Step by Step Guid to Processor Lapping

[boglwe]

Ok, where in the heck did you find that hi grit sandpaper. The only place that could even order it for me was a jewelry shop. Is there a place you got yours? Home Depot has nothing higher then 600.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Pepboys...should have some...1500, 2000.

 

[Rocks7ar]

They do.

 

[conlan]

Just throwing in my .02 here:

Rocks7ar....Thanks for the time you put into this guide and sharing it w/ the community.

I've been lapping heatsinks, IHSs and even CPU cores (PIII) for a long time and IMHO anything past 1000 grit is functionally unnecessary.

Of course if you enjoy polishing, knock yourself out, i've done it myself and the finished product is something to be proud of.

The purpose of lapping is to:

1. achieve a flat uniform surface

2. smooth out any pits or scratches that can cause hotspots.

3. remove any material that can retard heat transfer (i.e. the tin that coats the copper on the C2D procs.)

My routine involves:

400 grit to achieve a flat surface (check w/ straight edge)

600 grit to smooth out surface

800 grit further smoothing

1000 grit final surface

Finish polish w/ AS and Automotive polishing cloth (very small amount of AS is needed)

 

[Acanthus]

Not to rain on anyones parade but you should at least mention that lapping:

1.) likely wont make a large difference
2.) voids warrantys

The only reason i mention this is sometimes you do get a bad CPU with unusually high temps. You lap it. Temps dont go down because its a mis-mounted IHS. You cry.

 

[rodrigu3]

So here's my problem...

My 120 ultra extreme base is 1) convex 2) grooved 3) Ni-plated

And my Intel IHS is concave and Zn/Ni-plated.

The thing is that the ultra extreme is VERY convex - if I sit it on a glass surface, it wobbles on the convex point; however, my intel IHS is not that concave. The contact between the two is not great. I haven't been able to test temps because the case I'm going to use for my build is not here. If I lap the 120 ultra extreme, I'm going to have to also lap the IHS. I know this voids my warranty - don't care much for the 120's warranty (it's a big hunk of metal - what would I call a warranty on), but the Intel warranty... I don't think I want to lap it until I know it works. I definitely want to lap so don't try to convince me otherwise, but should I test it first as is or should I go ahead and lap to get both flat. Getting just one flat will not help me. Let me know what you think.

 

[conlan]

Originally posted by: rodrigu3
So here's my problem...

My 120 ultra extreme base is 1) convex 2) grooved 3) Ni-plated

And my Intel IHS is concave and Zn/Ni-plated.

The thing is that the ultra extreme is VERY convex - if I sit it on a glass surface, it wobbles on the convex point; however, my intel IHS is not that concave. The contact between the two is not great. I haven't been able to test temps because the case I'm going to use for my build is not here. If I lap the 120 ultra extreme, I'm going to have to also lap the IHS. I know this voids my warranty - don't care much for the 120's warranty (it's a big hunk of metal - what would I call a warranty on), but the Intel warranty... I don't think I want to lap it until I know it works. I definitely want to lap so don't try to convince me otherwise, but should I test it first as is or should I go ahead and lap to get both flat. Getting just one flat will not help me. Let me know what you think.

I would at least lap the HSF, can't blame you for not wanting to lap the IHS.

 

[rodrigu3]

the thing is that if I do lap one I HAVE to lap the other, otherwise I'll have a larger pocket than I began with

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: Acanthus
Not to rain on anyones parade but you should at least mention that lapping:

1.) likely wont make a large difference
2.) voids warrantys

The only reason i mention this is sometimes you do get a bad CPU with unusually high temps. You lap it. Temps dont go down because its a mis-mounted IHS. You cry.

That is a very good point. However, I am not sure how ethical it is to RMA a CPU because it is simply running hot. That is the reason I decided to lap mine. I didn't feel right sending it back to NewEgg because it simply ran hotter than others. Most people concerned about the heat of their CPUs are overclocking and thus, it would be unethical to RMA a CPU because it was running hot when you overclocked it. Even if you just tested it O/C and decided to run it stock and was still running hot, you still overclocked it and thus voided your warranty.

