Delidding our Ryzen 9900X:
Please note that prior to this delid, we carried out a series of tests to measure the temperatures of our Ryzen 9900X before performing the delid operation . The idea was to obtain a series of data to compare the temperature gains we would achieve with direct die.
So let’s get started with delidding this AMD Ryzen 9900X. To do this, we’ll need a tool that allows us to minimize risk, because yes, there is no such thing as zero risk when delidding. We would therefore like to warn you that if you are interested in replicating this operation, you should be aware that your processor warranty is automatically void when you remove the IHS!
@cornerjack_occ Teasing du delid de notre processeur AMD Ryzen 9900X en partenariat avec @thermalgrizzly ! On revient en 2026 avec l’article et la vidéo complète qui vous explique les différentes étapes. Bon réveillon à tous et à l’année prochaine. #thermalgrizzly #overclocking #PC #delid #amd #ryzen #pcgaming #pcbuild #delidding
The tool: the Delid-Die-Mate
As we mentioned in the introduction, we received a Delid-Die-Mate from Thermal Grizzly. This tool allows us to delid our Ryzen 9900X processor and retails for €59.90. It is compatible with AMD Ryzen 7000 and 9000 processors. Note that Thermal Grizzly also offers a similar tool for Intel 13th Gen and LGA-1851 processors.
Inside the bag, you’ll find two Allen keys of different sizes. Below, we’ll see how to use them and, of course, how to delid our 9900X.
Let’s get started with delidding our Ryzen 9900X:
There isn’t really a guide on the Thermal Grizzly website detailing the various steps to follow to remove the IHS from your AMD processor. On the Delid-Die-Mate page, there is a video by der8auer showing how to delid an AMD Ryzen 7000. As we will show you, it’s actually quite simple.
The first step is to remove the four nuts from the top and the two screws on either side of the Delid-Die-Mate. The idea is to remove the red frame so that we can place our Ryzen 9900X in it.
Of course, there is a specific order to follow, just like when installing the processor in the motherboard socket. You need to refer to the triangle on the Delid-Die-Mate and on the PCB of our AMD Ryzen 9900X.
The principle of the Delid-Die-Mate for removing the IHS from the 9900X is to move it repeatedly from left to right. In the photos above, you can see the four “jaws” that will be placed in the cutouts of the IHS. The four upper screws are there to keep the red frame securely in place.
The two screws on either side of the Delid-Die-Mate will pull the frame from left to right. You will therefore need to screw on one side to bring the frame back, then unscrew slightly and screw on the other side. We didn’t count the number of times we went back and forth until the IHS was released, but it was close to 50 on each side. The Delid-Die-Mate was designed to avoid damaging the resistors on the PCB.
The photos above clearly show the movement of the IHS. Once it is released, the red frame can be moved by hand. Simply remove all the screws, lift the red frame, and remove the processor, which is now free of its IHS.
We will now move on to the next phase, which consists of cleaning the PCB and the dies of our Ryzen 9900X. We can see that the numerous resistors on the PCB have not been damaged.
Cleaning the PCB and dies of the Ryzen 9900X:
Now that our Ryzen 9900X has been stripped of its IHS, the next step is to properly clean the PCB and die. But why? The goal is to place the AMD Mycro Direct-Die PRO V1 water block directly on our processor, so we need to ensure optimal contact by cleaning off any glue and indium (solder) residue.
To do this, the first tool we will use is the TG Scraper. It will allow us to scrape off excess glue (the black spots on the PCB) and indium. Once most of the solder has been removed, the idea is to apply liquid metal to the dies for a few minutes.
We then mix in thermal paste to remove the liquid metal, and then use a cotton swab to rub the dies until they are shiny and perfectly clean. Our AMD Ryzen 9 9900X is now ready to be tested live!
