Does it matter if my heatsink has a deep scratch on the base?

[Salvador]

I just purchased a heatsink and when I was unpackaging it, I noticed that there is a pretty deep scratch on the base of it. I can definitely catch my finger nail in it. It's not in the center, but its an area that touches the IHS (socket 939 cpu). Does this matter? Will it affect my cooling at all?

 

[genec57]

Probably not. If it bothers you just polish it out with some 600 or hightr grit wet sandpaper.

 

[Salvador]

I'll have to use something more agressive than 600 grit to get this scratch out.

Should I contact the vendor and let them know about it?

 

[LOUISSSSS]

got a pic of how deep it is?

and how did it get there?

 

[Navid]

I would definitely let the manufacturer know.
The flatness of a sink base is one of the most important aspects of it. It directly affects the performance.

Do not use a sandpaper to remove the scratch. You could be affecting the flatness of the base and make it even worse. If you want to fix it yourself, you will need to lap it, which still involves using sandpaper. But, it must be done the right way.

 

[Zap]

As long as there is no edge to the scratch that sticks out, I'd say that overall performance would hardly be affected. What affects performance more and why people "lap" heatsinks and CPUs are issues regarding overall flatness such as the base being concave or convex. That would result in only a tiny portion of the heatsink making decent contact. A scratch would result in only a tiny portion of the heatsink NOT making decent contact. A big difference IMO.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Navid
I would definitely let the manufacturer know.
The flatness of a sink base is one of the most important aspects of it. It directly affects the performance.

Do not use a sandpaper to remove the scratch. You could be affecting the flatness of the base and make it even worse. If you want to fix it yourself, you will need to lap it, which still involves using sandpaper. But, it must be done the right way.

For thre most part thats true!!
But as of late there has been some discussion just how flat does a heatsink need to be in order to be effective!!
In fact there is a prevailing discussion making the rounds as to whether a slightly upward concave heatsink might cool better than a 100% flat surface.


Peace!!

 

[Navid]

I know! I know .....

I think he bought a new cooler and it has a deep scratch on it.
If I pay for a new product, I expect a new product in excellent shape.
That's all.