Intel reinvents a new socket – coolers will be compatible

Intel is known for its frequent changes in processor sockets, which requires replacing the motherboard and cooling system when you buy a new processor. But this time, it seems, the company has changed its approach (here’s what it’s doing growth of the competitor’s market share). Although Intel is preparing another socket change for desktop processors, it will not have dramatic consequences for those who have already invested in modern cooling.

New LGA-1954 platform

According to recent leaks from logistics documents, Intel is planning to launch a new socket called LGA-1954. It will become the basis for Nova Lake-S processors — the successors of the Arrow Lake Refresh line expected this year. An important point: the socket dimensions remain the same — 45×37.5 mm as in the previous LGA-1851 and LGA-1700.

This paves the way for continued compatibility with existing cooling systems. Even if the Nova Lake-S requires a motherboard replacement due to the new socket, your favorite tower or SVO can remain relevant in the future. At least some savings in the event of a system upgrade.

It is worth reminding you that LGA-1851 was designed for Meteor Lake-S and Arrow Lake-S processors, but Intel canceled the consumer version of Meteor Lake for desktop systems. As a result, this socket managed to «light up» only in some embedded systems and received limited distribution. If Arrow Lake Refresh does not bring a significant breakthrough, the platform will quickly be replaced by a new one. But unlike previous socket changes, this time users probably won’t be forced to buy new coolers — at least if full compatibility is confirmed.

However, there are nuances. The — geometry is not everything. Even with the same socket size, the heat points in new processors can shift, because modern Intel chips are no longer monolithic. This means that the correct positioning of the cooler above the cores — is critical. For example, Noctua has recently released offset mounts for LGA-1851. The company’s internal tests demonstrated a 3°C temperature drop when using these updated mounts.

So while older coolers will probably work, you may need to upgrade your mounts or get new accessories to achieve optimal results.

Intel has not yet officially announced the technical details of the Nova Lake-S platform. It is expected that support for DDR5 memory will remain, and the main changes will occur at the level of the processors and motherboard chipsets.

So, if you have already invested in a good cooler for LGA-1700 or LGA-1851 — there is a chance that it will still serve. This means that the transition to the new Intel platform may not be so painful for your wallet.

Source: videocardz