Most computer cooling guides state that it is important for the bottom of the heatsink to be as shiny and smooth as possible to get the best and most contact with the surface of the CPU, and also to prevent air pockets and bubbles of thermal compound. To get this super surface, they endorse lapping and buffing the heck out of the bottom of the heatsink with finer and finer materials.
Why then is the surface of the CPU itself the opposite? Why is it that the surface of the CPU is rough like brushed steel, and has words and markings engraved on it? Does this not totally nullify the point of having a smooth, shiny surface? Are we supposed to buff the CPU surface until it is smooth and the markings are gone?