Hefty performance requires ample cooling, especially if you are looking to enjoy some intensive gaming or content creation.
Whilst opting for a comprehensive cooling system is a great way to keep temperatures down to a minimum, delidding is another way in which you can get the maximum out of your CPU without making temperatures soar. In this guide, we’ll be taking you through delidding, highlighting what is it, how to do it, and all the must-have tools you need.
What is Delidding?
Delidding is where you remove the metal integrated heat spreader (IHS) from your CPU, and the stock thermal paste, then replace it with liquid metal or a high-quality thermal paste. This results in greater heat dissipation, notably reducing temperatures by 10-20% along with greater overclocking capabilities. All of which combined results in faster performance that is perfect for AAA gaming, streaming, and much more.
Advantages:
- Improved thermal performance
- Better overclocking capabilities
Disadvantages:
- Difficult to do – requires lots of tools and precision
- Can damage the CPU
- Will most likely void the warranty on the CPU
Direct Die Cooling:
Alternatively, you can opt for direct die cooling.
Direct die cooling is where you completely remove the heat spreader. Instead, the base plate of your CPU cooler directly touches the chip. This allows for more efficient cooling since any heat generated is dissipated directly into the cooler itself, without having to be transferred through a heat spreader first.
Please be aware however, direct die cooling will also most likely void the warranty on your CPU.
You can find dedicated direct die frames that can be used to attach your CPU without its heat spreader.
Thermal Grizzly AMD Ryzen 7000 Direct Die Frame:
- Direct die CPU frame
- Compatible with the AMD Ryzen 7000 series
EK Water Blocks EK-Quantum Intel 1700 Direct Die Kit:
- Direct die CPU frame
- Compatible with Intel 12th and 13th gen
How to Delid Your CPU
If you want to delid your CPU, we’ve included some simple step-by-step instructions down below. However, before you begin, we recommend you look at purchasing some dedicated tools, designed to make delidding even easier.
Thermal Grizzly AMD Ryzen 7000 Direct Die Mate:
- Dedicated delidding and direct die tool
- Compatible with AMD Ryzen 7000 Series
Thermal Grizzly Intel Delid-Die-Mate:
- Dedicated delidding and direct die tool
- Compatible with Intel 12th and 13th gen
Step-by-Step:
First, you will need to remove the top metal integrated heat spreader. Once it’s removed, clear off any excess silicone, you may need a plastic scraper or spatula to help you do this. Once all the silicone has been removed, put a small amount of the liquid metal or thermal paste onto the chip. Spread the paste around the chip using a soft cotton bud.
After this, carefully reapply the silicone around the lip of the IHS and then press it together to allow it to set in place. We recommend leaving it for at least thirty minutes to an hour, and that’s it. You’ve successfully delidded your CPU and it can now be reinstalled inside your PC.
Have You Experienced Delidding?
Be sure to leave your thoughts on delidding in the comments below, especially if you’ve had a go at it yourself!
- 3 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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