Topic: Cooling Systems, Airflow, and Thermal Management in Computers

❓ Essential Question

How do computers manage heat, and why do cooling systems, airflow pathways, and thermal materials matter for reliable performance?

⭐ Key Ideas

• Heat is the most constant threat to computer hardware.
• Cooling relies on airflow, heat transfer, and proper component design.
• Fans, heatsinks, and thermal paste work together.
• Poor airflow = throttling, crashes, and permanent damage.
• Field technicians must identify airflow patterns and spot heat issues fast.

🔑 Vocabulary

Thermal Throttling — CPU/GPU slows down to protect itself from overheating.

Heatsink — Metal block with fins that pulls heat away from a component.

Thermal Paste — Material that fills microscopic gaps between CPU and heatsink.

Airflow Path — The direction air moves through a case.

Intake Fan — Pulls cool air in.

Exhaust Fan — Pushes hot air out.

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) — Fan speed controlled by the motherboard.