iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
No. You can use liquid metal without delidding a CPU; removing the integrated heat spreader (IHS) is an advanced modification that changes how heat moves from the processor to the cooler. Delidding is not ordinary maintenance, and Intel does not recommend it for Core processors. Whether it has any place in a particular build depends on the exact CPU, cooling setup, and your willingness to accept the risks.
What delidding changes
The IHS is the metal cover over a processor’s silicon die. Delidding separates that cover from the processor package, allowing the thermal interface beneath it to be changed or the cooler to contact the exposed die directly. Those are different configurations: replacing the interface and reinstalling an IHS is not the same as using a compatible direct-die cooler.
Liquid metal is a thermal interface material; it does not, by itself, require the IHS to be removed. Delidding is relevant only when a user intends to alter the interface beneath the heat spreader or use a direct-die arrangement supported by the processor and cooling hardware.
Recommended Free Tools
Is delidding necessary for liquid metal?
No. Delidding is not an inherent requirement for liquid-metal use. It is a separate, invasive choice about the processor’s thermal path, and the appropriate configuration depends on the specific CPU and cooler. For Intel Core processors, Intel’s support guidance says delidding is not recommended and voids the warranty (Intel Core processor FAQ).
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Before considering it, identify the exact CPU model and check the documentation for any tool, replacement heat spreader, or direct-die cooler. Products made for one processor package should not be assumed to fit another. For example, Thermal Grizzly documents a product for Intel 1851, while EK publishes instructions for its own direct-die installation; neither establishes compatibility with other models (Thermal Grizzly product documentation; EK installation instructions).
Risks to weigh before modifying a CPU
Electrical and material risks
Liquid metal is electrically conductive and can be corrosive. Intel warns that liquid-metal material reaching package areas such as capacitors can cause immediate system problems or failure, or later performance degradation and instability (Intel liquid-metal guidance). It can also erase processor markings used for warranty identification. Delidding adds a physical modification and does not remove the need to prevent unintended contact.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Warranty consequences
Warranty terms differ by manufacturer, product, and purchase channel. Intel says delidding voids the warranty for its Core processors; its liquid-metal guidance also warns that use can void warranty on applicable boxed processors (Intel delidding FAQ; Intel liquid-metal guidance). Intel’s physical-damage guidance identifies tampering and damaged, missing, or altered markings as warranty concerns (Intel physical-damage guidance).
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11AMD’s retail warranty terms say coverage may be denied when examination attributes failure to misuse, neglect, improper installation or testing; its external-damage guidance includes alteration and repair among causes that can affect eligibility (AMD warranty terms; AMD external-damage guidance). These terms should not be treated as identical to Intel’s, or assumed to govern an OEM system. Check the warranty for your exact processor and purchase channel before modifying it.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What temperature improvement can you expect?
There is no universal temperature reduction established for delidding. Results depend on the processor, its original thermal interface, mounting, cooler, workload, and measurement method; the available product documentation does not quantify those variables across CPU models.
Thermal Grizzly’s 2024 datasheet claims a reduction of up to 16°C for its Intel 1851 direct-die product in a stated comparison with a stock-IHS setup using a standard water cooler (Thermal Grizzly datasheet). That is a manufacturer claim for that product and comparison, not a promised result for other processors or systems.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How to decide whether it makes sense
Treat delidding as a high-risk hardware modification, not a routine fix for a hot CPU. Before proceeding, work through these checks:
- Confirm the exact processor and package. Verify that the delidding tool and any direct-die cooler or replacement hardware explicitly support that model.
- Identify the problem you are trying to solve. Consider whether the current thermal issue is actually related to the processor’s interface, rather than another part of the cooling setup.
- Choose the intended configuration. Decide whether the IHS will be reinstalled with a changed interface or removed for compatible direct-die cooling; these are not interchangeable setups.
- Read the relevant documentation. Follow the instructions for the specific tool and cooler rather than applying steps intended for another CPU package.
- Review the warranty first. Confirm the applicable terms and decide whether a model-specific, uncertain thermal benefit is worth the possibility of losing coverage.
- Account for liquid-metal hazards. Its electrical conductivity and corrosive potential make unintended contact a serious concern.
If the processor is covered by a warranty you want to preserve, the modification is unsupported for your model, or you cannot verify compatible hardware, do not assume delidding is a necessary route to using liquid metal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
