lapping cpu or heatsink

[Riddleofsteel]

I am planning on getting a Q9550 and a TRUE which is already lapped. Would it be pointless to NOT lap the cpu as the heatsink is already lapped? If so, just how dangerous is lapping a cpu? I'm not an electronics dolt but I have made mistakes with things in the past. Does the Q9550 absolutely need to be lapped for the best temps? Thanks.

 

[Casper312]

I have a q9550 unlapped, while my tuniq is, difference was a few degress less than normal, which to me dropped my temps enough to not go over 60C.

If your worried you might do something wrong, i suggest not to do it, on the cpu that is, heatsink wise, i say do it, its a great experience and practice that you will learn and do later on to other heatsinks (I did it to my Northbridge/Southbridge coolers).

Like others will say, resorting to lapping is a very far thing to do, in the meaning that its not needed unless doing some serious overclocking.

Edit, forgot to answer your last question, I say it depends on what type of overclocking your doing, My q9550 for being @ 4.0ghz runs very cool. Im also on an old tuniq

 

[Zero82z]

Don't lap until you see how your temps are. Unless they're getting excessively high, it isn't worth it.

 

[Deleted member 184142]

Don't lap until you see how your temps are. Unless they're getting excessively high, it isn't worth it.

I have to agree and disagree with this, if you looking for better temps it might not be all that much worth it, you will probably get a few C if done right but don't expect world changing. However I do it because I like making things better, whether they need to be or not, so for me, it's always worth it.

I lapped my first dual core (E2180) and came out just fine, after I got my new CPU I ended up going back and doing a better lap job on it and just messed around to see how hard it would be to mess up a chip. I mean I was messy with it and after pretty much soaked the thing in isopropyl alcohol for cleaning and let it sit for a day drying out. When I put it back in I really didn't expect it to work, but it's been humming along at 2.5GHz just fine for the last few weeks. NOT saying to go and do this, it was just a spare (and free) chip and didn't matter if I messed it up.

My TRUE is lapped, but I still have not lapped my Q9550, I was planing on getting some more paper this weekend and doing it, but well...You know how that goes. Other things I would say is if this is your first time lapping you might not want to start on a $300 chip, though I do find it hard to mess up lapping, as it's pretty straight forward. Just think of it this way, if somehow you really mess things up, do you have the cash for a replacement and/or willing to take that chance if you don't? Check the temps first and go from there, I think you will be fine as is.

 

[Brahmzy]

ALWAYS lap your heatsink -especially a TURE. Don't necessarily lap your CPU unless contact with a lapped HSF is poor.

 

[Riccochet]

Meh. I lap CPU's and heatsinks when I get them. It takes the "uneven surface" variable completely out of the picture from the start. I prefer to not have to tear my rig apart to lap if I find out my temps are shit.

If you're truely concerned take a razor blade and check the IHS for flatness. If it's not flat, lap it. It's so easy a caveman could do it.

Lawd I can't wait for the trolls to start crying about killing the warranty. You're OC'ing the damn thing, say goodbye to your warranty the moment you change the FSB speed.

 

[Deleted member 184142]

Well, your post got me to do it, I just now got done lapping my Q9550, my TRUE was already lapped, so this should give you an idea, my max temp on my hottest core was 60C, now, after lapping the Q9550 my max temp on my hottest core is 52C, a change of 8C, not to shabby.

 

[Riccochet]

Nice results! Good job!