How to lap your CPU tutorial by MetkuMods - Because you love your hardware!

Lapping your CPU

Tutorial on how to lap the heat spreader of a CPU to a shine.

Author:	Lauri 'lauri_lr' Rahtu
Published:	14.01.2009
In English Suomeksi

Finishing touches

Lapping your CPU

If you really want the CPU to shine, you can also keep going through 1500 and 2000 grits and finish the IHS off with some polishing paste.

End result

Lapping your CPU

Conclusion

Lapping the IHS dropped the load temperature by about 5 degrees celcius (60->55°C). Most likely the result would get even better if the CPU cooler was lapped. After sanding almost 10 processors I've always seen a temperature drop of 5-10°C. Also the temperature differences between the individual CPU cores have lowered. If the load temperature of your processor is higher than it used to be then most likely it's caused by a crooked IHS and I can warmly recommend lapping it. It's a well-proven method of lowering the thermal resistance and lowering the CPU temperature.

Process for lapping the CPU cooler (air and water cooling) is similar to what you just read for the CPU heat spreader. Bigger mass and sharper edges on the coolers makes them bit harder to sand but with patience you should be able to get a good result.

Remember that touching your CPU with sanding paper immediately voids its warranty!