A processor is a complex component of a computer that is responsible for the performance of all systems. The main problem of the processor is that it heats up at maximum loads. And so he needs good cooling. But not everyone has the opportunity to install liquid cooling or an advanced cooler. Many users have heard about scalping "stone." Say, this helps to significantly reduce its temperature and forget about overheating. What does scalping the processor mean and why should it be done? The answer to the question is contained in this material.
The concept of scalping
The concept of scalping is based on history. During the colonization of North America, Europeans waged wars with the indigenous population (Indians) over the territory. Indians from the Iroquois, Cherokee and Shoshone tribes loved scalping pale-faced. That is, remove the skin from the top of the skull with the hair. This act was called "scalping." They mean the same thing when they say that you need to scalp the processor. The protective cover is removed from the “stone”, all ventilation openings are cleaned and thermal grease is replaced. After all the manipulations, the lid is put back on (the Indians didn’t do that), and the processor is ready for work again.
Why scalp the processor? The fact is that over the many years of operation, the thermal grease that connects the chip and the cover dries up. The ventilation shafts at the base of the processor are also clogged with dust and dirt. All this increases the temperature of the "stone" under the lid and reduces the heat sink efficiency. Also scalping is often used before overclocking the processor. In order for heat dissipation to be better. Sometimes replacement thermal paste is required even for new processors, since the regular one is no good. In general, scalping helps to extend the life of the processor and prevents it from overheating.
What processors need to be scalped?
Do I need to scalp the processor that I just got out of the box? To answer this question, one sentence is not enough. It is reliably known that most of AMD's products need scalping immediately after purchase, as the guys from the “red” division often use low-quality thermal grease. As for Intel, not everything is so bad. The list of “stones” that must be scalped immediately after purchase is extremely small: these are the third-generation Core (i3, i5, i7) series processors . Something went wrong with them at Intel. Therefore, it is better to play it safe. Otherwise, these "stones" will be very hot and in the end they will simply burn "at work".
How to make a scalping procedure?
How to scalp the processor yourself? It is immediately worth noting that without at least minimal knowledge about the structure of the processor and the device of the computer as a whole, there is nothing even to think about self-scalping. This is fraught with serious consequences. You can get a completely dead component. And buying a new one will cost a pretty penny. Those who are not afraid should arm themselves with tools (flat and Phillips screwdrivers, tweezers, a scalpel), acquire good thermal grease and be patient. It is necessary to carefully disconnect the cooler from the processor cover. Then, no less carefully, you need to disconnect the processor from the socket. Sometimes for this you need to unscrew a couple of bolts. After this, you need to pick up the lid with a scalpel and carefully remove it with tweezers. Wipe the places of the ventilation holes with something soft (alcohol can not be used) and clean the thermal grease. Then you need to apply a new paste with a thin layer and almost perfectly level it on the chip. The next step is to mount the cover. And then we repeat everything in the reverse order. If you can do everything right at home - then please. But 70% of “hackers" do not succeed.
Where is better to order this procedure?
If you still decide on this procedure, but you do not have the necessary experience, then a reasonable question will arise about where to scalp the processor. To implement this process, it is better to contact professionals. This procedure can be performed at service centers, repair shops and so on. Also, many IT specialists provide their services individually. There are many such "individualists" on forums of relevant topics. However, not all of them can be trusted. Monitor user reviews and take into account those professionals who have the least complaints from customers. However, these “individual entrepreneurs” may not have the right tools. So it’s better to contact official repairmen.
Scalping before overclocking
Many owners of personal computers sleep and see how to make their car even faster. Overclocking the processor, RAM and video card can help with this. If everything is more or less clear with the "RAM" and the graphics accelerator (there is a lot of information on this topic on the Web), then before you can disperse the "stone", you need to understand a few simple things. If the standard video accelerator cooling system can theoretically cope with the increased core voltage, then the CO chip is not capable of this. This implies the need to purchase a more powerful cooler or install liquid cooling. Is it worth scalping the processor before overclocking? Definitely. No matter how cool the cooling system, it will not be able to cope with its duties if the thermal paste has dried up on the “stone” and the ventilation shafts have clogged. Only after scalping and installing a new cooling system can you start overclocking.
How does scalping affect work?
To answer this question, you first need to understand the essence of the effect of overheating. If less heat is removed from the processor than it emits, then the computer may slow down. This is at best. At worst, a permanent reboot of the machine is possible. And so on until the protection system fails and the processor burns out. If you scalp the processor, the overall speed of the personal computer will increase several times. The number of glitches will noticeably decrease and in general, the machine will begin to work more stable. Therefore, this process is necessary for chips that have been used for more than a year. Strictly speaking, this procedure must be performed every year. Only then will the “stone” serve for a long time and perfectly.
Possible scalping risks
The chance that something might go wrong during this procedure by a specialist is extremely small. However, if you took up it yourself, you must understand what you risk. Firstly, you can damage the processor legs when removing it from the motherboard. Often, inexperienced users pick up the chip with tweezers so much that they bend (or even break) its poor legs. Naturally, after that there is no way to properly install the chip. He becomes worthless. Secondly, it is possible to damage the chip coating when removing thermal paste from it. What is this fraught with? There will be no heat sink at all. The processor will start to work, but it will burn out very quickly. Thirdly, it is possible to apply thermal grease incorrectly. If the layer of this paste is not even enough, there is a risk that the processor cover will not fit snugly against the chip. As a result, the situation with the heat sink will deteriorate rather than improve. Do you still want to scalp the processor yourself? Better not need to think about it. This is painstaking work that requires extreme concentration and certain skills.
Conclusion
So, we sorted out whether it is possible to scalp the processor, sorted out the concept itself and learned how to do it. In some cases, scalping can significantly improve the heat sink from the chip and thereby increase the performance of the stone and the computer as a whole. Also scalping is necessary when overclocking the processor. Before starting overclocking, it is necessary to clean all ventilation ducts and replace thermal grease. Otherwise, the processor will overheat after raising the core voltage and no cooling system will help. But scalping should be done with extreme caution. Even a tiny mistake can lead to very sad consequences.