Raspberry Pi Heat Sink

Project Difficulty: Easy

Project Time: Less than 5 minutes

Materials Needed:

Thermal compound
Small heat sink (I got mine form an on-board graphics processor on an old computer)

Tools Needed:

Hack saw (With metal cutting blade)
Vice
File (Optional)
Screw Driver (Optional)
Knife (Optional)

Getting Your Heat Sink

1. You can find heat sinks that are 1/2 in x 1/2 in or larger.

• Old computers (on the on-board graphics processor or north bridge)
• Old video game consoles
• Old power supplies

2. Remove the heat sink with a screw driver or by hand

Cut #1

1. Clean off bottom of heat sink with knife or file
2. Find the best place to cut

• 4x3 prongs was the perfect size on my heat sink (may be different for you)
• Pick a spot with no bent prongs just so it looks nice

3. Place heat sink in vice and make your cut

Cut #2

Find the best spot for your second cut
- Some pins may bend while cutting, but it is alright
Place in vice again and cut

Cut #3 (Optional)

You can cut the prongs of your heat sink off so it doesn't stick out from the Pi so much
Place in vice and cut the prongs about 1/4 in

Filing

Start by filing down the bottom to make it nice and smooth
(Optional) File down the sides and tops of the prongs to make it look nice

Thermal Compound

Lay down some paper of a cloth so you don't make a mess with the thermal compound (it is very messy)
Apply a VERY small amount of thermal compound on the bottom of the heat sink
Place the heat sink on the Pi's processor and push down gently to distribute the thermal compound
Leave the Pi to let the thermal compound stick for at least 30 minutes