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Actual CPU thickness measurement

Actual CPU thickness measurement

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BaconBurps
Junior Member
16
10-18-2016, 04:38 PM
#1
I once stripped the IHS from an old CPU, revealing a silicon component only a few millimeters thick. But how thick is the actual CPU where all the nano transistors are placed? Is there a very thin layer on top or bottom? I also saw someone try to peel off a microchip’s plastic casing with sandpaper and accidentally damaged the chip itself—so it seems the surface layers can be surprisingly delicate.
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BaconBurps
10-18-2016, 04:38 PM #1

I once stripped the IHS from an old CPU, revealing a silicon component only a few millimeters thick. But how thick is the actual CPU where all the nano transistors are placed? Is there a very thin layer on top or bottom? I also saw someone try to peel off a microchip’s plastic casing with sandpaper and accidentally damaged the chip itself—so it seems the surface layers can be surprisingly delicate.

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nickmill48
Member
165
10-20-2016, 02:02 AM
#2
Yeah, that silicon piece is the CPU die. I believe there's a finish layer on top to make it perfectly flat for good contact with the IHS, but it is indeed very thin. Removing the IHS and slapping a cooler straight onto the CPU is called direct die cooling, some computers (I know for sure at least a generation or two of the old Mac Pros) and most GPUs do so.
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nickmill48
10-20-2016, 02:02 AM #2

Yeah, that silicon piece is the CPU die. I believe there's a finish layer on top to make it perfectly flat for good contact with the IHS, but it is indeed very thin. Removing the IHS and slapping a cooler straight onto the CPU is called direct die cooling, some computers (I know for sure at least a generation or two of the old Mac Pros) and most GPUs do so.

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dt118lw
Member
198
10-21-2016, 04:52 AM
#3
Overclocking a CPU die is typically handled by enthusiasts, meaning the design should be carefully managed. If you're unsure about the limits before altering transistors, it's wise to steer clear or ensure your setup is precise.
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dt118lw
10-21-2016, 04:52 AM #3

Overclocking a CPU die is typically handled by enthusiasts, meaning the design should be carefully managed. If you're unsure about the limits before altering transistors, it's wise to steer clear or ensure your setup is precise.

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AsianAddict
Junior Member
39
10-22-2016, 11:55 PM
#4
I wasn't creating original content, just looking into the placement of transistors within the silicon. After watching the video, I understood it's likely a very thin layer—either on top or bottom—depending on the chip design, not the full thickness of the silicon.
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AsianAddict
10-22-2016, 11:55 PM #4

I wasn't creating original content, just looking into the placement of transistors within the silicon. After watching the video, I understood it's likely a very thin layer—either on top or bottom—depending on the chip design, not the full thickness of the silicon.