What is the primary function of a heat sink?

The primary function of a heat sink is to draw heat away from the CPU core. As processors operate, they generate a significant amount of heat, which if not dissipated can lead to thermal throttling or even hardware failure. A heat sink is designed with a large surface area and made of materials that have good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. This design allows it to absorb the heat produced by the CPU and then dissipate it into the surrounding air, thereby maintaining optimal operating temperatures.

The effectiveness of a heat sink is crucial for ensuring the stability and longevity of the CPU, allowing it to perform efficiently without overheating. By keeping the CPU temperature within safe limits, heat sinks help prevent performance degradation and extend the lifespan of the processor itself.