I have a computer with Athlon CPU for last two years. Now I want to buy a new one because a weird noise is coming from inside my PC and I think I have the problem with Aperture board. At first, I decided to buy a brand new Compaq model. However, little later I read an article in which they said that model of Compaq has a problem with cooler stacking. They write that Compaq should use heatsink instead of classic cooler system. What is that?
Heat sink is a new cooling system for CPU's and chipsets. It has many better characteristics then regular cooling systems with CPU coolers. That system greatly reduce any noises that computer can produce. Also, it is not running on electricity so it greatly reduces the needed power from the PSU and extends its lifetime. Because the heat sink does not have any moving parts, it is not prone to any mechanical damage. However, it has one major problem. Coolers could regulate their speed according to the CPUs temperature and that is why they are much better in cooling. That means that if you have a CPUs that warms a little more or your computer should work in some extreme conditions you should decide for a classic cooler system for CPU. Otherwise, heat sink should be your choice. I also must agree with your magazine that Compaq should choose heatsink for its model.