After months of speculation, Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs have finally arrived. Thanks to a completely rebuilt ‘hybrid’ architecture and support for technologies like DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, the new chips represent the biggest generational leap for the blue team in years.
You’ll need a new motherboard, a new cooler, or updated standoffs from the manufacturer if you want to use these Intel processors.
The CPU coolers for Intel’s Alder Lake socket LGA 1700 will be examined in this article. Let’s clear up some of the muddle surrounding these new chips’ cooling strategies. Intel Alder Lake socket LGA 1700 CPU coolers are here for your perusal.
Intel’s LGA 1700 Motherboard
In comparison to the LGA 1200 socket that powers the current generation of Rocket Lake processors, Intel’s LGA 1700 socket, codenamed 15R1, is taller. In the meantime, here’s a quick glance at the LGA 1700 socket specification:
The dimensions of the new LGA 1700 socket are different from those of the outgoing LGA 1200 socket. Z600 series boards therefore have a new cooler-mounting hole layout. Not only does the new socket have an asymmetrical shape, but its z-stack height is also shorter. There will be no way to properly connect the present CPU cooler mounting brackets so that they make full contact with the CPU’s internal heat sink (IHS). The thermal paste may not spread evenly across the cold plate if the mounting pressure is not adequate (and the IHS). As a result, you’ll either need to purchase a new CPU cooler or an upgrade kit that includes new mounting brackets and standoffs for your current CPU cooler.
Does your Intel intel LGA 1700 processor require a new cooler?
For many years now, cooling companies have had to contend with the introduction of new CPUs. In the near future, “upgrade kits” will be available that will allow you to use your existing LGA1200/LGA115x Retention bracket and backplate. We’ve compiled a list of the companies that have already announced cooler upgrade kits. As more manufacturers declare their plans for an upgrade, we’ll keep this list up to current. We don’t expect all manufacturers to offer kits for all of the current coolers that are on the market. ‘ As far as we know, it’s generally reserved for high-end coolers and newer models.
There are a few occasions when manufacturers give away complimentary upgrade kits that include new mounting brackets and standoffs. Even if you have to pay a modest cost for the kit, it’s still less expensive than purchasing a brand-new cooler. Here are some of the socket LGA 1700 upgrade kits that have previously been announced.
Corsair
There is an ELITE CAPELLIX upgrade kit available from Corsair. The 115x/1200 bracket may be used with the LGA 1700 socket with the help of this kit, which appears to be nothing more than updated standoffs. Keep in mind that only Elite Capellix coolers will work with this. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for future updates or buy another Corsair AIO cooler.
Alternatively, the complete retention kit is available for purchase to put the cooler on a variety of sockets, including AMD’s AM4.
Noctua
In addition, Noctua is one of the select few manufacturers to certify the availability of its mounting modification kits. Almost all of Noctua’s multi-socket CPU cooler models will be upgraded to handle the new LGA 1700 socket, which is already supported by a small number of the company’s existing coolers. There are two separate mounting kits available from Noctua, each with a list of compatible products. The mounting kits are available for purchase through the links provided below. In addition, Noctua has confirmed that all of its multi-socket coolers would come with LGA1700 mounting hardware.
Artic
Artic has also stated that it would produce mounting brackets for several of its current coolers that are LGA 1700 compliant in the near future. Customers with a valid receipt will be able to get them free of charge. The following Artic CPU coolers will come with LGA 1700 mounting kits:
All variants of the Freezer 34
Freezer 50 Freezer i13 X and Freezer i13 X CO are part of the Liquid Freezer II family.
Thermostat Master
Both air and liquid coolers manufactured by Cooler Master are now compatible with LGA 1700 mounting kits. The new mounting kit is now included with nearly all Cooler Master coolers, at least the most recent and popular models. Additionally, for coolers purchased prior to the debut of the Intel Alder Lake CPU, the business claims it will provide free LGA 1700 mounting kits. Contact your merchant or Cooler Master directly to determine if you qualify for the free CPU upgrade.
NZXT
New mounting kits for NZXT’s Kraken series of AIO coolers will also be available. The new LGA 1700 bracket will be included in all Kraken units manufactured after mid to late November of 2021. If you have an LGA 1700 Kraken cooler, you’ll get a complimentary LGA 1700 bracket kit as a thank you. Following these steps will allow you to get your hands on it. In addition, NZXT has put together a list of all of its LGA 1700-compatible CPU coolers:
- KRAKEN Z series by NZXT
- X-Series by NZXT
- KRAKEN 120 series by NZXT
ASUS
The new LGA 1700 socket is also compatible with ASUS’ extensive line of AIO CPU cooling. The LGA 1700 mounting kit package, which includes a mounting bracket, a backplate, and four standoff screws for the new socket, will be included with all qualifying module types. To see which ASUS AIO liquid coolers are compatible with the LGA 1700 socket, see the following:
- ROG Ryujin II 360/ ROG Ryujin II 240
- ROG Strix LC II 360/ ROG Strix LC II 360 ARGB/ ROG Strix LC II 280 ARGB/ ROG Strix LC II 240/ ROG Strix LC II 240 ARGB/ ROG Strix LC II 120 ARGB
- TUF Gaming LC 240 ARGB/ TUF Gaming LC 120 ARGB
Next generation of Raptor Lake CPUs, the same CPU coolers can be used.
In order to accommodate more pins, the new LGA 1700 socket is larger. The same LGA 1700 socket looks to be able to accept processors with 1700 and 1800 pins. Raptor Lake, Intel’s next-generation processor with 1800 pins, is expected to use the same socket. In the context of these sockets supporting many generations of the same processor, it’s hardly a surprise. However, until we have additional information, we will not speculate further on this topic.
In order to get your hands on the newest Intel processors, pre-orders have already begun. It’s likely that many of you are eagerly anticipating the release of a powerful Intel-based system built around one of these new chips. Make sure you obtain a powerful cooler to handle the heat generated by these modern processors. Without adequate cooling, it’s safe to assume that all three of Intel’s latest processors, the i5-12600K(F), the Core i7-12700K, and the Core i9-12900K(F), are going to suffer.
Comment below and tell us what you think about these new Alder Lake CPUs. Check out our best CPU coolers list to see if any new coolers are available for your CPU.
