Shoud I lap SI-120

[Bladesinger7x]

Just recently i bought SI-120, and i was so fast installing it :slapass: :slapass: :slapass: i didn't check if the base is flat and if it is making a good contact with the cpu. Now, my temps didnt improve a lot (around 2C idle and about 4-6 load) so i'm considering to remove the heatsink and lap the base if necessary.

I have a question though, if i lap the base so that the copper will be revealed, i read the the copper corrodes over time?? What does this mean, will the colling degrade in time? What about all the copper based heatsinks (like XP-90C or Big Typhoon) are they protected in some way that my si-120 will not be. I previously had slk900a and
in time the heatsing turned darker (no shine). Is this it?
Can this be corrected somehow??

[TMM]

Copper heatsinks tend to tarnish over time - shouldn't affect performance though. What it is, is the copper oxidizing. You can remove the oxidised layer by placing the HS in a vinegar/salt solution for a few hours. Afaik, there isn't any way to prevent the oxidising without greatly affecting performance. You should be ok to lap your SI-120 :)

[Sailindawg]

Sure why not, but the nickel plate may be pretty tough to sand through. The nickel plate will not affect heat transfer, it's used to allow the unit to be soldered together easier (provides better contact surface for solder).

How smooth is the bottom of the HS as recieved ?

[mad mikee]

If not LAP LAP LAP :slobber: .

Copper tarnishes, so what, a little ketchup for 5 mins and like new! :D

No the others aren't protected. would compromise performance :fact:

[Bladesinger7x]

How smooth is the bottom of the HS as recieved ?

The base did not had a mirror finish, and also felt rough with the nail test, so i used the sandpaper a little just to correct that. Just a little so the copper is slightly visible.

I looked up the SI-120 reviews i all the bases had mirror finishes. Mine did not, just a dark shadow when AS5 tube was on top of the base. Hmm, maybe Thermalright is
supplying mirror finish bases on the review samples and
for the rest of us, sandpaper is the way :stick: :stick:

Unfortunately, I didn't check if the base was flat :slapass: :slapass: . Right now, I'm still tinkering about how to cool
the memory so the heatsink will remain where it is for the time being :nono:

[FireDragon]

why not just take the hour or 2 and lap it right? i lap EVERY signle hs in my comp...

Dragon