Square Base Heat Sink: Physics Test Q&A

[zabachi]

In my physics test, a question was asked why the heat sink has a square base. Anyone can answer this? i searched the internet but could not find much. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

 

[Da Apprentice]

I'm no expert but: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_sink#Fin_arrangements, that might help.

 

[zabachi]

thanks for the reply but i wanted to know about the base, not the fins. But thanks anyway! :)

 

[Da Apprentice]

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-fanless-heatsink.htm, - 3rd paragraph.
"A heatsink has a square base designed to fit over the chip face." - From that I'm assuming it's a matter of compatibility with the chip.

 

[zabachi]

lol But it came from a physics test, so i presume the reasoning should be related to physics but maybe you are right. Thanks anyway! :)

 

[256bits]

Probably because the heat sink is extruded aluminium, and square sections are just cut off from the length. If you wanted a round flat face then extra cost with machining would be involved.