Enthusiasts and overclockers have for a long time been operating their processors without an IHS (Integrated HeatSpreader) for optimal cooling and overclocking potential. Removing the processor’s IHS, the protecting metal found on most of today’s modern processors, is something many have done with good results. This way you will get better contact with the core and that way make the cooling more effective. LGA processors such as the ones for Intel’s Socket 775 platform has a different packaging and has proved to be hard to master. A person that has now published a guide on the subject has realized this after his own bitter experiences.
At VR-zone acknowledged overclocker Shamino has pulished a short guide on how to remove the heatspreader from a LGA processor with the help of a hot air gun. Something that makes it possible to melt the material holding the heatspreader in place. After hearing several horrible stories about heatspreaders slipping off with the core still sitting on the heatspreader he decided to use two older Socket 775 processors, a wise choice. The guide namely became more of a bad example as Shamino managed to destroy not one, but two processors in less than an hour. What we can learn from this is that the heatspreaders on LGA processors are some tough bastards and when not even one of the world’s most respected overclockers manages to remove the IHS, us mortals should perhaps take it easy.
