Intel “Arrow Lake-S” LGA-1851 platform may require new mounting kits
The Intel LGA-1851 socket has become familiar to PC enthusiasts. Initially intended for the next-gen desktop consumer platform called Meteor Lake-S, Intel has now shifted its plans for the socket and the first product to debut on this platform is the Arrow Lake-S architecture.
Intel LGA-1851 socket, Source: Igor’sLAB
As the name suggests, the LGA-1851 socket features a different pin configuration compared to the existing LGA-1700 socket used by the Alder and Raptor Lake series. Consequently, users planning to upgrade to Intel’s new CPU architecture will need to invest in new motherboards. Although these motherboards (such as Z870 and B860) are not expected to be available until next year, there are concerns about compatibility with existing hardware and the associated costs.
Users currently utilizing DDR4 memory on Intel platforms will likely need to upgrade to DDR5 since the Arrow Lake-S platform does not support the older technology. In the worst-case scenario, transitioning to Arrow Lake-S will necessitate purchasing a new CPU, motherboard, memory, and, as recently confirmed, a new mounting kit for LGA1700 coolers. Igor’sLAB has published the first schematics and 3D drawings of the new socket, suggesting such a requirement.
Intel LGA-1851 socket, Source: Igor’sLAB
However, there is some positive news as well. Intel’s Arrow Lake-S will not limit the PCIe Gen5 interface to just 16 lanes. Instead, it will introduce four dedicated lanes for CPU-attached SSD storage. This development means that gamers will no longer have to compromise their graphics card’s 16 lanes if they wish to utilize Gen5 storage. In this aspect, Intel will offer a similar capability to AMD’s AM5 X670E/B650 platforms and will match AMD’s additional PCIe Gen4x4 interface for additional storage, aligning with its competitors.
Intel LGA-1851 socket, Source: Igor’sLAB
It has been revealed that the LGA-1851 socket will require higher dynamic pressure (Dynamic Compression Maximum) ranging from 490N to 923N. The good news is that the static pressure and the Z-height of the integrated heatspreader (IHS) will remain the same as in the older platform. Consequently, there is a possibility that some coolers may still be compatible, although cooling companies are unlikely to confirm this anytime soon.
Source: Igor’sLAB
