The NM-DD1 is only compatible with AMD AM5 CPUs! 

We do not offer spacers for Intel CPUs because installing Noctua CPU coolers on delidded 12/13th generation Intel Core processors will damage SMD components on the package and thereby render the CPU unusable. 

Direct die cooling is inherently more complex and demanding than just putting a cooler onto a CPU and it does bear certain risks of damaging components. However, the performance benefits are significant and it’s not as challenging as many people think, so we have put together a simple step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process.


AMD AM5 direct die cooling step-by-step


  1. Sourcing the required parts:
    • Delidding tool, e.g. the one from der8auer
    • Direct die frame for protecting the CPU, e.g. the one designed by der8auer
    • Liquid metal thermal compound, e.g. Conductonaut
    • Cleaning equipment: Razor blade, isopropyl alcohol, extra liquid metal compound
    • Spacers for lowering the cooler (included with NM-DD1 or 3D printed from Printables.com)
    • Screws for reinstalling the fastening brackets with spacers (included with NM-DD1 or purchased separately, 4x M3x12 for NM-DDS1 or 1x M4x10 for NM-DDS2)

  2. Delidding the CPU: Remove the CPU’s integrated heat spreader following the manual that came with the delidding tool.

  3. Cleaning the CPU: Remove residues of solder or glue. This can be done by manually scraping-off the residues using a razor blade, or by putting some liquid metal onto the solder residues, which will dissolve them so that they can be wiped off.

  4. Installing the CPU with the direct die frame: First remove the regular socket actuation mechanism (SAM), then install the CPU with the direct die protection frame as described in the manual of the frame.

  5. Preparing the cooler: Remove the fastening bracket(s), put on the spacer(s) and then reinstall the brackets using the longer screws as depicted in the NM-DD1 manual.

  6. Apply liquid metal thermal compound: Carefully apply a small dot of liquid metal on each of the CPUs dies and spread it to a thin layer using a cotton swab or other device that came with the liquid metal.

  7. Install the CPU cooler according to its manual.

  8. Enjoy a significant reduction in temperatures!


Caution:

Direct die cooling is done at your own risk! While high-quality delidding tools and direct die frames like those from der8auer have been thoughtfully engineered to minimise the risk of damaging the CPU or other hardware components, direct die cooling will always bear a certain risk of damaging components e.g. due to cracked edges on the bare CPU dies or short circuits from liquid metal compound. Delidding will also void the processor's warranty. Therefore, using the NM-DD1 is strictly at the customer’s own risk and Noctua cannot be held responsible for any damage that may occur to CPUs or other hardware components when removing the heat spreader and using direct die cooling.