Intel Core Ultra 200S processors are compatible with previous generation coolers; But the mount must be used
Apparently, the current coolers have to be installed with a socket mount to get the most out of Intel’s Arrow Lake S processors.
Recently, there has been a lot of hype about the new generation of Core Ultra 200S desktop CPUs and their cooling solutions; Especially when it became clear that the focal point of heat production (Hotspot) of the Intel processor has been moved slightly to the north of the centralized heat spreader (IHS) or the metal frame of the processor compared to Raptor Lake. The location of this hot spot is of great importance to cooling manufacturers.
The issue of changing the Hotspot coordinates eventually led to a debate about whether cooler manufacturers needed to completely change their design. Recently, MSI explained that a new design is not needed, and instead, an “offset mount installation” will be the solution. This moving clip will move the base of the fan towards the heat source of the processor and will reduce its temperature.
Movable mounts from manufacturers like MSI will help further reduce CPU temperatures. Other manufacturers such as Arctic and Noctua have also published LGA 1700 to LGA 1851 socket compatibility lists for their coolers and will offer mounts to support older coolers.
Intel confirms that the LGA 1700 coolers are compatible with the LGA 1851 socket. “The cooling mounting holes for the LGA1700 and LGA1851 sockets are in the same places,” says the blue team; So that the coolers of the previous generation are properly placed in the new platform.
Albert Thomasa well-known CPU cooling expert, revealed that the contact frames (where the CPU contacts) of some coolers designed for the LGA 1700 socket will not be compatible with Core Ultra 200S CPUs; Because the new dimensions of LGA 1851 are a little bigger and it disrupts the contact between the frame and the CPU IHS and creates a small gap on the edges; However, this gap is not visible at first glance.
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Intel says: “The LGA1851 socket is identical in size to its predecessor, the LGA1700; But it is not compatible with older sockets. As a result, people who want to use Core Ultra 200 desktop processors will need an LGA1851-based motherboard.