Of course, I and many others have said "Yeah, but Intel won't know you overclocked it, but they will know if you lapped it" and one user responded in such a way that made me really think about it. I believe he said "True, but are you the type of person that will cheat the system?" after thinking about it, I decided I was not that type of person and decided to just keep my CPU since I overclocked it. I then decided to make the best and lapped it.

What do you (collective you) do is your business and I don't want to make someone a criminal for RMAing a poor CPU. But keep in mind whether or not Intel knows you did it, you know it. Therefore, it is your own integrity that you are jeapardizing.

 

[boglwe]

Well, My q6600 runs at 72c+ while at 3.2 on a Scythe Ninja. I personally believe I have a bad chip. Will i RMA it? No. But i do wish i had a better chip. Will i lap it? Yes. I want to try everything. In about 3 months, Its a new chip anyways. Gotta learn.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: boglwe
Well, My q6600 runs at 72c+ while at 3.2 on a Scythe Ninja. I personally believe I have a bad chip. Will i RMA it? No. But i do wish i had a better chip. Will i lap it? Yes. I want to try everything. In about 3 months, Its a new chip anyways. Gotta learn.

Bogle, it is true that some chips run hotters than others, but I also think there is a lot of misinformation out there. Check out the cases & cooling forum and read my post that I created it. Do the math and see if your system works out properly.

I found that my B3 did indeed run hot, but only when voltages were above default. When I brought all voltages back to stock (a drop of .1) I lost 200Mhz on my overclock (3.2 to 3) but was able to drop temps 10c across the board to my lowest possible idle (explain in that thread).

72c load isn't terrible for the overclock you have. I'd be interested to see if it can manage 3Ghz at stock and then retest it.

 

[rodrigu3]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777

What do you (collective you) do is your business and I don't want to make someone a criminal for RMAing a poor CPU. But keep in mind whether or not Intel knows you did it, you know it. Therefore, it is your own integrity that you are jeapardizing.

Very very good point, I never thought about it from that perspective. Since I'm going to OC it anyway... I might as well go ahead and lap it too. Thanks for the insight.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: rodrigu3

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777

What do you (collective you) do is your business and I don't want to make someone a criminal for RMAing a poor CPU. But keep in mind whether or not Intel knows you did it, you know it. Therefore, it is your own integrity that you are jeapardizing.

Very very good point, I never thought about it from that perspective. Since I'm going to OC it anyway... I might as well go ahead and lap it too. Thanks for the insight.

Just be careful and take your time. Be sure that the CPU even works at stock BEFORE you lap it. Use the plastic back that came with it when you lap and take your time. It is safe, just have to stress that you do need to take your time. Also be sure you have as close to a perfect base as possible (sheet of glass, mirror). I used my wife's college mirror and it was perfectly flat.

 

[boglwe]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777

Originally posted by: boglwe
Well, My q6600 runs at 72c+ while at 3.2 on a Scythe Ninja. I personally believe I have a bad chip. Will i RMA it? No. But i do wish i had a better chip. Will i lap it? Yes. I want to try everything. In about 3 months, Its a new chip anyways. Gotta learn.

Bogle, it is true that some chips run hotters than others, but I also think there is a lot of misinformation out there. Check out the cases & cooling forum and read my post that I created it. Do the math and see if your system works out properly.

I found that my B3 did indeed run hot, but only when voltages were above default. When I brought all voltages back to stock (a drop of .1) I lost 200Mhz on my overclock (3.2 to 3) but was able to drop temps 10c across the board to my lowest possible idle (explain in that thread).

72c load isn't terrible for the overclock you have. I'd be interested to see if it can manage 3Ghz at stock and then retest it.

ArchAngel, here is what i am going to do, i jsut got all my supplies for lapping, I will be doing both, unless the Scythe ninja does not need it, but even still, might grind it a bit. Anyways. For now, jsut so you know, I get about 5c less at 3.0 and i am still a bit above stock, never tried it with stock vcore, but it might be possible. Anyways. after a lap and reinstall XP and VIsta, then i will run some tests for you. I will be back later tonight. You already helped me a TON and if this works and takes 5c off my temps, then we are talking 3.4 on AIR at less then 70c. GO GO GO . Temps in the house are lower as well, so we will see. Right now they are at 21c. God Bless Winter for the CPU enthusiast. Seeya late tonight here or in a "MY COMP DONT WORK NO MORE" thread somewhere else. Anyways, if this all works, I owe you a beer or juice, or whatever, heh.

