Since the launch of the Alder Lake CPUs, the cooling capacity of this processor has been questioned. First of all, the new socket format has pushed cooling system manufacturers to provide adapters for their existing hardware, without worrying about the efficiency that these modifications would generate. But above all because it was found that the elongated shape of the CPUs caused constraints on the IHS. The latter was able to bend and deform once fixed in the socket of the motherboard. This torsion of the Alder Lake CPUs is a cause for concern because it has impacts.
Obviously, this result is mostly not visible to the naked eye but it would have a definite impact on the cooling capacity of your processor. The deformation of the IHS reduces the contact surface between the cooler and the chip, thus degrading the heat exchange between the chip and the cooling system. This can lead to higher chip temperatures (variations around 5C can be seen). Unfortunately, this phenomenon is random and it is difficult to recommend a miracle solution at the moment.
Intel acknowledges the torsion of Alder Lake CPUs but minimizes its effects:
We have not received any reports of 12th-generation Intel Core processors running out of spec due to changes in the integrated heat sink (IHS). Our internal data shows that the IHS on 12th generation desktop processors may show a slight deviation after installation in the socket. Such minor deviation is expected and does not cause the processor to operate out of specification. We strongly discourage any modifications to the socket or the independent loading mechanism. Such modifications would cause the processor to operate out of specification and could void all product warranties. ( Off. Intel for Tom’s Hardware.) However, this statement seems to deny that there is unfortunately an ability to get or exceed the high frequencies of your CPU ( like the i9-12900K ) depending on the “quality” of your copy. And of course this parameter is totally taken into account. Moreover, it has been noticed that the stress exerted could also have effects on the socket itself ( see below ). A problem that could cause damage to the motherboard itself.
For the moment Intel says it continues to monitor the situation without taking any particular action. We therefore recommend, at the very least, extreme caution when installing your CPU and then its cooling system. The fixation of the latter and the use of correctly positioned thermal paste will be a prerequisite for those who want to keep / enjoy their investment for a long time… But we will come back to this soon.
