The present paper summarizes the review of numerical and experimental works done by researchers to study various types of fin configurations under natural convection conditions to increase heat transfer with different fin surface roughness. Compared to plane fin, the fin with varying surface roughness influence heat transfer in varying degrees. Fins with perforations of rectangular, circular, triangular shape etc. and fins with extensions or protrusions of various shapes have been studied. Such perforations / protrusions induce flow discontinuity over fins and hence help to alter flow quantities near the wall. Thus generated instability in boundary layer increase heat transfer from fins. In some studies, it was found that roughness height plays an important role and is a decisive factor in increasing or decreasing heat transfer from such surfaces. In other studies, roughness patterns considerably enhance heat transfer from 10 to 40 % compared to plane fin. As a future scope, fins with various knurling patterns and slit openings of various sizes and shapes seem promising in assessing heat transfer increase. © 2018 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved.