What characterizes passive cooling in computer systems?

Passive cooling in computer systems is characterized by the absence of moving parts and does not require any additional power to operate. This method relies on the natural processes of heat dissipation through conduction, convection, and radiation. For example, passive cooling often employs heat sinks made of materials with high thermal conductivity that can absorb and dissipate heat generated by components like CPUs or GPUs.

By eliminating fans and other mechanical components, passive cooling systems are generally quieter and more reliable due to having fewer points of potential failure. They can be particularly effective in low-power devices or environments where heat generation is minimal. The effectiveness of passive cooling can depend on the ambient temperature and the physical design of the system's enclosure.

The other options indicate features typical of active cooling systems, which utilize fans or other mechanisms to actively remove heat and often require electrical power to operate, thus differentiating themselves from the principles underlying passive cooling solutions.