Well-known overclocking specialist Roman “der8auer” Hartung has posted a new video showing the advantages that can be had in delidding Intel’s latest flagship processor to change out its thermal paste. The Thermal Grizzly CEO used its Delid-Die-Mate tool to remove the Intel Core i9 14900K integrated heat spreader (IHS), prepped the processor and IHS, then applied Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal thermal paste directly to the processor before reattaching the IHS. An off-the-shelf Corsair 360mm AIO was used for cooling. Multiple tests were done with the waterblock being attached via standard mounting but then also using Thermal Grizzly’s contact frame. Temperatures decreased by around 10°C during initial testing but dropped further by 12°C when the contact frame was added. Roman expressed surprise with the improved temperature using the contact frame as results with previous Intel Core i9’s had not always shown similar benefits.
Testing and Comparisons
Roman showed how very little physical change has happened between the 12900K, 13900K, and 14900K processors. Hartung did a detailed analysis of the die dimensions and heat spreader for the Intel Core i9 14900K before reattaching it. A significant amount of prep was involved in cleaning both but also grinding the IHS to ensure proper reinstallation. E-cores saw a temperature drop of around 8°C while P-cores experienced up to 12°C decrease. In addition to the decreased temperatures, it was noted that the processor’s power draw also dropped by around 10W.
Clearly, it can be seen that there are benefits to be had in performing these steps but users should be aware there are major risks involved. Not only does delidding void the manufacturer warranty on these expensive processors but if anything goes wrong one could damage, or destroy, their processor, or system. Those more curious about the Intel Core i9 14900K can find our detailed review of it here.