What Is a CPU Contact Frame? Does It Prevent CPU Warping?
Since Intel released its 12th and 13th Gen CPUs, one glaring issue has affected the thermal performance of these highly capable chips. Numerous reports suggest the elongated design of these CPUs, coupled with the LGA 1700 socket’s latching mechanism, causes them to bend or warp over time.
To alleviate this bowing issue and improve cooling potential, companies like Thermal Grizzly and Thermalright have devised unique aftermarket solutions in the form of an anti-bend CPU contact frame. But how exactly does this bending corrector frame work, and is it worth the additional investment?
Understanding the Impact of CPU Warping on Thermal Performance
Unlike Intel’s previous-gen chips, the new horizontal IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader) on its Alder Lake andRaptor Lake CPUsis susceptible to bending, warping, or bowing when secured inside the LGA 1700 socket. Several users have claimed that this issue stems from the ILM (Independent Loading Mechanism) of Socket V, where an uneven contact pressure during installation can lead to such deflections in the middle of the IHS.
As is evident from the video posted above, the concavity of Intel’s redesigned IHS creates a gap, reducing the contact area between the chip and the heatsink. Consequently, this non-uniform contact has a noticeable impact on cooling performance and could potentially increase the operating temperatures on any 12th or 13th Gen CPU by about 5°C.
Although the warping issue with Intel’s Alder Lake and Raptor Lake CPUs seems alarming in the first place, the company might have downplayed its significance by a considerable margin. In an interview withTom’s Hardware, an Intel spokesperson clarified that this anomaly doesn’t seriously threaten CPU performance and overall functionality in the long run.
We have not received reports of 12th Gen Intel Core processors running outside of specifications due to changes to the integrated heat spreader (IHS). Our internal data show that the IHS on 12th Gen desktop processors may have slight deflection after installation in the socket. Such minor deflection is expected and does not cause the processor to run outside of specifications. We strongly recommend against any modifications to the socket or independent loading mechanism. Such modifications would result in the processor being run outside of specifications and may void any product warranties.
As comforting as this statement might sound, Intel did not address all concerns raised by the community. Questions about the long-term impact onLGA 1700-based motherboards, such as the potential damage to their traces and other circuitry due to extreme mounting pressure, have only been partially answered. Based on Intel’s response, there is no direct correlation between IHS deflection and motherboard bending other than both being caused by the mechanical loading of the socket.
In response, overclocking aficionados have already come up with multiple solutions to mitigate any warping vulnerabilities associated with Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen CPUs. For instance,Igor’s Labadded M4 washers to the socket holders in an attempt to reduce the mounting pressure, whereas overclocking expertLuumitested the utility of a 3D-printed LGA 1700 bracket with an Intel Core i5-12600K and EVGA’s Z690 Dark Kingpin motherboard.
Meanwhile, overclocking enthusiasts like Splave hacksawed an entire socket out of a motherboard to reinstate the cooling capabilities of an Intel Core i9-12900K. Since these modifications are cumbersome and difficult to replicate for the average user, the advent of anti-bend CPU contact frames is an inexpensive yet effective solution for the Alder Lake and Raptor Lake lineup.
How Does a CPU Contact Frame Work?
For those uninitiated, a CPU contact frame is a specialized aftermarket accessory designed to replace the stock ILM of LGA 1700 (manufactured by Lotes and Foxconn). These anti-bend frames feature a unique design that evenly distributes contact pressure on the CPU’s integrated heat spreader.
The optimized contact pressure brought about by these anti-bend frames helps minimize bending and warping issues, reducing CPU temperatures by as much as 10°C under intense workloads. Both the CPU contact frames by Thermal Grizzly (in association with tech-YouTuber der8auer) and Thermalright are manufactured from materials such as anodized aluminum, providing rigidity and stability to the CPU installation process.
By ensuring a more uniform and secure contact between the CPU and the cooler, these bending corrector frames aim to improve heat transfer, enhance cooling capabilities, and prevent any warping issues from happening in the future.
Specifications
Thermal Grizzly CPU Contact Frame
Thermalright LGA 1700-BCF
Aluminum (EN-AW 7075)
Aluminum Alloy
Included Accessories
Besides manufacturing a bending corrector frame for LGA 1700, Thermalright has also launched a similar accessory for early adopters of theAMD AM5 platform. Dubbed the AMD AM5 2-in-1 Secure Frame, this contact frame has been tailor-made for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 Series CPUs with precision and a notched design to prevent any thermal grease from spreading across the crevices of these chips.
Benefits of Using a CPU Contact Frame
To ascertain whether the CPU contact frames are a worthwhile investment, let’s look at their benefits over stock ILMs.
As you can see, there are several good reasons to consider a CPU contact frame.
Should You Buy a CPU Contact Frame?
CPU contact frames have emerged as a potential solution to address the bending and warping issues caused by the clamping system of Intel’s LGA 1700 socket. While these aftermarket accessories have shown positive results, it’s crucial to consider Intel’s recommendations and warranty implications.
If you prioritize CPU temperatures and noise levels over the possibility of voiding warranties, both Thermal Grizzly and Thermalright’s CPU contact frames are worth considering. Only time will tell the extent of its effectiveness, but for a modest investment, these anti-bend frames can provide some peace of mind for your valuable hardware.
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