Which cooling method typically uses a metal block to absorb heat?

The method that typically uses a metal block to absorb heat is liquid cooling. In liquid cooling systems, a metal block known as a heat sink is often employed as part of the cooling solution. This metal block is designed to have high thermal conductivity, allowing it to effectively absorb heat from the component it is in contact with, such as a CPU or GPU. Once the heat is absorbed, the liquid coolant circulates through channels in or around the metal block, carrying the heat away and dissipating it through a radiator or other means, thus maintaining optimal operating temperatures for the components.

In contrast, air cooling relies on fans and air movement to dissipate heat, making it less efficient than liquid cooling in high-performance applications. Water cooling utilizes water as a coolant but is not specific to using a metal block; the water may flow through tubes and radiators without the presence of a dedicated metal cooling block. Passive cooling involves using heat sinks and thermal conduction without the aid of fans or pumps to facilitate airflow or coolant movement, which doesn't utilize liquid cooling principles.