Article ID: 000038285 Content Type: Compatibility Last Reviewed: 09/20/2023

How to Choose Thermal Solutions for Intel® Core™ Boxed Desktop Processor

Environment

Applies on Intel® Boxed Desktop Processors

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Summary

Requirements for the thermal solution (cooler) or liquid cooling solution for Intel® Core™ Boxed Desktop Processor

Description

Need to know how to choose a thermal solution for Intel® Core Processor in self-built system

Resolution

When choosing a thermal solution (Fan Heatsink) for your system, you will need to consider two factors: The socket (LGA) and the TDP (wattage). There could be other factors to consider, but as a baseline you need to consider these two factors:

  1. Look up the socket (LGA) information for the Fan Heatsink to make sure it is compatible with the processor's supported socket and the motherboard.
  2. Look up the Processor Base Power (previously known as TDP) on the processors' product page (ark.intel.com) and make sure that the Fan Heatsink TDP value (wattage) is equal to or higher than the Processor Base Power (previously known as TDP).
NoteFor CPU/iGfx high intense usages (such as gaming), make sure the thermal solution meets (or better, exceeds) the processor base power (or TDP) needs

For any questions on the chosen Fan Heatsink, contact the manufacturer.

To locate the Processor Base Power for the 12th and 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors, or the TDP for previous generations, follow the steps below:

  1. Click the product specification page and enter the Intel processor number in the search box located at the top-right corner.
  2. Once on the page, check the Processor Base Power field (or the TDP filed) located in the CPU Specifications section.

Example: How to find Processor Base Power in the 12th Generation Intel® Core™ Desktop Processors.

Example of 12th Generation processors

Example: How to find TDP in the 11th Generation and older of Intel® Core™ Desktop Processors.

Example of 11th Generation and older processors

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