Why Mobile Phones and Tablets Don’t Need CPU Cooling Fans

Ever wondered why desktops and laptops need cooling fans / liquid cooing whereas mobile phones and tablets work without them? All of these devices have processors, computing power, and display functions, so why is that some devices need cooling fans whereas others don’t. Well, there are many reasons why smartphones and tablets don’t require CPU cooling fans. Here’s what you need to know.

ARM architecture: The processors used in mobile phones and tablets are based on ARM architecture, which consumes less power and offers better heat dissipation. The ARM architecture requires fewer transistors, which naturally reduces power consumption. It has less processing power, as compared to the processors used in PCs and laptops. When power consumption is reduced, it produces significantly less heat. The ARM architecture was developed by British company ARM Holdings and it provides license to processor manufacturers to use the ARM architecture. ARM architecture processors are widely used in mobile phones, tablets, embedded systems, etc.

Compact design: The compact design of smartphones and tablets allows for heat to be dissipated at a fast rate. The entire device, especially the back cover, acts as a heat sink, allowing the processor to cool rapidly without a CPU cooling fan. You can notice the heat dissipating from the back cover when you are playing games or talking on your phone for longer durations. Another thing is that smartphones and tablets have smaller screens, which requires less processing power. This also reduces heat generation.

Processing limits: Processors used in mobile phones and tablets are governed by specificlimits, which reduce heat generation. When the processor reaches its maximum defined processing speed, the inbuilt controls do not allow it to go beyond its limit. This controls heat generation, even though it can affect device performance. The reduced performance is evident when the device starts to lag or hangs completely.

Software controls: The operating system used in smartphones and tablets are designed to limit the number of processes that run in the background. This reduces the load on the processor, which in turn reduces heat generation. The power supplied by the battery also has an upper limit, which reduces heat generation.

Heat resistant hardware: The various components used in smartphones and tablets are designed to withstand a certain level of heat. So, even when the device heats up a bit, it will not cause any damage to the electronic components. When the device reaches its maximum thermal limit, it would automatically shut off. This does not happen very often for everyday users, but the mechanism exists and works when the device reaches its maximum thermal capacity.