Heatsinks

Heat sinks are passive cooling components that prevent electronic devices from overheating. They are especially important in protecting heat-sensitive components and devices such as CPUs, GPUs, voltage regulators, LED lighting, and power transistors. Components that are exposed to excessive heat may suffer irreversible damage, potentially leading to system failure. Heat sinks are designed to absorb and conduct heat away from these components; as the heat is absorbed, the heat sink’s finned surface increases the area exposed to air, allowing heat to dissipate efficiently via convection to maintain safe operating temperatures.

RS offers a comprehensive range of heat sinks from leading brands including Malico, Fischer Elektronik, and RS PRO. Many of these products are part of our Better World range, helping you make more sustainable choices without compromising on performance. With Next Day Delivery available, you can get the components you need fast.

Types of Heat Sinks

• Extruded Heat Sinks – The most common form of heatsink, created by extruding the heatsink material to create fin shapes; these fins can be straight or flared.
• Stamped Fin Heat Sinks – These are finned heatsinks created using an inexpensive die stamping process, commonly using aluminium or copper.
• Bonded Fin Heat Sinks – Individual fins are bonded to a base material; these allow for customisation in the fin spacing.
• Pin Heat Sinks – These feature square or round pin shapes instead of fins, often used in densely packed electronics.
• Active Heat Sinks – A combination of a passive heatsink and a fan, most commonly an axial fan; these are common in CPUs, GPUs, and other high-performance electronics.

Each of these types has a range of mounting options, including adhesive stick-on varieties, screw-mount, clip-on, push-pin, and PCB mount (surface and through-hole). When mounting, you may also require the use of Thermal Paste (also called thermal grease) or Thermal Pads to improve heat transfer between the component and the heat sink. To learn more about heat sinks and their uses, take a look at our helpful Guide to Heat Sinks.

Heat Sink Materials

• Copper Heat Sinks – Copper is an excellent thermal conductor, helping to draw heat away from the device that you are trying to cool.
• Aluminium Heat Sinks – Although aluminium doesn’t conduct heat as well as copper, it is less expensive and lighter than copper.
• Ceramic Heat Sinks – Ceramic heat sinks provide moderate thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, making them ideal for high-voltage or electrically sensitive applications.
• Plastic Heat Sinks – Lightweight and cost-effective, often used in lightweight electronics.