Adding Heat Sinks to a Raspberry Pi
Temperature, temperature temperature - it's been a bit of a theme for me over the last couple of weeks - it must be something to do with the incoming summer weather. A few days ago I finished my temperature monitor display board to allow me to keep an eye on the Pi's temperature at a glance, and today I'm fitting some fancy heat sinks from AlienSpec.
AlienSpec offer a smart option for those wishing to trick out their Pi with some heat sinks, giving you 3 matching units to cover different components of the Pi that can generate heat.
All 3 heatsinks fitted...
The Heatsink Debate
Before I start, I must declare that I'm 'pro' heat sinks. I think they add value, but that 'value' is a specific thing for different people.
See the thing is, there are some old school technology types out there that question the use of heat sinks on the Pi due to the reasonably cool and calm nature of the board and its components. Other groups, such as PC gamers and overclocking enthusiasts, can see no reason not to add heat sinks as the general rule of 'cold is gold' is assumed.
To cool or not too cool? Opinions vary...
Then, there are the the people like me, taking all those views in and turning it all into any reason possible to buy another part for my Raspberry Pi.
From my days with Windows adding bigger and better heat sinks, more and more fans and constantly monitoring components, I have a slight OCD streak in me around temperature that I just can't shrug off. Then there’s the aesthetic side as well - a bit of solid machined metal is just one of those things I struggle to resist.
I like to think that heat sinks are worthwhile for any heat-generating component, and that if all else fails - they just simply look cool. I imagine a lot of people buy them just for the look - but if that makes you happy and doesn't damage your Pi - why not? Go for it, enjoy it, and carry on learning.
The Heat Sinks
With that debate out of the way (until the comments section at least), let’s take a look at the heat sinks I got from AlienSpec on eBay:
A little guide was a nice touch...
Yes you’re right - there are 3 heat sinks there...
Unlike some of the other offerings that only cover the SoC, AlienSpec want you to stay cool - cooler than Will Smith in the freezer. To do this, they also include a matching heat sink for the regulator and the LAN chip. This improves the look of the board whilst helping to keep other parts cool at the same time - win win.
Fitting
Fitting is simple and just requires a bit of thermal tape cutting. If you used to follow Blue Peter and Art Attack as a child, you won’t have any problems with this - although I was a bit of a plonker and nearly used the LAN heat sink on my Model A (the Model A has no LAN chip!).
The two smaller heat sinks require you to cut the provided thermal tape to size, then apply and stick on the Pi. This is as simple as using the heat sink as a template and tracing around it with a knife.
Just cut around like a template, and apply to the board
The largest SoC heat sink comes with its own thermal tape pre-applied, so you just need to peel it back and push on to the Pi:
Even easier - thermal tape is pre-applied
Manly Pi
Once you've finished, step back and admire your new upgraded Pi. I'm not sure what this feeling is, but everything feels extra-cool now - I have a somewhat 'manly' Raspberry Pi. The little green board has acquired street cred to rival even the most established rap artists from around the globe...kind of…
Whoops...LAN heat sink on a Model A? Plonker!
Continue reading here: How To Design a Printed Circuit Board with Design Spark PCB
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