Mel_PL said:
Good polishing job...
From my physics lessons over 30 years ago (I hope the basics have not changed since then) I remember that black surfaces dissipate heat better than mirrors. Now, if you want to rely only on intermolecular interaction between the surfaces then mirror polish makes sense.
But when I compare the workload and the net thermal effect ... well, IMVHO simple silicon paste and rough surface is more than enough. But it does not shine so marvellous
-- M.
Actually, color isn't the issue so much as what the surface consists of in terms of oxidation byproducts (Aluminum Oxide is a great conductor, Copper Oxide isn't as much) and surface texture (smoother is better).
There's been a LOT of renewed interest in thermal junctions over the last ten or so years thanks to increasingly tiny processors generating much higher heat loads than has been the issue in traditional power semiconductors. The findings were that a mirror finish with a TINY amount of thermal goop to make up the difference was a better junction than HA aluminum (which is far rougher) with the same type of goop.
SKYWLKR said:
I lap all my heat sinks AND my CPU's and LED dies.
I get them to a point to where the humidity in the air is enough stick them together with surface tension then I apply the thinest layer of Artic silver I can to both parts.
I end with 2000 and use a 1/2 glass pane
That's the ideal way to do it. I bet your processor temps dropped a good 3-5 C once you got your lapping procedures down.
TOOCOOL said:
Do not use Brasso or any metal polish on a heatsink that will use thermal paste Artic silver etc the polish will go into the microscopic holes where the Artic silver is supposed to be
I belive you can check this at AS web site
I didn't mention it but I always clean contact surfaces with automotive brake cleaner on a lintfree rag before applying thermal compound, so as to remove the Brasso film, skin oils, etc. from the contact surfaces. Skin oil alone can adversely affect junction resistances when you're being this precise. Why brake cleaner? It's relatively plastic-safe, leaves no residue, and cuts most contaminants (including old thermal compounds). Using a lintfree cloth as the wiper removes the risks of spraying something into a comp case, etc. (And no, you don't need to breathe the stuff - ventillation and intelligent use required!)
Like I said, this isn't my first time down this road.
oO