Intel 12th Gen Core “Alder Lake-S” Processors to Require New CPU Coolers Due to Socket Changes

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Image: Intel

Intel’s next family of desktop processors, the 12th Gen Core “Alder Lake-S” series, will feature a new socket code named LGA 1700. Schematics shared by Igor’s Lab today confirm that enthusiasts will need new coolers (or, at least, new mounts) based on the dimensions of LGA 1700 (37.5 x 45 mm vs. LGA 1200’s 37.5 x 37.5 mm), which include some significant differences such as a shorter Z-stack height and new hole pattern. Igor’s report also suggests that Intel may have partnered with Cooler Master again to develop a special, thermoelectric (Peltier) cooler that follows on the heels of the MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero for LGA 1200 processors.

With the new LGA1700 and LGA1800 sockets, Intel also introduces a new mounting system and deliberately changes the hole patterns for the screw and backplate. With the increased distances of the holes by a few millimeters, one wants to understandably avoid that someone puts an old cooler on the new system. Because not only the structure width of the new CPUs becomes smaller, but also the height of the complete package.

Sources: Igor’s Lab, VideoCardz, Tom’s Hardware

Tsing Mui
News poster at The FPS Review.

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