The 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 rock scalping. Say, this helps to significantly reduce its temperature and forget about overheating. What does it mean to "scalp the processor" and why do you need to do it? 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 by Europeans, wars were waged with the indigenous population (Indians) for territories. The Iroquois, Cherokee, and Shoshone Indians loved to scalp the pale-faced. That is to remove the skin from the topskulls along with hair. This act was called "scalp". The same is meant when they say that you need to "scalp the processor." The protective cover is removed from the "stone", all the ventilation holes are cleaned and the thermal paste is replaced. After all the manipulations, the cover is put back on (the Indians did not do this), and the processor is ready to work again.
Why scalp the CPU? The fact is that over the long years of operation, the thermal paste connecting the chip and the cover dries out. 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 cover and reduces the efficiency of heat removal. Also, scalping is often used before overclocking the processor. For better heat dissipation. Sometimes thermal paste replacement is required even for new processors, since the regular one is no good. In general, scalping helps extend the life of the processor and prevents it from overheating.
Which processors should I scalp?
Should I scalp a CPU that was just taken out of the box? To answer this question, one sentence is not enough. It is well known that most AMD products need to be scalped immediately after purchase, as the guys from the "red" division often use low-quality thermal paste. As for Intel, it's not all that bad. The list of "stones" that must be scalped immediately after purchase is extremely small: these are processorsCore series (i3, i5, i7) of the third generation. Something went wrong with them at Intel. Therefore, it is better to play it safe. Otherwise, these "stones" will get very hot and eventually just burn out "at work".
How to scalp?
How to scalp the processor yourself? It should be noted right away that without at least minimal knowledge about the structure of the processor and computer device as a whole, there is nothing to even 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), purchase good thermal paste and be patient. You need to carefully remove the cooler from the processor cover. Then, no less carefully, you need to disconnect the processor from the socket. Sometimes you need to unscrew a couple of bolts to do this. After that, you need to pick up the lid with a scalpel and carefully remove it with tweezers. It is necessary to wipe the places of the ventilation holes with something soft (alcohol cannot be used) and clean off the thermal paste. Then you need to apply a thin layer of new paste and smooth it almost perfectly on the chip. The next step is to mount the cover. And then we repeat everything in reverse order. If you can do everything right at home - then please. But 70% of "hackers" fail.
Where is the best place 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 carry out this process, it is better to turn to professionals. This procedure can be performed in service centers, repair shops and so on. Also, many IT specialists provide their services individually. There are many such "individualists" on the forums of the corresponding subjects. 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 still contact the official repairmen.
Scalping before overclocking
Many personal computer owners 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 overclocking 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 chip's CO is not capable of this. Hence 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 is, it does notwill cope with its duties if the thermal paste has dried up on the "stone" and the ventilation shafts are clogged. Only after scalping and installing a new cooling system can you start overclocking.
How does scalping affect work?
To answer this question, you must first understand the essence of the influence of overheating. If less heat is removed from the processor than it generates, then the computer may slow down. This is at best. At worst, a constant reboot of the machine is possible. And so on until the protection system fails and the processor burns out. If you scalp the processor, then the overall speed of the personal computer will increase several times. The number of glitches will noticeably decrease and, in general, the machine will start to work more stable. Therefore, this process is necessary for chips that are used for more than a year. Strictly speaking, this procedure must be done every year. Only then will the "stone" serve long and well.
Possible risks when scalping
The chance that something can go wrong when this procedure is carried out by a specialist is extremely small. However, if you took it on yourself, you should understand what you are risking. Firstly, you can damage the legs of the processor when it is removed from the motherboard. Often, inexperienced users pry the chip with tweezers so that they bend (or even break) its poor legs. Naturally, after that there is no way to properly install the chip. He falls into disrepair. Secondly, you candamage the coating of the chip when removing thermal paste from it. What is the risk? There will be no heat sink at all. The processor will start to work, but will burn out very quickly. Thirdly, you can apply thermal paste incorrectly. With an insufficiently even layer of this very paste, 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 worsen, not improve. Do you still want to scalp the processor yourself? Better not to think about it. This is painstaking work that requires extreme concentration and certain skills.
Conclusion
So, we have figured out whether it is possible to scalp the processor, sorted out the concept itself and found out how it is done. In some cases, scalping can significantly improve heat dissipation 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 you start overclocking, you need to clean all the ventilation ducts and replace the thermal paste. Otherwise, the processor will overheat after raising the core voltage and no cooling system will help. But scalping should be done with the utmost care. Even a tiny mistake can lead to very sad consequences.
