Which way are heat sinks supposed to be mounted? With the fins around the component, or facing outside?
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\$\begingroup\$ In your picture it would (potentially) be bad to mount the other way round because heat would be nearer to the capacitor. \$\endgroup\$– DavidCommented May 9, 2015 at 11:42
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\$\begingroup\$ All the answers are fine as solutions. The one to choose depends on the amount of cooling and the enviroment it is used in. If you really want to be sure measure the temp of the heatsink and look at the datasheets of the device and then try other different mounting methods. select the one that runs coolest and fits your needs. \$\endgroup\$– SpoonCommented May 9, 2015 at 12:53
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3 Answers
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For a non-forced-air cooling regime, the fins are best positioned so that they are vertical. The air can then naturally rise and these convection currents flow along the fins and provide better cooling.
As for inside the heatsink or outside the heatsink, personally I don't think it matters.
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Whichever way round provides better airflow. inwards, outwards, upside-down, other side of a (metal) bulkhead. If it's smooth on both sides of the mounting hole it's meant to be used both ways.
Don't forget the insulators (if needed) and the thermal goo.
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As paul said: both ways, whatever is more favourable because of thermal or mechanical reasons.
I just want to add:
Note the long hole in the heat sink. It is there for mounting the regulator as shown in in your 2nd picture but rotated 180° around the axis of the screw.
Then the pins can be bent 90° backwards going through the heat sink.
That way the heat sink can be fixed at the PCB with the same screw that fixes the regulator to the heat sink and the pins can be soldered through-hole to the PCB (see picture below).
