<hardware> /heet sink/ (from "sink", electronics jargon for
something which takes in current) A piece of thermally
conductive metal attached to a semiconductor or other
electronic device and designed to prevent it from overheating
by conducting heat away from it and radiating it to the
environment. Heat sinks often have fins to increase their
surface area. They occasionally have fans attached. Heat
sink compound can be smeared between the device and the heat
sink to improve thermal conduction.
(1997-06-10)
Nearby terms:
heap « heartbeat « heatseeker « heat sink » heat slug » heavy metal » heavyweight
