Hardware stub

Der8auer Delids 12-18C Intel Sky-X CPUs

Posted on September 6, 2017

Der8auer just delidded his high core-count Skylake-X CPU (12C to 18C), using the same kit that we used in our i9-7900X delidding video from Computex. Der8auer’s findings reveal a larger die than the 10C 7900X that we previously delidded, though the 12-18C units are ultimately using a die with disabled cores from the higher-end Xeon line. The delid also teaches us, critically, that even the 7920X CPUs are still not soldered. This isn’t necessarily a surprise, seeing as Intel’s operation has avoided soldering for the other recent CPUs, but we’re hoping that future Intel product lines move back to solder. Der8auer hasn't posted his findings of the 18C parts yet, so there is still room for a change -- but solder is looking unlikely.

Regardless, we’ve also learned that Der8auer’s Delid Die Mate-X is compatible with the 12-18C CPUs, so it’ll be relatively easy and relatively safe to delid and apply liquid metal – just at your own risk, as always.

Der8auer should be working on a video talking about the HCC CPUs shortly. In the meantime, we’re still traveling, so expect the feature content cycle to be slow for the rest of the week.

- Steve Burke