Intel's statement on IHS warping

[looniam]

read this on TMG and since the first thing i saw here today was a i9-12900K temp issues thread.

Intel Comments On Alder Lake's Warping and Bending Issues, Mods Void Warranty

"Nothing to see here, folks"

www.tomshardware.com

the problem

unlocked/locked

"We have not received reports of 12th Gen Intel Core processors running outside of specifications due to changes to the integrated heat spreader (IHS). Our internal data show that the IHS on 12th Gen desktop processors may have slight deflection after installation in the socket. Such minor deflection is expected and does not cause the processor to run outside of specifications. We strongly recommend against any modifications to the socket or independent loading mechanism. Such modifications would result in the processor being run outside of specifications and may void any product warranties." Intel Spokesperson to Tom's Hardware.

some further questions:

• Are there any planned changes to the ILM design? This condition might only exist with certain versions of the ILM. Can you confirm that these ILM are to spec?
• "Based on current data, we can’t attribute the IHS deflection variation to any specific vendor or socket mechanism. However, we are investigating any potential issues alongside our partners and customers, and we will provide further guidance on relevant solutions as appropriate." - Intel Spokesperson to Tom's Hardware.
• Some users report reduced thermal transfer from the deflection issue, which makes sense as it clearly impacts the ability of the IHS to mate with the cooler. Would Intel RMA the chip if the mating was poor enough to lead to thermal throttling?
• "Minor IHS deflection is expected and does not cause the processor to run outside of specifications or prevent the processor from meeting published frequencies under the proper operating conditions. We recommend users who observe any functional issues with their processors to contact Intel Customer Service." - Intel Spokesperson to Tom's Hardware.
• The chip deflection issue also impacts motherboards – as a result of the deflection on the chip, the socket ends up bending the rear of the socket, and thus the motherboard. This raises the possibility of damage to the traces running through the motherboard PCB, etc. Is this condition also within spec?
• "When there’s backplate bending occurring on the motherboard, the warping is being caused by the mechanical load being placed on the motherboard to make electrical contact between the CPU and the socket. There’s no direct correlation between IHS deflection and backplate bending, other than they can both be caused by the mechanical socket loading." - Intel Spokesperson to Tom's Hardware.

TLDR: as long as the chip runs base speeds and doesn't thermal trip, its still within specs. . . i guess.

 

[The red spirit]

TLDR: as long as the chip runs base speeds and doesn't thermal trip, its still within specs. . . i guess.

aka Intel doesn't give a shit and they are fine with bent boards, since they can shit blame to board OEMs

 

[freeagent]

I saw this, not sure if it would help you guys..

https://aliexpress.com/item/1005004...gtn9gh0carhm1800f7ad335fb8c9f6dc92d444&gclid=

 

[looniam]

I saw this, not sure if it would help you guys..

https://aliexpress.com/item/1005004...gtn9gh0carhm1800f7ad335fb8c9f6dc92d444&gclid=

that looks much better than the washer mod neowin warned about:

Intel finally responds to bending 12th gen Alder Lake CPUs on LGA1700 motherboards

Intel has finally responded to widespread reports of bending 12th Gen Alder Lake-S desktop processors. Some of the most expensive SKUs like the Core i9-12900K are also affected by this issue.

www.neowin.net

For those wondering if there's any unofficial workaround for the problem, there does exist a washer mod which has been tested by Igor'sLAB. However Intel has cautioned that, such modifications, among others, will void your warranty.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

Might be worth a try.

 

[Nike_486DX]

Ahh xxxx here we go again (last time it was skylake afaik). There is always gonna be some bending, afterall you are mouning the cooler to the board, and you want it to sit tight.

 

[eidairaman1]

Ahh xxxx here we go again (last time it was skylake afaik). There is always gonna be some bending, afterall you are mouning the cooler to the board, and you want it to sit tight.

Some tension is good, but too much cracks traces and distorts pins. I remember the Socket A shim

 

[Mr.Scott]

I remember the Socket A shim

Socket A shim was a sham. Totally unnecessary.
Just use some care when installing the cooler.

 

[RyzenMaster.sys]

Socket a coolers themselves were hard enough to install. Some barely had any lip for a screwdriver to slide into when installing the cooler as well.

 

[Steevo]

aka Intel doesn't give a shit and they are fine with bent boards, since they can shit blame to board OEMs

Does Intel make their own branded mobos anymore? Not for this socket. So either they knew of the issue and decided to sit this one out for some reason or they just haven’t had the time or resources…..

Sounds like a lot of pass the buck to me.

 

[R-T-B]

Does Intel make their own branded mobos anymore? Not for this socket. So either they knew of the issue and decided to sit this one out for some reason or they just haven’t had the time or resources…..

Sounds like a lot of pass the buck to me.

They have not made consumer boards for some time...

 

[qubit]

Socket A shim was a sham. Totally unnecessary.
Just use some care when installing the cooler.

Yup, I remember trying that out at the time. Hardly any CPU contact with the cooler overheated it massively. Shim went in the bin straight away after that.

 

[The red spirit]

Not for this socket. So either they knew of the issue and decided to sit this one out for some reason or they just haven’t had the time or resources…..

Sounds like a lot of pass the buck to me.

Aka they spend as little as possible on RnD and try to dodge as many problems as they can by shifting blame.