How to buy LGA 1700 cooler for 12th Gen Intel CPUs

Recently the Intel launched the 12th Generation Alder Lake Processors and with them came the socket LGA 1700. This means that the fit of the CPU on the motherboard is now different, as well as the fit of the coolers also change, and this is the main problem. While it is possible to find mainboards at retail, the coolers are missing and giving users a huge headache.

What changes with the LGA 1700 socket

While the arrival of Alder Lake desktop processors brought important structural changes to the Intel CPU family as it developed the new generation with a SoC hybrid architecture, also brought a downer for every PC user looking to upgrade: a very different socket.

In the image above you can see the size difference between the sockets LGA 1700 e LGA 1200, that is, literally the slots where the processors will be inserted in the motherboard to work. What used to be a small square is now an uncomfortable rectangle.

It turns out that users who used processors from 11th generation (LGA 1200) and would like to change the CPU without having to update the mainboard, they will not be able to fit the new processors on the old boards for reasons of format. As I said, each one has its own format.

In fact, that's not the problem. It is extremely normal that in new generations, especially one with so many changes like this one, the socket is changed and needs new equipment. The problem is the coolers, responsible for cooling this expensive and precious component.

The issue is that as the socket area is bigger, the holes for the fans to fit on the motherboard have also increased millimeters towards the ends. This causes coolers from previous generations to not fit in the new ones. Z690 motherboards, that is, the newly released ones for Alder Lake processors.

That rear structure of the coolers, which I illustrate in the image above, even fits on the motherboard to hold some of the cooler's screws, however, another substantial change is the size of the screws. These little pieces have also increased in size, even if it is barely noticeable. This new factor means that even if a given motherboard, like the ASUS Prime Z690 Wi-Fi, shown above, has double holes, the height difference of the screws prevents the coolers from fitting.

With that, the solution seems obvious and not at all mysterious: buy a new cooler that fits the LGA 1700 standard. Yes, that's the solution. However, since the new Intel processors were released, it is almost a mission impossible to find coolers, whether air or water, to buy.

Below, we list four models of the Cooler Master, Noctua e Corsair found in Pichau, TerabyteShop and via import, respectively. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, we can only find those models or variations that either have RGB lights or not. It is important to note that the following mini list includes Air Coolers and WaterCoolers that come with the LGA 1700 mounting kit.

cooler indications

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 ARGB

The second version of MasterLiquid M240L it has a redesign of some components, such as the pump, updated to have greater resistance to wear over time. The radiator has a drilling area 25% bigger to improve heat dissipation, while the two fans that come with this model have a new look on the blades, customizable ARGB lights and a new internal bearing to make the process quieter.

According to Pichau, the MasterLiquid ML240L V2 ARGB comes with the kit to use in the LGA 1700 socket from the factory and costs R$519. My recommendation is to use this model for an i7 12700K, or even an i9 12900K, but in the latter case, prefer a 3-fan WaterCooler or a very robust air cooler.

CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML120L V2

Smaller brother of the previous model, the CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML120L V2 It has almost all the features of the above model. The big differences are due to the size of the radiator, which is smaller and supports only one fan, and this model is not ARGB, but RGB. This model is more suitable for an i5 12600K of life or even an i7 12700K, which heats up more. But I wouldn't recommend putting it on an i9, for example.

At Pichau, following the same scheme as before, this WaterCooler costs R$329. You can still try to buy the version MasterLiquid's ML360, with three fans and much more power to dissipate heat. However, the model that was available at Pichau is now out of stock.

Noctua – NH-U12A Chromax Black

O Noctua - NH-U12A is one of the best air coolers on the market, being awarded by numerous specialized sites over the years, and in 2021 it won the Chroma Black version, prepared to receive Alder Lake processors. The model has a single tower heatsink design and high-end fans to dissipate heat without making noise, in addition to SecuFirm2 screws for more security in the assembly and an excellent quality thermal paste.

Noctua – NH-U12A is definitely the premium cooler for CPUs that come with the LGA 1700 socket, including many recommended to handle the hot Core i9 12900K. However, this model can only be purchased via import by Waz by R$1.219.

Corsair H150i Elite Cappelix

Another 3 fan cooler on this list is the Corsair H150i Elite Cappelix, which as the name suggests is a very high-end product, developed for enthusiasts who want to put high-performance processors and take a chance on the overclock.

The H150i has a cold plate on the pump with 128 fins contacting the CPU for more efficient cooling. By the way, speaking of the pump, it has a flow rate of up to 0,82L/min while generating less than 20 dBA. There is also the possibility to customize the color of the component through a Corsair software.

The Corsair H150i Elite Cappelix already comes with the brackets for the LGA 1700 socket and is expensive R$1.899 na TerabyteShop.

I don't want to buy a new cooler. What to do?

After only four – technically five – indications of LGA 1700 socket coolers, it is really difficult to find these products on the market. If you already have a cooler and don't want to buy a new one to use on another CPU, don't worry. Some manufacturers, such as Cooler Master e Noctua are providing free upgrade kits.

Upgrade kits have from backplate even the new ones screws that will allow you to use your old cooler on a new CPU. To do this, you must go to the official website, using the links that I provided above, check if your cooler will be able to receive the kit, contact the manufacturer following the steps that each brand requests — usually sending proof of purchase of the products — and you will receive the updated mounting kits no additional cost.

I just put the link of two manufacturers because not all are supporting this scheme. So you need to contact your cooler brand directly to receive it for free or try to purchase the LGA 1700 mount upgrade kit via purchase.

In 2022 things should get better

Although the situation is bad at the end of the year, Brazilian stores are expected to start receiving new batches of coolers already equipped with an LGA 1700 socket at from january. Therefore, it is possible that the purchase of these components will be easier in the coming weeks and have more diversity of options and prices.

See also:

So, what do you think of our recommendations? Enjoy and check out all about the new processors from Intel with architecture hybrid and interview with Marketing director of the brand here in Brazil.