What is a Computer Fan?

Computer fans are found inside the computer case and help prevent the various computer parts inside from overheating. Without them, components of your computer can malfunction, become damaged, or even crash. A computer fan can do one of three things. First, it can draw cooler air from the outside and into the computer case; that is, it can pull in the air. Second, it can get rid of the warm air inside the computer; that is, push out the air. Lastly, it can move the air across a heat sink to cool another computer part, such as the central processing unit (CPU). A heat sink is a component that absorbs and dissipates heat. In this set-up, you can think of the computer fan and the heat sink as a tandem that works together. A computer fan commonly comes in a square frame, although round ones are also available. The usual sizes are 60, 80, 92, and 120 millimeters (about 2.36, 3.15, 3.60, 4.70 inches). The size, of course, depends on where the fan will be placed. The computer case or computer ... more