CPU Lapping Tutorial

"Lapping the IHS dropped the load temperature by about 5 degrees celcius (60->55°C). Most likely the result would get even better if the CPU cooler was lapped. After sanding almost 10 processors I've always seen a temperature drop of 5-10°C. Also the temperature differences between the individual CPU cores have lowered. If the load temperature of your processor is higher than it used to be then most likely it's caused by a crooked IHS and I can warmly recommend lapping it. It's a well-proven method of lowering the thermal resistance and lowering the CPU temperature.

Process for lapping the CPU cooler (air and water cooling) is similar to what you just read for the CPU heat spreader. Bigger mass and sharper edges on the coolers makes them bit harder to sand but with patience you should be able to get a good result."