ANALYSIS ON THERMAL AND HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE OF CPU COOLER UNDER DIFFERENT WORKING CONDITIONS

Like other computer hardware components, the central processing unit (CPU) generates heat during operation and requires effective cooling to maintain optimal performance. One of the most efficient methods for cooling a CPU is the use of a liquid-based cooling system. This system typically consists of three main components: a fluid block that makes direct contact with the CPU, a pump, and a heat exchanger, which includes a fan and a radiator. The coolant circulates through the system via connecting pipes. In this study, the thermal and hydraulic performance of a CPU cooler was analyzed under various operating conditions. Water was used as the working fluid (coolant) in the system. A 100 W thermoelectric heater was employed to simulate the thermal load and to determine the cooling capacity of the system. The volumetric flow rates of the coolant were set to 1, 2, 3, and 4 L/min, respectively. It was observed that the heat transfer between the CPU surface and the cooler decreased with increasing fluid velocity. The fluid pressure was higher at the inlet of the cooler and decreased along the flow path, depending on both the geometry of the flow channels and the flow rate of the coolant. For effective heat dissipation in CPU cooling systems, it is crucial to maintain the coolant flow rate and velocity within an optimal range.