Whats so good about Copper shims ??

[gouki]

I read some reviews from the net saying that copper shims could help reducing the CPU temp. but certain reviews seems to say that its a total waste of time.

Does anyone tried using it and how does it perform ?.
Btw, Im using Arctic Silver II with a copper heatsink so Im wondering whether would this shim help me on the temps ? :P

[William]

it will not help temps, probably raise them some. It just helps ensure that a heatsink will sit level on the CPU and also help from crushing the cpu core. If you are using a heatsink without a shim with no problem, then don't use one.

[SleepyKat]

Also please note that copper shims are electrically conductive and can kill your cpu if you do not insulate it properly. The newer generation shims are the non-conductive ones (I am using one of these now just to play with). The shims are mainly for HSF stability if you have a thing for dismantling your system and reassembling them over and over.

[gouki]

Thanks for the info. Well, I wouldnt be getting one then. So, any idea where to get a better cooling ?. I was looking at the Swiftech MC-462A. Good idea ?

[AlanSr]

I'm lookin into the swifty also, from what I've read its supposed to be the best HSF out there.
Toms hardware page tested about 20 HSF's and the swifty was number 1.
It uses an 80mm fan with either 68 or 53CFM, I've read both, I think they went to a slower fan because of noise.

I'm tryin to find out if there is a way to work around the center of the HS that does not get air because of the center of the fan.

if you get the swifty let me know how it does.
right now I have the HedgeHog with a 60mm delta and my T bird 1.2 O\C'ed to 1.37 Default volts. idles at 28 and FULL load about 42.

[train22]

I'll recommend the SK6 it's as good as Swiffy and is 30 bucks cheaper! Some may say it's a bit worse but not by a significan't amount.

[cyberey66]

I thought copper shims were used to draw heat away from the cpu, being copper is more conductive than aluminum.

[William]

Originally posted by satan
I thought copper shims were used to draw heat away from the cpu, being copper is more conductive than aluminum.

no, they are used to level out the heatsink and increase the surface are so you don't crush the core. Because they are made of copper they tend to radiate heat back into the CPU raising temps by a few degrees C.

[fresh2k21]

the shim is just to keep you from cracking the edges of your core as you rock your hsf from on side to the other to get the clip on. as far as heat it really shouldn't make a difference if it does it's very small. but it is a great idea for those less experienced in cliping hsf to those very fragile amd cores. don't overestamate the core's streignth. i know several people who's piggy banks are crying because of it.:( ;)