Definition
Heatsinks are passive cooling components that transfer heat away from ASIC chips via thermal conduction. They dramatically increase the surface area available for heat dissipation. In full-size miners, heatsinks are typically aluminum extrusions that sit atop the ASIC chips on the hashboard, with thermal paste or pads providing the thermal interface.
On open-source miners like the Bitaxe, aftermarket heatsinks can significantly improve performance by allowing higher clock speeds without thermal throttling. D-Central manufactures specialized heatsinks for Bitaxe and Bitaxe Hex models.
In Simple Terms
A metal component that absorbs and dissipates heat from mining chips, critical for performance.
A metal component (usually aluminum) attached to ASIC chips to absorb and dissipate heat. Proper heatsink contact is critical for chip performance and longevity.