Heat Sink Lapping: Guide to Lower CPU Temperature

By: OJPD

First of all I made this guide specifically for enthusiasts and risk takers. For those who are just curious about how it’s done I am not in any way encouraging you to this but if you decide to do so bare in mind that you are doing it at your own risk. I will not be blamed for any damage that you may cause to your system if you mess things up.

WHAT IS HEAT SINK LAPPING?
To be short… Heat sink Lapping is a process in which one laps and polishes the aluminum or copper surface of the heatsink until it reaches a “mirror like” finish.

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE LAP THEIR HEAT SINKS?
Usually the stock Heat sink or in some cases even after market heat sinks are not properly finished in the factory which then gives tiny holes/ unevenness on the bottom surface of the heat sink that comes in contact with cpu.

These “tiny holes” / unevenness / scratches / lines become air pockets if the PC is on where in the processor gets hot and instead of the heat traveling directly to the heat sink these tiny holes/unevenness instead trap hot air which then causes less heat dissipation which then yields a hotter cpu.

If you own an Athlon64 cpu retail heat sink try to feel the bottom surface of the aluminum heat sink so you will know what I’m talking about. Lots and lots of circular lines Right?

now… on to the guide. Read the full guide here.