Copper or aluminum?

[vanp1992]

well a new thread, so is copper heatsunks better than aluminum heatsinks or the other way around and why?

 

[4W4K3]

well a new thread, so is copper heatsunks better than aluminum heatsinks or the other way around and why?

Usually a mix of both. Solid thick copper base, and aluminum fins. But some argue solid copper is better. Really depends on what kind of cooling you have. With laptops aluminum is better so it can keep heat from building up inside the small area. Copper is used in desktops mostly cuz theres a butt load of fans to circualte the hot air out fast. i believe that is correct...

 

[Praetor]

- Copper is better at "taking" heat than aluminum
- Aluminum can take more heat before becoming "full" (i.e., before it loses efficiency)
Therefore, if you have a powerful fan setup, full-copper is the best route. If you are going for "silent" cooling, a copper-aluminum mix is probably best (there are exceptions of course)