Which component typically needs a heat sink?

The CPU, or central processing unit, is a critical component of a computer system that performs the majority of processing tasks. During operation, the CPU generates a significant amount of heat due to the high frequency and intensity of computations it performs. To manage this heat and prevent the CPU from overheating, a heat sink is used. A heat sink is a passive cooling device made of metal (usually aluminum or copper) that absorbs heat from the CPU and dissipates it into the surrounding air, thereby maintaining optimal operating temperatures.

This temperature regulation is crucial for the stability and longevity of the CPU, as overheating can lead to thermal throttling, system instability, or even permanent damage to the chip. While other components such as the hard drive, power supply, and optical drive may generate some heat, they do not require heat sinks in the same way that CPUs do, as they operate at much lower temperatures and are not as thermally demanding.