I want to lap the surfaces of an OEM passive CPU heatsink and possibly the CPU itself; what materials?
What materials are used for such a project? I understand the idea that regardless of quality manufacture, an OEM CPU heat-sink (in this case on an Intel BOXD945GCLF2 Atom 330 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo) will not be a perfect flat surface. So the need to lap its surface is obvious to me.
However, would there be a reason to not lap the surface of a CPU? I have no idea. I have never lapped computer components and I do know that doing something that may seem innocent could destroy an electronic component (such as a static electricity discharge that cannot even be felt can damage an integrated circuit).
I feel that I will have to stick with the OEM CPU heat-sink as I have not found an aftermarket heat-sink for the Atom 330 processor. Given that the processor runs on such low power, it probably does not need much more than the OEM heat-sink.
On the other hand, the Northbridge is equipped with a heat-sink and fan from the factory. At the very least, I plan to lap that heat-sink and replace the fan with one of high quality and possibly a lower sound level.
So, am I making any big mistakes?
And, of course, what is a proper method for lapping surfaces in this application?
Coldsomewildpaddle: Thank you for clarifying the situation. What you say does make sense, especially as I do intend to run this bugger at stock speed and load. I just enjoy being a perfectionist.
However, what will others say? We shall see.
Tagged with: atom • bugger • computer components • cpu heat sink • electronic component • flat surface • high quality • integrated circuit • intel • intel 945gc • mini itx • northbridge • oem cpu • perfectionist • static electricity • stock • surfaces
Filed under: Integrated Electronic Circuits
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First off, lapping the heatsink is only really necessary when pushing a CPU overclock, using air cooling, to the max.
If you're going to be running a processor at stock speeds there's really no need to lap your heatsink/CPU.
In fact if the ambient temp where you run your computer is something to worry about–since it's impossible (unless using an upside down compressed air can on the heatsink, or other strange method) for an air cooled processor to run cooler than the ambient room temperature where it's being run–then you might as well opt for a water cooling kit.