Cutting your PCB for cooling

[Breadfan]

I've noticed that on things such as video cards (and probably northbridge/southbridge chips) that the PCB under the chip tends to not have leads going through it. Do you think cutting it away under the die would allow heat to dissipate trough the back of the board? This might be good for video cards...plus you could probably glue a hs or even a hsf if you wanted. Anyone ever think of this?

Mike

[Hoot]

Many modern circuit boards are multilayered. That is to say, the may be circuit conductors in layers between the top and bottom layers, that you can not see. Just because there are no conductors on the top or bottom, does not mean you can simply cut that part away. (shudder goes through body)

Hoot

[TT120]

I wouldnt do it. There are almost always traces in there that you cant see.