The Quick Answer to Find out what CPU cooler I have
Just remove the side cover of your CPU box, and look at the Motherboard. You will see a fan there on the Motherboard beneath which the CPU resides. So, you just have to look at the brand name of the CPU fan/cooler, and you know which one you have on your PC. Moreover, if you want to know the type of CPU cooler that is, you have to know more about the types, which I am going to explain further in this article.
Quick view
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. It acts as the brain of the computer. It performs all the Arithmetic logic, controlling, and input/output operations specified by the instructions from various programs. CPU doesn’t mean that full box that you see actually, but the Processor that you say in general language is the CPU. It is mounted on the Motherboard.
CPU = CU (Control Unit) + ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) + Various Registers
Since the CPU is the brain of the computer, it does a lot of work which makes it get heated when you work for a longer period of time on your computer. At times, due to some issues as well, it gets heated in an even short span of time. And, it is very important to keep it cool because when it heats a lot, your computer won’t function well and act haywire. That is why you see a fan which is called a CPU cooler, installed just above it on your Motherboard, as you can see in the pic below. Moreover, if you may question how to find out what CPU cooler I have on my computer system, this post will help you know that too.
The fan that you see in the above image is called a CPU Cooler or a CPU Fan. Let us get into a bit more detail on your query of what is my CPU Cooler and discuss more about it as well.
What Actually a CPU Cooler Does?
The function of the CPU cooler is to draw the heat away from the CPU chip. It allows the heat energy that has accumulated to flow away from the CPU to keep it cool. If you are doing heavy work on your computer, make sure your CPU cooler is working properly to increase the longevity of the CPU.
One of the major necessities of making a computer is the installation of a high-functioning CPU cooler. Now say your CPU cooler has worked too long for so many years. You will need to change or upgrade that. In that case, it is essential that you know what kind of CPU cooler you have and its details because before installing a new one, you need to know the compatibility thing as well.
So now, if you are asking how to find out what CPU cooler I have, then I have got you covered. Delve with you the in-depth details of CPU coolers. I will cover everything you need to know.
How to Tell What CPU Cooler I Have?
Finding which CPU Cooler you have is easy. Just take out the CPU side cover, and look at the Motherboard; you will see a CPU fan; just look at the brand name. I mean, manufacturers usually print their name on that. So, you can easily find out which CPU cooler you have.
If your computer is of some brand and not assembled, you can just find out your PC’s model online and check the details of its components. Moreover, when you study a bit more about the type of CPU coolers, you will even know which type of CPU cooler your computer is having.
Types of CPU Coolers
There are two major types of CPU coolers – Air CPU Coolers and Liquid CPU coolers. Both of these coolers work by driving the heat away from the CPU.
If you are looking for a cheap and easily replaceable CPU cooler, you should invest in an Air cooler. There are many types of air coolers with varying levels of noise and speed. According to your different wants and needs, you can choose the different types of air coolers. But they will surely suit most computers due to their sturdy purpose and generality of suiting into any type of computer.
But for a better solution for your computer, you can think about a liquid or an all-in-one cooler. The option is the water or liquid-based Cooler. It includes a water block that is filled with a liquid coolant. As heat passes through the coolant, the temperature comes down.
Of course, liquid coolers are more expensive, but they are also more effective than normal air coolers. These CPU coolers are highly recommended for high-end computer users. Some of you may not like the idea of electrical components being cooled using liquids, but trust me; it is the best way to cool down your CPU and save your hardware. But, there is always a risk with liquid CPU coolers, which is the liquid leakage. Although they are made well and don’t leak usually, there are always some chances that Liquid may be leaked. If there is leakage, then the Liquid may get into electrical components and cause serious electrical hazards that may damage the components and even the CPU.
Now we list the details of each type of air cooler to help you with your query of how to tell what CPU cooler I have Because finding the brand of the Cooler I have already explained earlier, but you can also find out the type of Cooler you have on your Motherboard after checking the details below.
Air coolers
Let us look at the different types of air coolers, and then you can easily distinguish between them. So go through this article, and if you have an air cooler, you will surely be able to recognize it.
U/Twin Tower Type Air Cooler
The name has been derived from the way these air coolers look. This type of air cooler comprises two large heatsinks that make up a U shape. It looks like a twin tower right next to each other. This is how you can easily distinguish it. To the side of each heatsink, there are fans attached that will disperse the produced heat. They are aligned with the exhaust fans you have, whose function is to increase the cooling performance.
C-Type Air Cooler
Compared to the twin towers air coolers, the C-type air coolers are much smaller in size. There is only one heatsink that is attached to the heat pipes. To the heatsink, there is a single fan attached that helps stamp out the heat from your computer’s CPU.
