just wondering for any that have done it, are the results in temp if your overclocking worth the time sanding the surface flat?

I've done it several times in the past when I cared more about CPU temp's than I do now and I would definitely say it's worth it especially if you already have the sandpaper. If you have to run out and buy all the grits needed than the return on investment isn't as good unless you can get a few lappings out of it in the future. I've only ever lapped a CPU IHS once, as most of the times I was lapping was back when the CPU's die was in direct contact with the heatsink, but I've always seen about a 5*C temp difference or more after which is respectable.

Flama - did ya lap it will it was a hi gloss mirror shine?

the mirror shine is from after 2500 grit using polish like buffing polish or car wax.

I bet lapping one using several different grits - you would have one massive forearm lol

so I guess I am asking, how long does it take?

Back in the day (which was a Tuesday I think)I gave it a shot only cuz my pops had some uber fine grit laying around and....it takes too damn long. Save yourself the time/aggrivation and get an H50 if ya wanna get 5-10°C cooler.

It wasn't a crazy mirror shine like I've seen a lot of people get with polishing stuff, as deandulong mentioned, but it was a lot more reflective and I believe I could read text in the reflection. I only went as high as 2000 grit since that's all that was available to me.



The weight of the HSF resting on the sandpaper on a flat surface should be enough pressure for lapping so really the only force you have to use is pushing it around in say a figure 8 motion which isn't all that stressful.

As for time I usually did it over a 30 minute TV show switching grits most likely when it was commercials. I had a nice flat wood cutting board on my lap and would basically just watch TV so it wasn't too much of a hassle really.



Haha ya I used my Dad's sandpaper as well. He teased me a bit for doing it but when he saw the results he was pretty impressed.

nice.

I ain't that brave with lapping a brand new cpu - as there goes the warranty, but I may try it on my htpc's cpu and hsf in the coming week or so as a test.

theres alot of vids on utube on lapping if you wanna see it done first

I'm told Intel has an easier IHS for lapping too..

Sanding is sanding lol all in the time you wanna put into it