I lapped my 9800 (stock) HS the other day just because I can - that and I'm picking up either an Artic Silencer or a Zalman VF700-CU in a couple of days (heck, maybe I'll get both and write a comparison review). Anyhow, I thought I would share with you (pictures also) how I lapped my 9800 HS for those that don't know how and even maybe give some new techniques to some that already do.

I would like to start of by saying

First off, get yourself the necessary stuff, most of which can be purchased at an auto parts store:

• A flat surface - glass is best
• 400, 600, 1000, 2000 Wet/Dry sandpaper
• Masking tape
• Jug of water
• A sponge
• 100% Cotton Terry cloths (important for secret ingredient)
• Secret Ingredient (talked about later on)

I started off by taping a piece of 400 grit sandpaper to the flat surface (sticks well to glass), of a size at least 3" bigger than the heat sink. I then proceeded to soak the paper with the water using a sponge - works good to soak up any spills also.

When the paper was good and wet, I started sanding the heat sink, at first using circular motions (clockwise and counter clockwise), but found it did not leave a desired finish. I then started sanding in one direction back and forth a dozen times, then turned the heat sink 90 degrees and proceeded to sand the same amount of times again.

Here is what it looked like after the first few sanding with the 400 grit.

As you can see, the heat sink started to show sanding marks on the edges first, meaning this heat sink was not all that flat.

After I sanded off all the black paint (damn stock HS), I changed to the 600 grit, again taping it to the flat surface and soaking it with water. Here you can see in the center and just above it that the heat sink is still not flat; not to worry, as the 600 and 1000 grits of sandpaper will get this out. This one is after the 600 grit.

Again the same procedure for the 1000 grit...

Now here's the point where I did something a little extra (Special Ingredient)...

After I used the 2000 grit for awhile, I was not satisfied with the finish (don't get me wrong - it was good, I'm just picky). So what I did was used a product (2 actually) called Meguiar's - it's a high grade professional car finish product (I used them for years to give a mirror finish).

The first one I used is called Final-Cut Cleaner; I applied it with the cloth as per instructions on the bottle and then finished it off with the other one called Swirl Remover, again as per the instructions. I then cleaned off the heat sink with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol with a separate cloth. Making sure the heat sink is fully cleaned (until no more color appears on the cloth.) Allow for dry time before reinstalling.

The results, I'd say are outstanding.

I hope this helps even just one person. Good luck & Happy lapping!

Cheers

Goli