Shuting down the comp now ~shudders~

 

[Quiksilver]

For those who don't feel like searching around locally for sand paper for this or perhaps if the stores nearby are overpriced for it.

SVC Lapping Kit:
http://www.svc.com/lapkit-p.html

Frozen CPU:
http://www.frozencpu.com/produ...tsink_Lapping_Kit.html

 

[boglwe]

Wow, wish I would have known that 3 days ago, Just bought all my supplies at Napa. they had a nice kit ranging from 400-1000 for 3.95. I then needed to buy 1500 for 8.95. ~shrugs~ oh well. I am lapping as I type this.

Before lapping

 

[boglwe]

I wish i would have known that 3 days ago. But, I was board tonight and figured now is the best time. I also bought a new 250 caviar to place XP on. then duel boot to Vista 64. Anyways, It was a good time to lap. Here is a few pics of what I have now.

Before lapping

After 10 minutes @ 400 grit.

Just realized the blur, I will try and fix that for the next few photos.


EDIT:

After 10 minutes of 800 grit

The actual working sand paper, 800 grit.

EDIT 2:

after 10 minutes of 1000 grit. Note: there is a bit of reflection now.
The Screwdriver is there for reference only.

After 10 minutes of 1500 grit. We are finished.

Note:I gave my Heatsink a quik once over with 1500 grit to smooth it out as it was very level.

Side topic:
Just thought some people would like to see what my desk looks like.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: boglwe
I wish i would have known that 3 days ago. But, I was board tonight and figured now is the best time. I also bought a new 250 caviar to place XP on. then duel boot to Vista 64. Anyways, It was a good time to lap. Here is a few pics of what I have now.

Before lapping

After 10 minutes @ 400 grit.

Just realized the blur, I will try and fix that for the next few photos.


EDIT:

After 10 minutes of 800 grit

The actual working sand paper, 800 grit.

EDIT 2:

after 10 minutes of 1000 grit. Note: there is a bit of reflection now.
The Screwdriver is there for reference only.

After 10 minutes of 1500 grit. We are finished.

Note:I gave my Heatsink a quik once over with 1500 grit to smooth it out as it was very level.

Side topic:
Just thought some people would like to see what my desk looks like.

HAHA, that was awesome! I loved the huge ass table/mirror you used for it! Looks good! Be sure to lap the base of your Scythe, I am 100% certain it isn't flat... Well, 99% certain.

 

[boglwe]

OK, Its all done, CPU is back in the box, and Picture of my desktop coming in less then 5 minutes, Temps have gone down about 4c

Here is a pic of my OC, THANKS A TON TO THIS THREAD AND ARCHANGEL.

Also note that this is a bigger OC then before, I am now running this at 3.3 and Vcore was increased to 1.37 instead of before ar 1.33.......SOooooooooooooo.... MY LAPPING WORKED. I am so pleased.

Also, I dipped the whole CPU in alcohol and it had no effect except to clean it. (ad to try it, was willing to take one for the team for everyone for all the help i got on these forums.

EDIT: I just put my CPU back to original OC andits official, my temps dropped about 6c.

 

[rodrigu3]

Some people use water to clean wipe down their IHS after lapping. I think this is a bad idea, especially if you wait too long before spreading TIM on it, since water will speed up oxidation of the copper. TIM should prevent any contact with air and thus further oxidation.

The best thing would be to get isopropanol or high-grade ethanol, maybe 190-proof to clean the cpu with, as this will dry up very quickly and not corrode the copper.

 

[MadScientist]

Link Some more food for thought. Lapping Kit

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777

Originally posted by: Acanthus
Not to rain on anyones parade but you should at least mention that lapping:

1.) likely wont make a large difference
2.) voids warrantys

The only reason i mention this is sometimes you do get a bad CPU with unusually high temps. You lap it. Temps dont go down because its a mis-mounted IHS. You cry.

