Should i lap my CPU?

Vigoro · 14 Dec 2008 at 17:06

MY Q6600 is currently idling 51,51,44,40 and i am wondering if the temps are unstable because of the COU not being perfectly flat. Would lapping that and my cooler make a difference with the temperatures

SinaiSound · 14 Dec 2008 at 18:12

What cooler are you using?

Temperature gains could be as much as 10degrees, but as little as 2.

My QX9650 is lapped and the temperature differential between the two sets of cores is about 8 degrees

Vigoro · 14 Dec 2008 at 19:05

using a OCZ Vanquisher cooler at the minute

Conan257 · 14 Dec 2008 at 20:13

I always lap cpu's... Its a very easy process and gives practically free performance increase.

Make sure you do it on a piece of glass or something else flat, or you'll just increase the problem.

GhostlyPea · 14 Dec 2008 at 20:22

That sounds like an incorrect mounting rather than a lapping issue. Try re-seating the cooler first and if it is a 3rd party cooler like the TRUE, google the "2p mod", that might help. Give it a go first.

- Pea0n

setter · 14 Dec 2008 at 20:39

I recently lapped my q6600 and TRUE combo, dropped my load temps from 80-80-71-71 to 68-68-62-62, still a bit of a variation between the 2 sets of cores but certainly a lot lower.

Firegod · 14 Dec 2008 at 20:40

I lapped my Q6600 as well. I saw dramatic temperature drops as well over all cores. ~5-8ºC. Well worth it!

Vigoro · 14 Dec 2008 at 20:45

well when i get my new cooler i will see about lapping the processor before i put the cooler on, will lap the cooler aswell ^^

Yamahahahahaha · 14 Dec 2008 at 21:37

Scythe Mugen Infinity with SCCSI-775 bolt mounting kit, 1 x 120mm Scythe S-Flex (Comes with Infinity), I'm getting 58,55,52,52 under full load @ stock.

Lapping is a good idea but it does totally knacker your warranty

Big.Wayne · 14 Dec 2008 at 22:01

Vigoro said:
MY Q6600 is currently idling 51,51,44,40

Pea0n said:
That sounds like an incorrect mounting rather than a lapping issue. Try re-seating the cooler first

That does sound like the heatink isn't sitting flush? lol 11°c Difference in core temps is ridiculous!

Having said that I have seen a little uneven temps before when idle but all the cores line up when under full prime load so what are your load temps Vigoro?

Vigoro · 14 Dec 2008 at 22:11

got 86,86,79,77 on load bit closer o:

Big.Wayne · 14 Dec 2008 at 22:18

I reckon your OCZ Vanquisher isn't fitted properly?

Those temps are plain too high, could be a combination of ill-fitted HSF, very hot case and a cronky IHS.

I would remove the cooler and inspect the paste, you should be able to tell how is the fit from that.

Vigoro · 14 Dec 2008 at 22:19

it is a £10 cpu cooler trying to cool a Q6600 at 3.8ghz, that is why it is hot

and this isnt the first cpu cooler to show odd temps. will try with the new one if the same will lap both.

setter · 14 Dec 2008 at 22:20

Vigoro said:
got 86,86,79,77 on load bit closer o:

Those are a bit on the toasty side, id first check the mounting of your cooler, replace the thermal paste and see if this helps. Id only consider lapping as a last option due to it invalidating your warranty. My own quad @3.8ghz was reaching 80,c on 2 cores, 71'c on the other 2. Lapping both the cpu and my TRUE knocked 11-12'c of all cores.

NeilCardiff · 17 Dec 2008 at 17:49

I have a new build arriving tomorrow,
I'm definitely going to lap the TRUE Black, but I'll see if the Q9550 works properly before I even consider voiding the warranty.

The Halk · 17 Dec 2008 at 18:43

How are you guys holding the CPU when you're sanding it? Never lapped an IHS before, I've always just cut the whole thing off.

Big.Wayne · 17 Dec 2008 at 20:36

I put the chip into it's little black tray, the one that used to come as standard with all Core 2 chips but now only seems to be included with higher end versions. It just clips on and stops obvious palm contact with the LGA775 spots.

I also use a light tack masking tape to kinda seal the chip into the little black tray, this adds yet another layer of protection and keeps extra loose IHS shavings away from the chip itself, not thats a big thing or anything but saves a little tidying up afterwards.