DIY Copper Heatsink Mod for Better SFF PC Cooling

If you're considering upgrading your aluminum heatsink to a copper-enhanced one, this guide is for you. Suppose your small form factor (SFF) PC has been upgraded from an Intel i3-4130 to an i7-4770, increasing the TDP from 54W to 84W. The stock heatsink is rated for 65W, which means it won't provide sufficient cooling. Given the limited space inside an SFF case, if you're interested in top-down heatsink cooling, you can explore the following upgrade options:

· Purchase a thicker copper-core heatsink designed for Intel LGA 775/1366/115x sockets and modify it slightly (or use it as is).

· Use AMD's Wraith Spire or other high-performance heat pipe coolers, though this will require significant modifications.

Both of these options were covered in a previous DIY article: DIY Heatsink Mod for Intel 115x Platform Cooling.

· Upgrade the existing heatsink by inserting copper rods.

If you prefer to enhance your existing heatsink with copper, here's a practical mod for your HP IPM87-MP motherboard's stock cooler. This heatsink is already quite thick, and its backplate is well-designed, preventing it from sinking under pressure. If you have a 6mm copper rod on hand, you can reinforce the heatsink with copper for improved thermal conductivity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your Heatsink:

· Drill nine 3cm-deep holes into the heatsink using an engraving tool with a 5.5mm drill bit.

· Insert nine 3cm-long copper rods by pressing them in with a bench vise.

· Mill the contact surface flat using an engraving tool to ensure proper CPU contact.

By following these steps, you can effectively enhance your cooling solution, reducing CPU temperatures and improving overall system stability.