Fanless cooling uses passive techniques to prevent the computer components from overheating. A range of technologies can be used for passive cooling, such as heat sinks and heat pipes. However, while there are several advantages to using these methods, some disadvantages are worth noting.
Advantages of Fanless cooling
The main advantage of fanless cooling is noise reduction. Many people will switch to a semi-fanless or fanless system instead because the noise from a constantly running fan can get quite annoying. The noise from a fan worsens when the work demand for the computer increases. With the increased output, computers need more energy, which means more heat is generated. To counteract this heat, the speed of the fans will increase. Fanless cooling is quieter in comparison to fan cooling because there is less sound.
Besides noise reduction, there is also a reduction in the weight and size of the electronic device. When fans are included in the design, they can make the device bulkier or bigger than what it should ideally be. Some methods of fanless cooling, such as Vapor Chambers, are extremely thin and do not require much room. This means that the device is more compact and there is some extra space if needed.
Another advantage is that fanless technology eliminates mechanical failure as there are no moving parts. Like any machine, moving parts degrade over time and eventually become faulty. Since computers are reliant on fans to prevent overheating, it would be detrimental to the computer if the fan were to stop working. With fanless cooling, there is no need to worry about mechanical failure and regular maintenance for a fan is not required.
Lastly, fans cool a computer by generating airflow. However, this movement of air is not ideal in all locations. For example, workplaces that need to be kept sterile, such as operating rooms or laboratories, need to minimize the airflow significantly. Otherwise, unwanted microbes and debris could circulate in the room. Again, fanless technology is advantageous because it does not generate an airflow.
Disadvantages of Fanless cooling
The main disadvantage is that fanless cooling is less effective than fan cooling. In addition, once the passive cooling methods are exhausted, the components could overheat if there is no fan for backup. Because of this, fanless cooling is not ideal in hot locations because the risk of the computer overheating is too high.
Another disadvantage is that many people think the computer will be completely silent once they switch to fanless cooling. But despite eliminating the fan, there will always be some underlying electrical sound that can be heard. Unfortunately, this sound is unavoidable.
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