What is processor delidding?
Michal Mikle, aka Elkim, is the leading Czech expert on overclocking and knows plenty of information about how to take apart processors. There is a special method called "delidding" that we'll cover in this article. What are the main benefits of delidding, and how can you achieve great results? You'll find out below.
Why Is Processor Delidding Important?
Intel produces its processors in incredible volumes. Mass production has plenty of advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. One of the biggest problems is that you have to replace the low-quality heat-conducting paste underneath the processor heatsink. For standard CPUs, this is a fully-fledged solution that does not need to be addressed. However, if you want to overclock to the maximum frequency, and get the most out of your money, you have to go another route.
Michal is an overclocker who enjoys high performance. He loves pushing hardware to its maximum capacity. For overclocking, he likes the adrenalin rush and overstepping the computer components' boundaries. In addition to playing with liquid nitrogen, we can say that he's also a leading Czech mining expert.
Michal Mikle uses Grizzly Thermal Paste for the delidding.
How to Delid a Processor
Delidding is appropriate for processors that can be overclocked. These are models that are designed for the 1155/1150/1151 and LGA 2066 sockets. How can you take the lid off of these processors? You can easily find tutorial videos online.
When removing the lid off of the processor, Elkim uses a special delid kit that protects the processor from getting damaged. You can also use a razor or a knife at home, but just one misplaced scratch and you can kiss your CPU goodbye. After removing the lid, carefully remove the original paste and completely clean the area. Then, you must add a layer of Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut liquid metal, which is a special mixture of indium, gallium and tin. If you're a fan of chemistry or physics, then you should know that this is one of the best heat sink compounds for efficient heat transfer. After careful application, pop the lid back onto the CPU.
CPU Delidding Benefits
We have to say that the benefits of delidding are usually quite impressive in terms of performance. Temperatures will drop by a few degrees not only in the idle state, but even under a heavy load (even at 30°C).This allows for more aggressive overclocking. The Intel Core i7-8700K DELID can reach 5.2GHz after delidding.
Delidding results of the Intel Core i7-8700K CPU. The temperature drop is quite impressive.
Delidding Processors vs Warranties
Delidding processors can be a risky process, so the processor isn't normally covered by an official manufacturer's warranty. But we have a solution. In close cooperation with Elkim, we offer our own delidded processors, which come with a 36-month warranty. In addition to delidding, Elkim selects the most suitable pieces for a large number of processors. You can easily get up to a 5.1GHz operating frequency with the Intel Core i5-7600K (available in a limited quantity). We also have Coffee Lake processors in the form of the six-core Intel Core i7-8700K @ 5.2GHz. One of the crown jewels is the delidded 18-core Intel Core i9-7980XE. You can't get anything better on the market.
Processor delidding is an affordable solution that will decrease operating temperatures while increasing performance. You'll also save a lot of money because you don't need to purchase a water cooling system for overclocking. You'll be just fine with a high-quality air cooling system.
