Why do computers need to be cooled?

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Why do computers need to be cooled?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

There are many computers that do not need to be cooled, e.g. in your washing machine, watch, clock, etc. Generally low end computers.

Mid and high end computers in phones, tablets, laptops and desktops need cooling, or thermal management, because they would otherwise become too warm (and stop to function or degrade). Transistors in a computer only work properly in a specific temperature range. Furthermore, the housing of a chip can melt. The goal, in general is to keep them below 60C or 100C.

The heat is created because with each bit that changes in a processor, and that is basically the job of a processor, we fill up or empty internal capacitors. Both actions cause current to flow which has some losses. The losses are converted into heat.

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