The Raspberry Pi 4 needs a fan (jeffgeerling.com)

Article summary

The Raspberry Pi 4 generates significant heat, leading to CPU throttling and reduced performance, especially when used in an enclosed case. Adding a fan to the official case can help keep the temperature under control. The author modified their case to include a fan, which kept the CPU temperature at or under 60°C during stress testing. This solution can help prevent throttling and ensure optimal performance.

Main themes

• Raspberry Pi 4 overheating
• CPU throttling
• Case modification
• Fan installation
• Heat management
• Performance optimization

What commenters say

• A heatsink alone may not be sufficient to prevent overheating, and a fan is necessary for optimal cooling.
• Some users have found success with using a heatsink and a desk fan to provide airflow, but this may not be enough for more demanding applications.
• Passive cooling methods, such as using a large heatsink or a case with heatpipes, may not be effective for the Raspberry Pi 4 due to its compact size and high heat generation.
• A fan shim can be a convenient and effective solution for cooling the Raspberry Pi, but it may not be compatible with all cases or heatsinks.
• The ideal solution would be to design a case that acts as a heatsink, using a material like aluminum to dissipate heat efficiently.
• Some users disagree, citing concerns about the noise and power consumption of fans, and suggesting alternative cooling methods.
• The effectiveness of a cooling solution depends on various factors, including the specific use case, ambient temperature, and airflow.
• A custom-designed fan with RPM feedback could provide more precise control over cooling and potentially improve performance.