Introduction: Raspberry Pi Heat Sink

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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)

Step 1: 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

Step 2: 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


Step 3: Cut #2

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

Step 4: Cut #3 (Optional)

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

Step 5: Filing

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

Step 6: Thermal Compound

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