Requirements for the thermal solution (cooler) or liquid cooling solution for Intel® Core™ Boxed Desktop Processor
Need to know how to choose a thermal solution for Intel® Core Processor in self-built system
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:
- 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.
- 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).
| Note | For 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:
- Click the product specification page and enter the Intel processor number in the search box located at the top-right corner.
- 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: How to find TDP in the 11th Generation and older of Intel® Core™ Desktop Processors.
