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Lapping CPU's or heat sink's
has been done for years around the world for all kinds
of applications. Lapping allows a smoother surface and
therefore conducts/transfers heat much more efficiently.
You can find instructions
all over the internet on lapping. However, the information
differs from site to site. This is the method I chose
to use. I started with a Volcano 9 "cool-mod" I purchased
online for 17 bucks. It's an effective HFS, however
we are going to make it about 2-5c more effective. (Results
may vary-check your local TV listing). The same process
can be performed on an aluminum sink. However, it will
take about twice as long to get a mirror finish.
All parts we will need:
-Copper heat sink
-Sand paper - 600 grit, 800 grit, 2000 grit ($11.00
total)
-Water (free)
-Dish soap (laying around)
-Arctic
Silver V, or YOUR choice of thermal compound
Now to dive in, here are
the parts lined up.
Finding the smoothest surface
possible, some people use a mirror- or glass. I used
the kitchen counter. I started with the coarse sand
paper. Laying down some 600 grit, then put a few drops
of soap on it. Add some water and start moving the sink
in a circular motion.
Not applying too much pressure,
the sink will start to glide over the paper after a
few minutes. Changing directions ever so often. Once
the base looks smother, move onto the 800 grit paper.
Same rules apply here. Try to keep even pressure on
the sink. Again, once it seems to be even smoother,
move to 1000+ grit. I moved right to 2000 grit. Once
you get to this point, use less pressure. Using the
fine sand paper, it takes longer and hardly any pressure
what so ever.
Once it seems very smooth,
it’s really done. However without the debate of this
surface and a mirror surface, I just wanted to get the
“best” and went for the mirror effect. At this point,
flip the sink upside down- get a piece of 2000 grit-
wet it, and move over the copper with two fingers. Again
don’t use any pressure. I found myself going back and
forth from mostly mirror finish to just a smooth surface..
until I found this technique.
As you can tell by the pictures,
the effect will be great.
Before:
After:
I have seen 1C to 5C differences
with lapping, once the Arctic Silver runs its “3 day
cure”.
If your in need of a sink/fan
combo, I am highly recommending the Silent
Boost. --> 
Full copper base and quite. For $25.00, it can't be
beat (without the fan -picture-
it looks just like the SLK series).
AMD XP up to 3400+.
*Update*
Ok, I just received my Silent
Boost and did a test run. This is extremely quite and
now I just hear my video card fan. My temps are around
the same as they where with the Volcano 9, however now
I don't hear the HFS (37c
idle, 41c load with AMD
2500 @ 3200 speeds, ASV). Here is a
picture
of before/after with the Silent Boost.
Related Links:
Chipset
Mod
Burke~
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