When it comes to heat sinks, aluminum and copper are the most commonly used manufacturing materials in the process. Although the extruded aluminum heatsink is probably the most commonly used, there are features that copper provides that you should be aware of.
Choosing an aluminum heatsink or a copper heatsink is the most common doubt regarding this part, and the truth is that there are different categories that highlight certain advantages and disadvantages one over the other.
Before making the decision, it is important to first ask yourself what is the budget available for it, what are the needs, the thermal levels you want to dissipate, among other factors.
Some will say that both a copper and an aluminum heat sink will work well, however, to get a clearer idea of what is really needed, it is relevant to make a comparison between the two materials.
Weight
When it comes to weight, the extruded aluminum heatsink outperforms the copper heatsink, as its weight is quite low and is a feature in favor of the user, as it is much easier to handle.
The aluminum heatsink is not as dense as the copper heatsink, so if you need one of these to build a laptop, for example, it is ideal for not adding so much weight and is much easier to carry around.
Price
For those on a budget, aluminum heat sinks are the best option. Materials such as copper tend to be much more expensive, in fact, their price is constantly rising.
The cost of aluminum heat sinks may even be a third below the price of copper, which is very easy to notice when searching online stores or consulting manufacturers’ catalogs.
Although it is more economical to purchase an aluminum one, it is always advisable to seek the advice of a specialist on the subject, depending on what type of appliance you are going to install in order to choose the one you really need, beyond the price.
Thermal conductivity
In terms of heat conductivity, the extruded aluminum heatsink loses the battle compared to those made of copper. Copper heatsinks are estimated to have 40% higher thermal conductivity than those made of aluminum.
This does not exactly mean that the copper ones are more efficient, however, they have a point in their favor as heat conductors, but it will be necessary to compare it with respect to the other characteristics according to the needs of the electronic equipment.
Availability
In view of the fact that aluminum heatsinks are lighter and cheaper, it is much easier to find these online or at manufacturing companies. Those looking for a heatsink for their PC or laptop, for example, will undoubtedly find many more choices and models of aluminum heat sinks online.
In addition to the fact that extruded aluminum heat sinks are more popular than copper heatsinks, not only are they more likely to be found in stores, but also in different models, designs and colors, so there are more options to choose from.
