what is the difference between all-copper and aluminum-copper coolers?

[frosti]

i guess this is a dumb noob question, but i must know! :D

i was checking out some Zalman cpu coolers and i noticed that the same model always comes in two different versions, one pure copper and one aluminum-copper.

what's the difference? does one cool better the the other?

[DR_K13]

Copper cools better, But is heavy.

[templarknightx]

Aluminum is cheaper too

[ryuji]

all copper cools slightly better, but in some situations a copper/aluminum hybrid is better then all copper, copper sucks up the heat better then aluminum, but aluminum gets rid of heat better then copper cam

[Lord of Shadows]

aluminum gets rid of heat better then copper cam
http://www.procooling.com/articles/html/5_myths_about_cooling__-_phaes.php - myth #2

[Nugget]

If you're looking at the Zalman HSFs, all you really need to know is that the all-copper models will perform marginally better, cost slightly more, and weigh a ton more. If you can swing the extra five or ten bucks, get the copper version; if you frequent LAN parties (and you're clumsy ;) ) an Al-Cu version might be better.

-Nuggs-

[(cf)Eclipse]

all copper cools slightly better, but in some situations a copper/aluminum hybrid is better then all copper, copper sucks up the heat better then aluminum, but aluminum gets rid of heat better then copper cam
that's kinda a common misconception, heat transfer to the air is very dependant on surface geometry, not material. if aluminum does transfer heat to the air faster, the difference is negligable. ;)

edit: snap, i was beat

[im apirate]

Copper conducts the heat better, making it a better choice if you want cool, but it comes at a catch, its heavier. The copper-alumnium versions of copper heatsinks are generally cheaper in price, weight, but not the best performace. If it were me buying which ever heatsink you wish to buy, I would go with the Copper one. But if you are on a strict budget, you're better off with the Copper-aluminum heatsink.

Note: Copper prices are rising, my dad is in the plumbimg business, and gets more money for scrap copper, than anything else.

[frosti]

thanks people,

i see the weight difference between the copper and aluminum-copper versions is about 300g.

btw, how do i read thermal resistance? does a lower number indicates the material is better at absorbing and dissipating heat?

[Lite_User]

btw, how do i read thermal resistance? does a lower number indicates the material is better at absorbing and dissipating heat?

that is correct.The lower the resistance the better it conducts heat.
The difference between copper and aluminium is, that with copper the heat taken away by
the air, is 'refilled' faster than with aluminium.And so doesn't build-up at the core.

The best way is to increase the dissipation-surface as big as possible.
That why the heatsinks are getting so big lately. :D


Grtz

[Mtnduey]

the Alpha coolers work pretty good, cheap, sorta-lightweight, attach to the mobo safe & securely