sit far away from other electronics and furnace vents.   Keep the top of the case free of obstructions that could trap heat around the outside of the computer equipment. 


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