How to Delid the Processor of Your PC

In this article, we shall discuss in detail- How to delid your processor to make your PC a much faster device. 

Precision is paramount in delidding, and you should carefully perform the process. It is often a procedure where several mistakes happen, and your processor gets damaged completely. So before moving to the primary procedure, let’s understand delidding in detail.

What is Delidding?

The processor is an essential part needed to build a gaming PC. The IHS or Integrated Heat Spreader (present in the CPU) is in charge of absorbing the heat from the CPU and keeping it cool. In the delidding process, the IHS is physically removed from the CPU Die, and an alternative thermal substance is installed instead. The procedure aims to reduce the heating effect significantly. 

Gamers and overclockers perform the delidding process. Removing the IHS is one of many steps involved in this. You will also have to apply the new thermal paste in place. So let’s see the process of how to delid your processor properly.

Items You’ll Need:

You’ll need the following specific tools:

• Delidding tools
• Microfiber cloth
• 99% pure isopropyl alcohol
• Thermal paste or liquid metal paste
• Thermal paste spreader
• Heat Proof glue

How to delid your processor?

Here are the steps to delid your processor. For the sake of this article, I’ve used the intel i7 13700K Processor.

Step 1: Detach the motherboard from the CPU.

This is an optional step, but it makes delidding the CPU much more accessible, so I recommend following it. Firstly, detach the motherboard from the CPU.

Ensure all the cables are unplugged, and then remove the CPU from the socket after releasing the latch. After this step, you’ll need extreme caution and concentration; otherwise, you might have a dead CPU.

Step 2: Remove the IHS

Our next step is to remove the integrated heat spreader (IHS) from the processor. It is also one of the most complex steps in the delidding process. It is possible to use standard tools, but one wrong move can lead to a damaged processor. You should use a delidding tool to perform this procedure. 

Tools like der8auer’s Delid-Die-Mate 2 are the most common tool used for this purpose. You must place and align the CPU on the delidding tool and tighten the screw by hand and then by the Allen key. Keep turning until you hear a click sound or see the IHS move. Now you can carefully remove the IHS from the CPU. 

Step 3: Clean and Reapply the thermal plate 

After removing the IHS, our next step is to clean the old thermal plate and apply a new one. For this, take the microfiber cloth and apply some isopropyl alcohol to it. Make sure that you scrape off all the residual compounds. Rub the surface of both IHS and CPU gently so that the old thermal paste comes off.

Now it’s time to reapply the thermal paste or liquid metal paste. I would strongly suggest using liquid metal paste for better results. Apply a minimal amount of the paste on the center of the CPU die. With the spreader, spread the paste evenly on the Die. Take care that it does not go out. 

Do the same on the IHS and apply a tiny amount to its center. Spread it evenly and be careful not to damage the PCB. You should reapply the silicone adhesive back the way it was. After this, we’ll move to our next and last step. 

Step 4: Reattaching the IHS and the CPU

This is the step to reattach the IHS and the CPU. For this, put the processor back into the delidding tool and align it properly. Now, position the IHS correctly over the CPU and slightly use force to bring them together. 

After placing it correctly, leave it for some time so the glue sets in, and then place the CPU back in. Spread it evenly and then reattach all the screws. Now, the paste on IHS and CPU should be cleaned, and you have to reapply it at the center of the IHS. Connect the cables and test the improvement using hardware monitoring tools. 

Conclusion 

Although a risky process, delidding offers gamers and PC enthusiasts a chance to improve their CPU functioning by significantly lowering the temperatures. It is worth the risk for those who want to have a highly optimized system for themselves. 

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