Max. TDP
The maximum TDP provided by the cooling system. Note that this parameter is indicated only for solutions equipped with heatsinks (see "Type"); for separately made fans, the efficiency is determined by other parameters, primarily by the air flow values (see above).
TDP can be described as the amount of heat that a cooling system is able to remove from a serviced component. Accordingly, for the normal operation of the entire system, it is necessary that the TDP of the cooling system is not lower than the heat dissipation of this component (heat dissipation data is usually indicated in the detailed characteristics of the components). And it is best to select coolers with a power margin of at least 20 – 25% — this will give an additional guarantee in case of forced operation modes and emergency situations (including clogging of the case and reduced air exchange efficiency).
As for specific numbers, the most modest modern cooling systems provide TDP
up to 100 W, the most advanced —
up to 250 W and even
higher.
Max. RPM
The highest speed at which the cooling system fan is capable of operating; for models without a speed controller (see below), this item indicates the nominal rotation speed. In the "slowest" modern fans, the maximum speed
does not exceed 1000 rpm, in the "fastest" it can be up
to 2500 rpm and even
more.
Note that this parameter is closely related to the fan diameter (see above): the smaller the diameter, the higher the speed must be to achieve the desired airflow values. In this case, the rotation speed directly affects the level of noise and vibration. Therefore, it is believed that the required volume of air is best provided by large and relatively "slow" fans; and it makes sense to use "fast" small models where compactness is crucial. If we compare the speed of models of the same size, then higher speeds have a positive effect on performance, but increase not only the noise level, but also the price and power consumption.
Socket
Socket - processor connector - with which the corresponding cooling system is compatible.
Different sockets differ not only in compatibility with a particular CPU, but also in the configuration of the mounting place for the cooling system. So, when purchasing a processor cooling system separately, it is worth making sure that it is compatible with the socket. Nowadays, solutions are mainly produced for the following types of sockets:
AMD AM2/AM3/FM1/FM2,
AMD AM4,
AMD AM5,
AMD TR4/TRX4,
Intel 775,
Intel 1150,
Intel 1155/1156,
Intel 1366,
Intel 2011/2011 v3,
Intel 2066,
Intel 1151/1151 v2,
Intel 1200,
Intel 1700.
Dimensions
General dimensions of the cooling system. For water systems (see "Type"), this paragraph indicates the size of the external radiator (the dimensions of the water block in such devices are small, and there is no need to specify them in particular).
In general, this is a fairly obvious parameter. We only note that for case fans (see ibid.), the thickness is of particular importance — it directly depends on how much space the device will take up inside the system unit. At the same time, it is customary to refer to
fans with a thin case for models in which this size does not exceed 20 mm.
