Why the heat sink?

[Mongo1]

I've been wondering why there is a big heat sink on the back of so many Mark models when there is nothing behind it?
Is it just there to radiate any chassis heat picked up by the power tubes?
Maybe serve as a guard for the rear knobs, etc. on the back of the amp?

Just curious...

 

[Mongo1]

:?: :?: :?:

Am I just asking the obvious?

Usually to be effective, heat sinks need to make good contact with the heat source. The very reason CPU paste is so critical. It struck me as odd that there is really nothing behind it. If it is radiating, it can't be doing much...

 

[Boogiebabies]

With the fan on it's overkill. Without a fan it does a somewhat effective job. Since old Boogie's are all basically
combo type chassis, it does enough to wick the heat off the power amp. I think they did it just to be badasses.
OOOOHHHH, a heat sink. AAAAHHHHHH !!!!!

 

[igfraso]

Hahaha, Boogiebabies!! That is a very valid reason. Marks look cool with it.

Now, following your analysis... could it also be that heat sinks started with Mark Is for a valid reason? If I am not wrong, the Mark I didn't sport a cooling fan because Mesa considered it wasn't generating enough heat to justify a fan.
If that is true, then with Mark II and beyond, they did it just to be badasses. 8)

 

[Heritage Softail]

It may be like the side air scoop on a V-Max motorcycle. It is there for looks, and the bike does look badass...

 

[MrMarkIII]

Whatever, unplug the fan and see just how warm that sucker gets.