Three-dimensional models of porous-microchannel heat sinks (porous-MCHSs) with different configuration designs, such as rectangular, outlet enlargement, trapezoidal, thin rectangular, block, and sandwich distributions, are verified in this work. Hydraulic and thermal performances of the porous-MCHSs with various configuration designs are investigated from the pumping power, heat transfer coefficient, and temperature control effectiveness, results with Reynolds number ranging from 45 to 1350. The results reveal that the thermal performances can be improved using the porous configuration designs and can increase with a large Reynolds number. Both the sandwich and the trapezoidal distribution designs have the best heat transfer efficiency, cooling performance, and convective performance. In particular, the thermal performance of the rectangular, outlet enlargement, thin rectangular, or block distribution designs are not necessarily better than the nonporous medium for lower pumping power. In addition, adding a porous medium to the channel leads to a significant increase in the pressure drop. Among the six porous configuration designs, the lowest pressure drop was observed for a sandwich distribution design. Hence, the sandwich distribution design is the best porous-MCHS design when considering the thermal performance along with the pressure drop. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.