Lapping my E6400

[DecomposingStar]

I've read the guides, and I think i can handle it.

If there anything you guys would like to add? Some do's and dont's?

Also, what common liquids are good for cleaning off thermal compound? I'm going up the shed, so theres LOADS of stuff there, but what chemicals should I be looking out for? (obviously an acetone based chemical is good)

I'm going to sand the IHS off and then polish it with a dremel head.

I'll post pictures later of either a nice shiney new C2D or a mangled computer chip.

[staffsMike]

I'd use some degreasing stuff from pc world or maplins etc.. wouldnt go sticking random chemicals on it lol.

Saying that i just used a bit of tissue and a lot of elbow grease last week

[Dark Horse]

Akasa Tim Clean, I really wouldn't attempt using anything random unless you want to take chances. £3.75 from scan and it smells nice too.

[DecomposingStar]

Yeah but Scan doesn't do same day delivery

I'm doing this today, so i'll be using some sort of degreaser that my dad has up the shed... He's an electrician so I guess that he would know whats going to blow up a circuit.... Or at least i hope he'd know...

[staffsMike]

lol should be interesting..lint free cloths are a good start..I used screen wipes haha

[Queelis]

I suppose even simple alcohol (as in close-to-vodka form, not beer) would do, but of course acetone would be better. If you don't get it all over your mobo, acetone will clean grease very well.

[DecomposingStar]

Vodka... Got that...

What about white spirit?

[Flewis]

dont use vodka, or white spirit, ur better off not doing anything at all.
You need to use a high purity solvent that evaporates easily and leaves no trace. Anything with water is completely unsuitable plus it conducts.
You need something like high purity acetone (do not use nair varnish remover - its not pure enough) or ether which will evaporate leaving nothing on ur chip. These can be difficult to get hold of so i would recommend buying a specific TIM cleaner. Im fortunate being a chemistry student, i can just nick solvents from the lab.

[Clunk]

Some do's and dont's?

Yeah, dont

Seriously, why would you want to do this? If it needs lapping, rma it for one that doesnt. As soon as you start lapping it, you then have no warranty.

[DecomposingStar]

I have actually decided not to lap it, and you guys saying not to re-assures me of my decision. I'll at least wait until i have all the right materials, but i think i will be moving to water cooling before i lap the CPU.

On another note, i'm currently painting the inside of my Antec 900 red and doing a couple other small mods. I'm debating cutting holes in the side of the case for cleaner cabling.

[staffsMike]

you're bored aren't you

[DecomposingStar]

you're bored aren't you

yeah...

Ha, well i just painted my case and it looks awesome! I'll be posting a bunch of pictures up here soon.

[Grimley]

Meths is good for cleaning thermal paste from CPU's & coolers. Used it myself many times with no probs.