CPU cooler
Also: heatsink, AIO cooler
A part that removes heat from the main chip. It may use a fan, a metal block, or a liquid loop.
The fuller definition
A CPU cooler draws heat away from the processor using a metal heatsink and fan, or a liquid loop. Without adequate cooling the processor slows itself down to stay safe.
- Processor
Makes heat
- Paste
Transfers it
- Cooler
Removes it
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
A tower cooler is fitted on top of the processor with thermal paste between them.
The distinction that matters
Coolers keep speed steady; they do not raise it above the processor's design.
Related terms
Thermal paste
A thin grey paste between the processor and its cooler that helps heat move across.
Hardware & hostingCase and airflow
The box that holds the parts. Its fans move air through it so the parts stay cool.
Hardware & hostingCPU — Central processing unit
The main brain of a computer. It can run AI models, but slowly.
Where it is taught
Understand the hardware a local model needsSource and further reading
Hugging Face · Model inference and quantizationThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.