That is a very good point. However, I am not sure how ethical it is to RMA a CPU because it is simply running hot. That is the reason I decided to lap mine. I didn't feel right sending it back to NewEgg because it simply ran hotter than others. Most people concerned about the heat of their CPUs are overclocking and thus, it would be unethical to RMA a CPU because it was running hot when you overclocked it. Even if you just tested it O/C and decided to run it stock and was still running hot, you still overclocked it and thus voided your warranty.

Of course, I and many others have said "Yeah, but Intel won't know you overclocked it, but they will know if you lapped it" and one user responded in such a way that made me really think about it. I believe he said "True, but are you the type of person that will cheat the system?" after thinking about it, I decided I was not that type of person and decided to just keep my CPU since I overclocked it. I then decided to make the best and lapped it.

What do you (collective you) do is your business and I don't want to make someone a criminal for RMAing a poor CPU. But keep in mind whether or not Intel knows you did it, you know it. Therefore, it is your own integrity that you are jeapardizing.

Well in the case of a mismounted IHS i would RMA it if it was hitting throttle temps with Prime Large FFTs on the stock heatsink.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777

Originally posted by: Acanthus
Not to rain on anyones parade but you should at least mention that lapping:

1.) likely wont make a large difference
2.) voids warrantys

The only reason i mention this is sometimes you do get a bad CPU with unusually high temps. You lap it. Temps dont go down because its a mis-mounted IHS. You cry.

That is a very good point. However, I am not sure how ethical it is to RMA a CPU because it is simply running hot. That is the reason I decided to lap mine. I didn't feel right sending it back to NewEgg because it simply ran hotter than others. Most people concerned about the heat of their CPUs are overclocking and thus, it would be unethical to RMA a CPU because it was running hot when you overclocked it. Even if you just tested it O/C and decided to run it stock and was still running hot, you still overclocked it and thus voided your warranty.

Of course, I and many others have said "Yeah, but Intel won't know you overclocked it, but they will know if you lapped it" and one user responded in such a way that made me really think about it. I believe he said "True, but are you the type of person that will cheat the system?" after thinking about it, I decided I was not that type of person and decided to just keep my CPU since I overclocked it. I then decided to make the best and lapped it.

What do you (collective you) do is your business and I don't want to make someone a criminal for RMAing a poor CPU. But keep in mind whether or not Intel knows you did it, you know it. Therefore, it is your own integrity that you are jeapardizing.

Well in the case of a mismounted IHS i would RMA it if it was hitting throttle temps with Prime Large FFTs on the stock heatsink.

I certainly don't see anything wrong with RMAing it in that exact scenario... But I am not sure how many truly do overheat @ stock speed with stock cooler. Anyway, to each their own.

Boglwe,

Glad to hear you are pretty happy with the results! I opted to run mine at 3.00Ghz at default voltage because I can turn all fans to low, and not peak over 62C load (Large FFT P95)... Moving to 3.2Ghz requires a massive .1-.12 increase in voltage and in turn increases the temperature a full 13c. Sure, I still will easily outlive the CPU even at that setting. But the gains for only 200Mhz is like "Meh"... To each their own!

 

[boglwe]

I understand Archangel, but in my brain, I feel if i dont get everything i can out of the chip then I am not taking advantage of the situation, its the way I have always been. Can't wait for the new chips to come out and i will now have all these tools I learned with thsi processor for the nest one. This is a great chip though. I understand your position though, and once I top 14000 with 3dmarks, at 13899 atm, then i will probably clock her down and sit back a enjoy my new computer, until then its me against the machine, LOL.

 

[E6700]

Originally posted by: QuiksilverX1
For those who don't feel like searching around locally for sand paper for this or perhaps if the stores nearby are overpriced for it.

SVC Lapping Kit:
http://www.svc.com/lapkit-p.html

Frozen CPU:
http://www.frozencpu.com/produ...tsink_Lapping_Kit.html

how reliable is is svc.com ? that Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme price at $54.99 looks tempting