Which type of cooling uses fans to reduce heat from devices?

Active cooling refers to methods that use powered components, like fans, to actively move air across heat-generating components, thus dissipating heat more efficiently. This method helps to maintain optimal operating temperatures in devices such as computers and servers, where high-performance components may generate significant amounts of heat. By using fans, active cooling systems can quickly circulate air, preventing overheating and enabling better performance during heavy tasks.

In contrast, liquid cooling relies on the properties of liquids to absorb and dissipate heat without fans, while passive cooling utilizes materials that naturally disperse heat without any mechanical assistance. Radiative cooling involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic radiation, like infrared, not requiring any air movement or powered devices. Each of these alternatives has its use cases, but active cooling with fans is particularly effective in situations where heat build-up could compromise the performance or lifespan of electronic devices.