Generally, the CPU comes with one cooler to keep the CPU cool, lower the CPU’s temperature, and reduce the risk of a complete crash of the CPU data stored in it. But when it comes to faster CPU performance, usually, there are three coolers in the CPU. When the CPU is used for high-tech working or high-power gaming, there must be at least three coolers in the CPU.
The CPU with three coolers is structured like two coolers work to intake the cool air from the environment and are placed ideally at the front of the CPU, and the last one is placed at the back of the CPU case to work as exhaust and take the hot air or heat out from the build. This is how they function to keep the temperature lower in the CPU.
Different CPUs come in various sizes and shapes. So, this configuration of three cooling fans might only work for some types. For the cooling system, the cooling fan should maintain the balance. If two fans are for intake, the exhaust fan has much pressure. If two fans operate as exhausts, the cool air won’t have enough time to flow correctly in the CPU. But before stocking your CPU with fans, knowing how many you need is better. In this article, you will learn how many CPU coolers I need.
Effect of Fans on the Temperature:
The cooling fans are used to reduce the effect of overheating on the CPU. But the number of fans can affect differently control the overheating.
For CPU: if you compare one cooler with six coolers, you will see a minor temperature difference. If you turn on the side panel fan, only a slight change is seen in the temperature of the CPU.
For GPU: in this PC, you will notice a significant drop in the temperature after adding just one exhaust fan. When you add more fans, the fall in temperature is seen, but in comparison with one to six fans, there is no significant difference.
So you can see the cooling fans affect the temperature of the CPU. But you have to choose the better configuration of the cooling fan for your CPU to perform efficiently. Select the best configuration while buying a new CPU.
CPU with two Fans:
Some of the CPUs have preinstalled two cooling fans, and these coolers combine the heat sink and a fan. If you want to select one of these cooling fans for installation, the process is very similar to the structure of the single-fan cooler. But if you wish to set up your cooling system, it might not be easy because the motherboard has a socket for only one cooler. But you can install more fans using splitters, connecting two cooling fans at the header with only one connector. Ensure that both cooling fans work with the same speed and spin at the same velocity.
CPU with Case Fans:
With the single-fan cooling system, you can add a case fan to a CPU. Case fans are other fans who are attached to the case. These large fans can quickly take more air from outside and operate quietly and slowly with no noise. It helps the single-mounted exhaust fan to work more efficiently.
Factors about Computer Cooler Need
Here are some factors to consider about how many CPU coolers you need. Let’s go through these questions;
Do you have a CPU with a small case?
If yes, adding a case fan to the CPU is recommended. The small case has a small room to accumulate a lot of heat and not enough space to let the heat out. An extra case fan is a better idea to make the airflow cooler and better for the whole CPU.
How well-built is your CPU?
If you have a heavily built CPU or high-end CPU, you can add a cooling fan for better performance, but it is not necessarily recommended. In high-end CPUs, every component comes with its cooler. So there is no such need for the extra fan, but if you have some factors that can affect the heat, it is an excellent option to go for it.
The weather conditions in your country.
If you live in a country that has scorching weather most of the time, then it is recommended to have an extra fan. It is an excellent option to have an additional cooling system, as the CPUs in such conditions require much better cooling to reduce overheat.
Overclocking
An extra fan is highly recommended if you do overclocking or use your CPU for more than the standard time. Overclocking CPUs need more coolers to reduce the temperature and keep it under control. If you overclock, we recommend getting a good and well-built aftermarket cooler rather than adding an extra fan.
The CPU cooler directly cools down the processor, so buy a high-end cooler for the CPU you use for overclocking. Extra cooler lowers the overall heat and aids with the airflow, but cooler directly cools the processor, which is much more effective for the overclocking CPU.
Which cooler is better for my CPU?
It depends on your usage of the computer. If you use it for overclocking or high-tech work and want to replace the cooler with a powerful one, buy a powerful aftermarket cooler that will be effective for your CPU. These coolers are expensive but result in excellent CPU performance.
And if you want to add an extra case fan that will improve the airflow of the CPU and reduce temperature, then you don’t spend much money on it. You can buy a cheaper extra case fan.
How many Fans are Needed for a Gaming PC?
Gaming PCs are used for a longer time, and it has to run high-end games for which their components need to be cooled down immediately to function correctly. Generally, three cooling fans are required for better performance. However, two fans are also a good option for optimal cooling.
Out of three, one should be placed at the back panel as an exhaust fan, and two fans should be placed at the front for air intake, in the case of two fans, one at the back panel and one at the front.
If computer usage is for general purposes, then two fans would be enough for the CPU. It will help in cooling and smooth running of the CPU. But if you are using it for high-power work and playing heavy games, then the configuration of 2:1 and 3:1 would be better for the smooth running of the CPU.
Ending Words
CPU coolers are one of the vital components of the CPU that keep your system under control temperature and reduce your risk of going into problems regarding overheating. Adding an extra case fan or aftermarket cooler would be best for your CPU to run more efficiently.
While buying a new CPU, the configuration of the cooler seems a minor thing that can be ignored, but these little things can create massive damage to the CPU or could be the reason for the complete crash of your CPU.
In this blog, I tried my best to answer your queries regarding how many CPU coolers I need. Please find all of your in this blog-worthy. Thank you for reading!
