Innovation Cooling's Diamond 7 TIM test results

[tastymannatees]

I Have been going over the IC Diamond data the last few days what seems interesting to me is that predominately force is the most prominent factor which generally has a hardware basis and tended to compensate for light contact tests.

On the multiple forum tests approx 80% saw an improvement vs our sample which was approximately 70% where there was more of an emphasis on the original no result tests but all in all it pretty well well lines up with a breakout of +result, equal result, - negative result.

This was a broad sample test and can be used as a general indicator of the groups/forums tested and not a live or die by any individual test or result.

This group as a whole are pretty experienced when it comes to proper mounting, lapping/contact issues and are creative overcoming hardware deficiencies with bolt through, shims, higher force springs etc. as a matter of course. The test group had several pressure samples and where able to do some optimizing to get the best result by lapping or tightening/balancing their mounts with an indicator.

My experience on my own copper synthetic 1 in. die which is flat // to .0005 and I have easy access top, side and back with no flexing MB or socket issues. This is a definite advantage when seeking perfect contact, even so I still have to wiggle the last couple of degrees alternately securing and loosening screws while monitoring temps to get the lowest number possible it usually takes me about 20 min before I am satisfied.

So at least from my observations it is a pretty challenging pursuit to get an optimal mount under the best of conditions. Many get there through multiple remounts taking the best temp they can get by "feel" and reworking when necessary which is what I do with my set up although compounded by complexity with an in system mount.

I have an old T bird sink that I use as a ref. with a single bent spring clip which only makes contact with on/over the exact center of the die with consistent/constant pressure. 4 years ago, today and tomorrow it will give me the same result. I had overlooked hardware as problem issue because my experience was lacking in the new stuff so the beta testing here has been valuable, again thanks to all participants.

I have learned alot from this group on the hardware side as I have not really looked hard at hardware mounting and will be very useful in some sink development I am doing. An odd point here, a manufacturer could not have the best performing sink in a range of sinks but with a good hardware mount design could run the web site review circuit and average out better with good contact and balanced pressure than better performing sinks. I would imagine a best hardware mount should be a priority for the competitive sink market.

As noted the spread on these results run about 9C the difference between a great mount and a marginal one is the difference between a high end sink and an average one.

Taking a repetitive holistic approach. Temp results can range 9C factoring out the heat sink and just considering compound/contact/pressure on it's own.....Non trivial with the whole picture in mind.

The following is posted here for easy ref and comments. I will post some further breakdowns along with some new data in the next week or so