Length x Width contact area for typical CPU dimensions.
Length x Width contact area for typical CPU dimensions.
Hi,
Heat pipes are commonly used by overclockers for moving and spreading heat from CPUs. Could anyone assist with calculating the contact surface area needed for typical CPU dimensions? For example, a 6x6mm heat pipe measuring 49mm by 35mm is suitable for certain AMD models like LAG1156/1155/1150/775. I'm also curious about TEC devices—sizes like 40x40mm, 50x50mm, and 62x62mm are mentioned. Do these relate to specific CPU models that require larger contact areas? Let me know if you have any suggestions!
I review CPU coolers for the site, and when I mention size isn't the main factor, it's based on my personal experience. The actual effectiveness depends more on the construction quality of the heatpipes, the fin layout, and how well the base connects to the CPU to transfer heat efficiently. This ensures proper convection within the heatpipes and allows thermal load to travel upward through the fins.
It's not primarily about the cooler's size but rather how the design handles heat spread.
Hi Rubix,
When buying a Heat Pipe for a computer, the CPU type and performance matter more.
The L x W contact area isn't usually specified—it depends on the CPU and mount.
Using Computer Heat Pipes for thermoelectric coolers is common.
The main constraint with inexpensive heat pipes is the contact area size.
As they say, those who need little can't be picky.
Heat Pipes for computers are affordable and widely available.
I'm curious about different CPU models:
Do you have any that require a larger contact area—like 50x50mm to 62x62mm?
Perhaps a 49mm x 35mm area would work for today's systems.
Let me know if you know of CPUs with bigger contacts.
The goal is to find a heat pipe that fits the TEC dimensions.
Hope this makes sense.
Thanks,
Gary
I review CPU cooler assessments on the platform, and when I mention size isn't the main concern, it comes from personal experience. The actual impact depends more on how efficiently the heatpipes are built, the fin layout, the connection to wicks, and airflow across the fins. The mounting base also plays a key role by ensuring solid CPU contact and transferring heat effectively from the CPU's interface into the heatpipes, enabling upward convection through the fins.
Additionally, I’m familiar with TEC cooling mechanisms, understanding that effectiveness hinges on power output rather than dimensions. A bigger TEC with a larger footprint, such as 60mm x 60mm rated at 80W, performs worse compared to a smaller one like 50mm x 50mm rated at 120W. It’s also important to avoid letting the TEC overhang beyond the CPU interface, as this can harm the Peltier component.
If you’re curious about CPUs with notably large interfaces, searching online will help. AMD Threadripper currently stands out as one of the largest available CPU packages.
My feedback continues to focus on cooling capacity in watts rather than size alone.
Sorry, I hadn't received your most recent reply. After more than 15 years, you're clearly speaking my language. Be cautious with those inexpensive Ebay blocks you've listed. Although they're affordable, their production quality is poor and they probably have a very basic design—essentially a simple maze-like structure that forces water back and forth, like a straightforward maze; no pins or fins to boost surface area. There are other cheaper options that might be slightly better in terms of quality, so look for discontinued or older designs with good build. I also recommend checking out 4ryan6's discussion on chilled/TEC cooling for his PC: Several images are currently inaccessible due to Photobucket rules, but he has a lot of expertise on the topic you're exploring. I'm not sure if your approach is meant for cooling a PC or something else, but the underlying principles remain similar.