Delid for maximum performance
There ’ s an additional way to get extra performance out of your CPU and that is to delid it . Delidding your CPU will reduce your CPU temperatures by 15-30C on load which allows for higher voltage settings thus higher overclocks .
Delidding is the process of removing the integrated heat spreader ( silver part ) from the PCB ( green part ). Once you delid you can remove the thermal interface material ( TIM ) that is used to conduct heat between the IHS and the PCB and replace it with superior performing thermal paste .
There are a few ways to delid . The safest way is to use a delidding tool that is available on the market .
Thermals
We ran tests using air and watercooling setups at different voltages using both delidded and non-delidded Intel Core i-7700K ’ s to show the difference in thermal performance .
Our Watercooling Setup
Water cooler : Enermax LIQMAX II 120S All-In-One CPU Liquid Cooler Motherboard : Z270X-Gaming 7
Our Aircooling Setup
Air cooler : Enermax ETS-T40 fit Motherboard : Z270X-Gaming 7
Note : Using a larger air cooler or a water cooling setup will result in lower temperatures and possibly allow for higher frequencies .
Non-delidded temperatures in Celsius ( average of all cores )
1.30v idle @ 4.8Ghz 1.30v load @ 4.8Ghz 1.35v idle @ 4.9Ghz 1.35v load @ 4.9Ghz Air ~ 31.5 ~ 91.25 ~ 35.5 ~ 97.75 Water ~ 30.75 ~ 85 ~ 32.75 ~ 94
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