Copper or Aluminum
 

For CPU heatsink/fins do I really need all copper? Copper pipes yes, but fins?

Copper.

Get one that performs well.

There isn't that huge of a performance gap.

You'll find the better ones are usually copper though. Not ALL. The XP-90 and 120 for example are great, and they're full aluminum.

Copper. 'Tis niice! ;)

It was my understanding of course that copper > aluminum, but this would probably only be for a smaller Northbridge cooler, so guess it's down to size and angle.

If I go with the liquid system I still may use air cooling for the NB, so thanks for the responses, cheers.

It is in general, but design > material. Always.

I use aluminum. but, i see that ppl are saying copper, so yeah, i would say copper too. :D

I second that, copper has a higher heat conductivity than aluminum, though not incredible, making aluminum the common choice because it's such a cheaper metal
the heat conductivity goes
gold > silver > copper > aluminum
ironically for computer users, heat conductivity is directly proportional to metal rareity(and therefore value lol)
with other metals obviously in there but those are the common ones
that being said, heat pipes have the greatest effect on overall heat conductance because there is more to them than just solid metal conducting the heat, so the pipes are the main concern (with or without pipes) and other general overall design features

Nickel plated copper base and pipes, aluminum fins ;).

shh I was trying to make a point! :laugh:

:)

Confuse me why don't ya!

I understand the point(S). Good to know though.

Will have to see, pretty sure I'm going water, just trying to get it all sorted.

Hopefully by tomorrow there will be some more suggestions in the liquid thread.

Cheers again!

for water def a solid copper block. usually rad's are aluminum fins with copper pipe to prevent corrosion. in water setups DO NOT mix copper and aluminum blocks, pipe etc.

for the most part copper is a better conductor and will disapate heat better, but is more prone to damage than is aluminum. When it comes to heat sinks, and pipes the desine also plays a part. As for witch one is better, that depends. Instead of choosing one solely on the materials used, look at the product specs. comparing the unit as a hole to deside which is better. I use a copper base, and aluminium fins, I like the way the fins can be anodized to differint collors.

hence the nickel plating. Nickel is like an etch proof material that protects the copper and even helps a little with the heat disappation.

the job I currently work for, in fact, does make some nickel plated copper for rads and such.

aluminum fins are good as well, they are lighter

True tho, Cooper is the best choice :D

lol in the the cost effective sense yeah! I was just speaking the chemistry ;)

I want Arctic Gold 5 :laugh:
In all seriousness, full-copper heatsinks really don't work too much better than aluminum.
As long as you have a copper core and a few heatpipes, and some AC5 like this baby, you're pretty much set:
http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggIma...186-134-03.jpg
Of couse that pre-applied goop is not AC5, but you can buy a tube of AC5 that will last you 10 years for $6.

Arctic Gold... I'd actually like to see what kind of performance increase it would give over Arctic Silver... but then again, it would probably cost more than double what Arctic Silver 5 costs :(

I would pay $12 for that. I may only have to buy a tube every 5 years...
At least not me. If I was using a stock cooler I would use the stock goop too, cause if I had money, I wouldn't be spending money on a good cooler for a chip that won't be overclocked.

Copper is definitely superior in performance. The only real advantages aluminum has is light weight, and low cost.

Actually guys its:

Diamond, Graphite (Carbon)> Lead > Copper > Aluminium > Titanium, etc.

the only two practical there are copper and aluminum though :rolleyes:

I want a diamond heatsink/fan!! $100,000

The big question is what if you stuck the hole case in a vacuum of <100pPa would you still want to use a diamond heat sink?

I don't know what pPa is, but it's probably something very powerful and expensive. I would rather dunk my PC in a tank of liquid nitrogen :roll: