TLDR: Air cooling is the most common method of dissipating heat in computing systems, using fans and heatsinks to transfer heat away from hardware components like CPUs and GPUs. It relies on thermal conductivity to move heat from the component to the heatsink and convection to expel it into the surrounding air. Air cooling is a cost-effective and reliable solution suitable for a wide range of devices, from laptops to desktops.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_cooling
A typical air cooling system consists of a heatsink made of thermally conductive materials like aluminum or copper, attached directly to the component using thermal paste for optimal heat transfer. Fans mounted on or near the heatsink enhance heat dissipation by maintaining airflow. High-performance air coolers feature larger heatsinks, multiple heat pipes, and high-static pressure fans to handle the thermal demands of modern high-performance CPUs and GPUs.
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/details/thermal-solutions.html
While air cooling is sufficient for most consumer-grade systems, its efficiency is limited by ambient temperature and airflow patterns. Advanced setups, such as those in gaming PCs or workstations, may require optimized case designs with multiple fans to maintain consistent cooling. Despite its limitations, air cooling remains a popular choice due to its affordability, ease of installation, and low maintenance compared to liquid or advanced cooling methods.