I am not a total newbie to OC and I understand the difference between the core side of the HS baseplate and the top side along with the fins/pins. I was looking for input from knowledgeable people on the subject of aerodynamics. Will a rougher pin/fin surface yield lower temps? I don't know, but my "Engineering Technician" gut feeling tells me there must be a "sweet spot" for surface finish and heat transfer to air moving over that surface.
Postulation
As the surface finish is roughened, it's surface area increases. Increased surface area contributes to heat removal.
Question
At air velocities encountered in HSFs, at what point does a random pattern of roughness, on the surface of the HS fins/pins, adversely effect the flow of air over that surface with regards to removing heat through contact.
Process
I have an FOP-32 laying here that is not in service. It is already drilled for a thermal probe. I have a small sand blasting device that hooks onto my air compressor. I will measure CPU core temperature using my FOP-32 under a controlled setup and then sand blast the fins to a rough, granular finish. Trying to maintain the same controlled setup, I will then measure its performance again and report back to the group.
Purpose of this post
I was hoping to avoid a useless exercise in getting sand in my hair by polling any informed sources before I do this. But then, half the fun of OC'ing is modding and evaluating the result. I will wait awhile for any responses and then set off on this venture later today.
Hoot