What does Lapped mean?

[Kerouactivist]

as in lapping a used heatsink?????????

 

[jsbush]

Lapping is sanding a heatsink with a really high grid sandpaper so you have a nice smooth flat finish, which generally helps heat transfer better.

 

[bacillus]

this article should help in your quest to understand!

 

[Kerouactivist]

i just bought a used heatsink/fan, and the bottom particularly in the middle is a little rough, do i need to lap it????????

 

[Shmorq]

You don't NEED to lap it since the thermal compound should compensate for the roughness, but if you want the best transfer of heat, I would consider doing it. It's a simple process that will only take a few minutes.

 

[JohnnyKnoxville]

I wouldn't recommend lapping a plastic heatsink

 

[bacillus]

<< I wouldn't recommend lapping a plastic heatsink >>

 

[MrHelpful]

That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard, even from you. If there were ever a plastic heatsink, it would be designed by you.