EliteCool Heatsink Lapping Kit Posted
by Mike @ 11:45
P.M. on 07/19/03
Background
The most important
part of a heatsink is how well it comes in contact with
the CPU. Even with the best heatsink imaginable (100% pure
copper, countless fins, and a 80 CFM fan to top it off),
if the base does not come in good contact with the CPU then
cooling power is being wasted. Using extra thermal compound
may help, but will not provide the performance that a flatter
heatsink would.
That is where
heatsink lapping comes into the picture. Using sandpaper
of inclining grits, you can turn a rough base into one that
is extremely flat and mirror-like. To make things easier,
EliteCool.com has
carries these affordable kits to help you along the way.
Provided are all the necessary grits of paper and more.
Included is 1/4 sheets of 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, and
2000 grit paper. There is also 10,000 grit polish and instructions.
Optionally available is a kit that includes a piece of glass
to help you with the process, the glass kit is $7 while
the standard kit sells for $5.
This heatsink was just begging for a lapping...
The heatsink
we decided to lap is the Thermaltake TR-2 M2. Those of you
who have seen this heatsink will know that it is very affordable
and provides good cooling, but suffers from a poor factory
lapping job. Absolutely no reflection can be seen in this
heatsink's base, and the roughness is easily felt with a
fingernail.
