As Intel prepares to launch its next-generation Core Ultra 200 desktop processor, Arrow Lake, top-tier liquid cooling manufacturer GameMax has reaffirmed that all LGA 1700 cooler mounts will be fully compatible with the upcoming LGA 1851 socket. It’s worth noting that GameMax had already made this announcement back in October of last year, as the LGA 1851 platform was already in existence at that time; however, the Meteor Lake-PS was designed for edge devices and not for the consumer market. Now, ahead of the release of the new processors, they are reiterating this important information, providing players with more confidence.
The new Core Ultra 200 desktop processor, Arrow Lake-S, will utilize the all-new LGA 1851 socket, with corresponding motherboards being upgraded to Z890. These products are expected to be officially launched this month. Although both the processor and motherboard interfaces have changed, the physical dimensions of the LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 sockets are actually the same, measuring 35mm x 37.5mm, with consistent cooler hole spacing. This means players can confidently transfer their existing LGA 1700 coolers directly to the new LGA 1851 platform. GameMax assures all users who purchase LGA 1700 coolers that they can seamlessly use them on the new platform.
The main difference between the LGA 1851 and LGA 1700 sockets is that the height from the IHS to the motherboard for the former is 6.83–7.49mm, while the latter is 6.73–7.40mm. This indicates that the top cover of the LGA 1851 processor is slightly taller than that of the LGA 1700. However, this change should not significantly affect cooler compatibility since the mounting pressure will increase accordingly. Many cooler manufacturers have already announced that their products will support the next-generation LGA 1851 platform, with brands like Noctua having made statements about this as early as last year.
While existing coolers can be used on the new platform, the hotspot location of the new processors will differ compared to previous generations. This change may impact cooling performance, but the specifics will need to be validated through practical testing. Players are advised to monitor their coolers’ performance after upgrading the processors to ensure system stability.
In summary, GameMax provides a clear message for players: existing LGA 1700 coolers will function properly on the new LGA 1851 platform. This saves users the additional cost of having to purchase new coolers when upgrading to the latest processors. As Intel’s new generation of processors hits the market, players can anticipate enhanced performance and a superior gaming experience.
As the market rapidly evolves, players should consider not only compatibility but also cooling performance, noise levels, and aesthetic design when selecting cooling solutions. This ensures that they can enjoy high-performance gaming while also having a pleasant user experience. In the future, cooler manufacturers may introduce more targeted products tailored to the characteristics of the new processors, providing players with even more options.
