Intel’s new LGA1851 socket has less “CPU warp” than LGA1700 – Noctua confirms

Noctua confirms less “CPU Warp” on Intel LGA1851

Noctua has confirmed that “most higher-end LGA1851” Intel motherboards use a new “RL-ILM” (Reduced Load ILM) that significantly reduces CPU warping on the company’s new CPU socket. This means that Intel CPUs will bend less on LGA1851 than on LGA1700, all thanks to Intel’s improved ILM design.

With this new design in mind, Noctua believes its standard NH-D15 G2 CPU cooler is the best option for Intel LGA1851 CPUs. For LGA1700 CPUs, Noctua recommends its HBC (High Base Convexity) cooler designs for optimal performance due to increased “CPU Warp.”

Sadly, it looks like not all Intel 800-series motherboards will feature the company’s reduced-load ILM design. This means that CPU warp may continue to be a problem on some Intel 800-series motherboards.

Which NH-D15 G2 variant to choose for LGA1851?

The NH-D15 G2 is the first Noctua heatsink to be available in three versions, each with different base convexity levels. For LGA1851, we generally recommend the regular standard version with medium base convexity. Most higher-end LGA1851 motherboards use the new RL-ILM that significantly reduces CPU warp compared to LGA1700 and even on motherboards that use the so-called default ILM with higher ILM pressure, we have generally measured slightly less deformation than with LGA1700 CPUs. Therefore, medium base convexity heatsinks such as the standard NH-D15 G2 as well as all other Noctua multi-socket coolers have shown the best contact quality and thermal performance in our tests. For further details on deformation and base convexity, please refer to our technical background article.

Noctua are ready for LGA1851

Noctua has confirmed that all of their LGA1700-compatible CPU coolers will be compatible with Intel’s newest CPU socket without the need for an upgrade kit. All Noctua multi-socket coolers have shipped with LGA1700 support since May 2022. Even if your cooler lacks a mounting kit for Intel’s latest CPU socket, Noctua has mounting kit upgrade options for users of their older heatsinks.

If you own a multi-socket Noctua CPU cooler, you can purchase an LGA1700 CPU upgrade kit to add support for Intel’s newest socket. However, if you can provide Noctua with proof of purchase for your CPU cooler and an LGA1851 CPU or motherboard, they will provide you with an upgrade kit free of charge. More information about this upgrade process is available here.

You can join the discussion on Intel’s LGA1851 socket having less “CPU Warp” on the OC3D Forums.