Low-Profile Air Cooler
These air coolers are the smallest of the air coolers. They fit in even where the liquid coolers are unable to fit. You can easily distinguish these because they are equipped with thinner heatsinks and fans that are visibly smaller. The small size of the fans may decrease their performance as a cooler, but they are still more advanced than most stock coolers.
Water or Liquid Coolers
The water or liquid coolers come with good aesthetics too. The liquid cooling system will take the temperature down even further than the air coolers. This will also expand the longevity. Also, if you want to boost the performance of your processors, it also will allow overclocking.
All in One (AIO) Liquid Cooler
If you want to get a liquid cooling system for your computer, this is the easiest way to go. They are not called all in one for nothing. They have basically got all the components. If you are trying to identify an all-in-one liquid cooler, look at the components. Radiator, pump, block – you will find them all.
These coolers also have built-in mounting mechanisms that ensure easy installations of Intel processors or AMD processors. These have a CPU water block with an in-built pump that is further connected to the radiators through pipes. The radiators are equipped with fans to get rid of the heat produced.
Custom Water Cooling Loops
These will definitely be the easiest to recognize, and you won’t have to think twice about how to find out what CPU cooler I have. This is made of almost the same components as an all-in-one liquid cooler, but there are fittings, a water block, and custom tubing in addition to a reservoir.
Submerged cooling
When people are looking for an extreme cooling method, they generally go for submerged cooling systems. This type of cooling system just doesn’t cool your CPU but also your entire hardware, including the GPU, RAM, and Motherboard. Submerged cooling systems use a tank that is filled with mineral oil. This is because one of the properties of mineral oils is that they cannot conduct electricity.
How to Remove Your CPU Cooler Without Causing Damage
The basic trick is not known to many. Not removing the CPU Cooler in the right way will cause damage to it. On a usual note, you need to warm up the thermal paste. Then, unmount the CPU cooler. And here lies the real trick. It is likely for the cold thermal paste to keep the Processor and the heat sink welded together.
You have to run the system for more or fewer than 10 minutes. Then, move on with your general technique of removing the CPU that is powering it down and unplugging from the wall. The thermal paste will become pliable and gooey. Therefore, it will let you remove your Cooler easily.
While you are detaching the Cooler, use a very smooth twisting motion. Start slowly, then, gradually, you will reach a point when you face resistance. That is the time you need to go back in the opposite direction. Warm thermal paste application will genuinely be in your favor. You will not have to face many handles in detaching the cooler.
There is a very crucial tip for you if you are opting to remove your CPU cooler. One mistake may damage your PC. So, be informed about the trick, and also be careful while doing it.
How to Check If CPU Cooler is Working?
Most of the PC users are likely not to know how to check if the CPU cooler is working. The working of the CPU cooler is one of the most essential parts of running a PC. If your CPU cooler is not working, then your system is likely to shut down because of the CPU getting extremely hot. The device will shut down automatically to make sure that its internal components do not get damaged.
You can also check CPU clock history with the help of a program such as an HW monitor. It will show you if the CPU is always clocked.
Moreover, if the CPU cooler is not working, then both the pump and the fans will stop working. If the spinning of the fans stops, it can be recognized and replaced with ease. But on the contrary, the performance of the pump is hard to determine.
On an ultimate note, look at the temperature of the CPU. Try to stress the CPU. If the temperature rises unusually, then you may get an idea that the CPU cooler isn’t working.
How Do You Know if Your CPU Fan Will Fit Your Motherboard?
Since there are a few CPU fans that do not fit all sorts of motherboards, here arises a question: how will you know whether the CPU fan you are opting for will definitely fit your Motherboard. Follow the below-mentioned guidelines to make sure that your CPU fan will fit your Motherboard:
- Initially, you need to find the CPU socket of your Motherboard.
- Then measure the available height starting from the top of the CPU to the panel of the computer’s chassis.
- Next, you have to inspect the area on your Motherboard that surrounds the socket of the CPU.
- Finally, determine the speed at which you want to run your CPU fan.
What Are the Best CPU Coolers Out There?
Users are frequently found asking what CPU cooler do I have? You are now one step away from knowing the best CPU coolers you can have. Here, we are listing some of the best CPU coolers that will serve your needs:
- Noctua NH-D15
- Noctua NH-L9
- Corsair H100i Pro
- NZXT Kraken Z-3
- Arctic Liquid Freezer 120
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240P Mirage
- Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB
Conclusion
Since the CPU cooler is one of the most necessary components of the PC, it needs to be handled with ease and care. Now that you are aware of the answer to the query about how to find out what CPU cooler I have and have also acquainted yourself with the techniques of how to check if a CPU cooler is working, I hope that you will not face any further issues. I further believe that we have been able to answer all the queries you had, and thus, it will resist you from making any minimal mistakes.