Intel “Alder Lake” mounting frames lower the temperature by 10 degrees

When Intel unveiled the Core 12000 “Alder Lake” series last fall, it debuted a long list of innovations such as shrink manufacturing technology, new architectures and support for PCI Express 5.0 and DDR5 memory. At the same crank, the base LGA 1700 was introduced with new dimensions and radiator mounts. Soon after launch, it was found that processors are more difficult to cool, and this is not only due to the high power consumption.

The pressure from the radiator assembly bends the processor, which is perfectly normal according to Intel. The curved heat diffuser results in a smaller contact area, which is why players like Thermalright, Alphacool and Thermal Grizzly have released mounting frames that reduce the problem. Technical site Igor lab Now he puts a homemade solution and tires from Alphacool and Thermal Grizzly under the microscope, to see how they affect performance.

Stabilizers are tested using the top-of-the-line Core i9-12900K with only the most powerful cores activated. With these at 5.0GHz and in our Prime 95 test, it’s a constant power output of around 250W, which is rolled out with true, closed-type, custom-built water coolers. Radiator sizes from 360 to 480 mm are shown in these, and it is clear that the test shows the size of the gain with the best possible coolant and with the maximum load.

image source: Igor lab

Two of the three cooling solutions are incompatible with the Alphacool solution. All, on the other hand, work with the Thermal Grizzly tire and a do-it-yourself variant, which means 1mm spacers are used to lower the pressure. The Grizzly thermal tire is also the tire that makes a huge difference, with cuts ranging from 5 to 10 degrees depending on the coolant. Approximately 5 degrees are measured using two alternative solutions – when combined with specially designed hydrocooling. Corsair closed radiator is best perceived as a drop of 0.8 degrees, which is explained by the fact that the radiator also has a curved contact surface.

The conclusion is that curved Intel “Alder Lake” processors are difficult to cool too much, but they can also be corrected by relatively simple means. The Grizzly Thermal Tire is touted as the best because it works with more coolants and gives the best results. However, at around €40, it’s a relatively expensive upgrade. A slightly bulky Alphacool rear piece costs €15, while a snug base mod piece can do better for a few kroner.

Do you have a Core 12000 processor in your computer? Do you find it difficult to keep it cool? Share the comment thread!