what is lapping??

Basically you file down the surface of the CPU or Cooling Implement (in this instance, which i assume is what you're inquiring to) to make it smoother, allowing heat to transfer more easily.
 
Its usually better to lap the cooler rather than the CPU as its cheaper to replace but you get better performance from lapping the processor, also if both are lapped to about 2000 grit then you do not need thermal paste as they should give good thermal conduction.

Sam
 
rixarena said:
Its usually better to lap the cooler rather than the CPU as its cheaper to replace but you get better performance from lapping the processor, also if both are lapped to about 2000 grit then you do not need thermal paste as they should give good thermal conduction.

Sam
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no thermal paste :eek:

have you tried a cpu - sink with no paste (no matter how flat it is)
 
When I was running my lapped TRUE & Q6600 both at 2500 grit.. I had enough paste on to dull the surfaces of the CPU and Heatsink was all it required... so put on as normal and then removed as much as I could..

As below.. picture doesn't do it justice nor does the oxidisation on the copper in the middle

DSCF3710.jpg
 
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both my cpu and heatsink are lapped...go here for a great guide...its in 2 parts...lapping both enabled me to get my temps even lower by 6 degrees!
 
you do need very very very little paste on a CPU if using a lapped heatsink. I made the mistake of putting normal amount on (ie rice grain size) and my temps did drop, but I then put even less on and I got the full 10c drop I was looking for. Its worth the effort if you can be bothered.
 
I found that with my lapped q6600 and TRUE black, less paste than a rice grain and spreading it out over the surface of the cpu with a credit card worked well.

TRUE black lapped to 2000 grit.
Photo-0050.jpg


Absolute nightmare breaking through the nickel plating that was on the base, but once through it was a lot easier.
 
Could lapping both screw up the mounting tension? I need to lap my cooler but it already seems not to put enough pressure down on the CPU.
 
Pneumonic said:
local hardware store and buy some washers to go under the mounting bracket will give you much better tension..
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Ahh, the old washer trick, great idea that one. Thankfully Thermalright have changed the bracket design now, much more secure than the x clamp.

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Also makes removal of the cooler for cleaning a lot easier as only two screws have to be removed leaving the entire backplate assembly in place.
 
Never seen anyone on the boards here who has lapped one, but id definitely be interested in seeing the results if someone was willing to try it.
 
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