Cleaning a Copper Heatsink?

[Jakalwarrior]

What can be used to get the corrosion off a copper heatsink. My xp90c is getting up there in age now and its pretty corroded. I dont care so much about the appearance but there is some gunk between the fins which is probably not helping my cooling. Looks like where the dust was sticking it formed that ugly green stuff copper makes. What can I soak this thing in that wont harm it but will make it clean again? Coke? Vinegar? Carb dip?

[tweaked]

scrub any crunchies off with a small wire brush and soak it in jewelry cleaner.

[Jakalwarrior]

Think it will make much difference? The base of my heatpipes are barely even warm when my new 65nm chip is approcahing 60*C (1.45 - 1.5vcore). I dunno if my heatpipes dont work anymore, if my new chip is concave or making bad contact with the IHS, or if the corrosion is hurting my temps. I remember this thing being able to keep my 90nm manchester at 50-52*C with 1.55vcore.

[Mad_Man]

i would say its concave/convex and making baad contact...
60C on core and cold heatsink doesnt sound good.
the HS should have only little less temp than cpu

[Jakalwarrior]

Anyone ever heard of heatpipes not working when they get old? This thing origionally lived on a Newcastle chip lol.

[Fujimitsu]

Anyone ever heard of heatpipes not working when they get old? This thing origionally lived on a Newcastle chip lol.

As long as they're not leaking they should work just fine. And the chances of all of them springing a leak at once are pretty low.


I'd say it's a matter of contact, especially if the heatsink is that old.. it's probably in need of a new mounting system or a good lapping.

[[XC] gomeler]

Really depends. The heatpipes on my Scythe Ninja with my Q6600 at 3.6GHz barely get above room temperature, the base maybe 10C warmer, cores sit at 60C though. In regards to cleaning, copper cream or polish will work, just make sure it doesn't leave a deposit on the copper. Don't want any wax insulating the copper.

[Boogerlad]

just use tissue and ketchup. works like a charm. rinse with alchol or water. (base only)

[Jakalwarrior]

I dont care about the cosmetics and the outside, between the fins is crusty :( darn louisiana humidity.