Performing a “delid” on one’s processor to improve the contact between the processor and the cooler has been popular in some enthusiast circles for a long time, in search of lower temperatures. The term means that the heat spreader on the processor is removed, often with the help of a tool specifically intended for the purpose. SweClockers has previously attempted the procedurethen with an Intel Core i7-8700K.
Now presents the Bilibili user Expreview (via Videocardz) a “part” of a development copy of the Core i9-13900 from the upcoming “Raptor Lake” series. With razor blade and heat gun in hand, the hood is lifted from the worst thing. Since a few generations ago, Intel has moved away from the cooling paste that was previously used between the processor and heat spreader to instead solder them together, something that continues with the Core 13000 series.
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In its video, Expreview places naked flagship processors from “Rocket Lake”, “Alder Lake” and the upcoming “Raptor Lake” side by side. Those who look a little closer can make out that the “Raptor Lake” circuit looks bigger than its predecessor. This is confirmed by the dimensions presented, which show that the upcoming processor will be 257 mm², which can be compared to the predecessor’s 208 mm². The two processors have the same number of high-performance cores, but eight extra energy-efficient ones are added with the Core i9-13900. These likely bear much of the responsibility for the larger circuit, which is still smaller than the 280mm² ‘Rocket Lake’ model.
Larger circuits are generally easier to keep cool because the heat is not quite as concentrated and the area that comes into contact with the heat spreader is larger. At the same time, the rumor mill leans towards the Core 13000 series being a power-hungry generation, and it is therefore not a given that they will run cool without a substantial cooling solution. It is still unclear how well they will be able to cool down and how much a “delid” can help this time. The answers to the questions teach come sometime in the fallwhen the launch of “Raptor Lake” occurs.
Have you ever tried a “delid”? Share in the thread!
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