Final answer:
The component with metal fins used to dissipate heat is the heat sink, distinct from other options like a fan, water pump, or thermal paste.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cooling component distinguished by its metal fins that protrude to increase surface area is the heat sink. A heat sink is used to absorb and dissipate heat from components like a computer's CPU, effectively managing the temperature and preventing overheating. The expanded surface area provided by its fins enhances the heat sink's ability to transfer heat to the air surrounding it, which is then more efficiently carried away, especially with the assistance of a fan (although fan is not the answer in this case).
Water, with its high specific heat, also serves as an effective coolant. Whether it's used in natural processes like sweating to cool down the human body or in engineered systems such as computer cooling mechanisms, water's ability to absorb heat without a significant rise in temperature is crucial. However, in the context of computer cooling components, we specifically refer to the physical piece of hardware with metal fins, which is a heat sink, not water.