SK-6 loose fin?

[Bastard]

I just got my SK-6 and one of the outer fins is a little bent and a little loose. Is this ok? I also thought the bottom was supposed to have a high polish...oh well...

peace

[Mad_Capr]

The fins on the SK6 are very thin and easily bent. This shouldn't be a problem. However, if a fin has actually come disconnected from the base, then you may want to return it for a replacement. When I got mine, the base was not highly polished. I think they assume most people will lap their heatsinks anyways.

If you need instructions on lapping, just say the word and you shall receive.

[The Overclocker]

this came up a week ago in the forum, as they are only held on by solder, the fins can come off, if you want to save some money by no sending it back, resolder the fin

[Bastard]

Yeah it hasn't come off yet, just loose. will try soldering it though. don't feel like spending $6 to send it back.

Mad_capr, if you can hit me up with those instructions that be great... thanks

[Mad_Capr]

I took some duct tape and attached the sandpaper to my kitchen counter. Make sure the surface is flat and there are no crumbs or other particles underneath the sandpaper.

I've heard of people going up to 3000 grit sandpaper, but personally I think 800-1000 grit is plenty. I had trouble finding anything above 800 grit in my area. With an 800 grit finish, I saw a drop in my cpu temps of 2-3 degrees celsius.

The SK6 is pure copper, so it doesn't take very long. Basically, the idea is to start with a low grit paper like 400 and work your way up to 1000 grit sandpaper. Some people go from 400 to 600 to 800 to 1000. Personally, I went straight from 400 grit to 800 grit and that was enough to get a very flat and shiny surface. It took me about 5 mins. I went in a back and forth motion, but some recommend a circular motion. For me, the circular motion produced too many visible scratches.

Some people also recommend using a little soapy water to lubricate the process. I didn't try this, because it worked fine dry. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[oc jason]

use a figure 8 motion. Back and forth and circular also.

[Bastard]

nice...
so that's all I need? sandpaper?
how long should I do it on each grade of sandpaper when I'm working my way up to 800 or 1000 grit?

[Mad_Capr]

A few minutes with each grit should be sufficient.

Visually check the base from time to time during the sanding process. If one area has less reflection than another, then keep sanding with the current grit until the entire base has a uniform finish. Uniformity is key. If one area has more scratches than another, most likely your base or your sanding surface is not completely flat.

FYI, the figure 8 motion didn't provide good results for me. Back and forth, side to side provided the highest level of mirror finish in my particular situation. Go with what works best for you.

[Bastard]

Hey would it be ok if I went from 400 grit to 600 grit to 1500 grit to lap my SK6?

couldn't find 800 or 1000 anywhere... thanks...

[Mad_Capr]

shouldn't be a problem at all..

[Bastard]

well I went ahead and lapped it, now my load temp is 44C at 1.5 ghz (150x10) at 1.87 volts...

dropped like 6C!! and my case is closed... wooo! =P

thanks for the help! now gonna try and go a little higher...hehe