Friday, July 3rd 2020
Chinese Manufacturer ProArtist Solves AM4 CPU Mounting Problem with New IFE2 Bracket
The AMD consumer platform has long used PGA design chips, and this is no different with the AM4 platform. While this design reduces motherboard costs it comes with an unfortunate downside, PGA processors have a habit of sticking to the heatsink when attempting to remove or replace your heatsink. This problem is so commonplace that AMD has published guides online outlining the correct heatsink removal process which involves "twisting the CPU cooler clockwise and counterclockwise to loosen the seal between the heatsink and the lid of the CPU".
Chinese manufacturer ProArtist has created an ingenious solution, the IEF2 AM4 CPU mounting bracket. The bracket replaces the included mounting hardware on motherboards replacing it with spacers secured to a metal mounting place which heatsinks can then be attached to. This bracket ensures that the CPU won't be damaged when removing heatsinks. The bracket is non-standard so only compatibility with ProArtist coolers such as the DESSERTS3 is guaranteed. The IEF2 AM4 CPU mounting bracket is available only in China from Taobao for less than 5 USD.
Sources:
Chiphell - kthlon, Overclock3d
Chinese manufacturer ProArtist has created an ingenious solution, the IEF2 AM4 CPU mounting bracket. The bracket replaces the included mounting hardware on motherboards replacing it with spacers secured to a metal mounting place which heatsinks can then be attached to. This bracket ensures that the CPU won't be damaged when removing heatsinks. The bracket is non-standard so only compatibility with ProArtist coolers such as the DESSERTS3 is guaranteed. The IEF2 AM4 CPU mounting bracket is available only in China from Taobao for less than 5 USD.
57 Comments on Chinese Manufacturer ProArtist Solves AM4 CPU Mounting Problem with New IFE2 Bracket
This is no different than what every cooler manufacturer does.
How on Earth is this news?
But really now, if someone is in hardware news to know about this bracket's existance, probably knows how to remove the heatsink without popping out the CPU too.
But either way, that's a neat solution. Only compatible with few chinese cooling solutions, but at least for those they've bundled smaller standoffs to compensate for that 1-2mm of extra thickness on the bracket.
Oh dear.
As for this bracket: while I kind of see its utility, I have trouble understanding how difficult it is to twist the cooler a bit back and forth to get the TIM to let go.
But mea culpa, I should've looked closer. I do believe, however, that something in the news piece specifically calling this out would've been helpful, like: (feel free to use the above if you want) Yes!NO I mean, technically superglue can be used as thermal paste. :p
That does not mean a PGA socket could not also just have a hold-down plate, this is not rocketscience.
Yes, it is possible to tear the rtv adhesive using vacuum force only. This is why ZIF AM4 socket doesn't have this. And this is why LGA socket CPUs have a flange on the IHS, rather than to make contact on the organic substrate.
Result: the CPU got yanked right out of the socket.