This paper compares different studies to show how various fin shapes affect the thermal performance of heatsinks in both free and forced convection heat transfer modes, which are vital for heat dissipation in electronic and industrial systems. Numerical analysis was conducted to assess the cooling efficiency of various aluminum fin designs, including cylindrical, flat, trapezoidal, pin, annulus, elliptical, and tapered types. Some studies also explore the use of advanced materials, such as hybrid and quaternary nanomaterials, to improve thermal conductivity and reduce weight. Results show that elliptical fins with a side ratio between 2 and 2.65 offer the best heat transfer performance (exceeding 90%) under forced convection. Conversely, flat and cylindrical fins are most effective in natural convection. Importantly, the best fin shape and nanomaterial
integration not only significantly enhances heat sink performance by decreasing thermal resistance compared to conventional designs but also promotes energy savings. These findings offer new insights into designing thermally efficient, compact, high-performance heat sinks, surpassing existing research and emphasizing the benefits of innovative shapes and materials for advanced cooling solutions.