The retention kit will use odd hole spacing, with numbers atop the retentioner corresponding to the mounting order indicated on AMD’s TR4 socket. Numbers 2 & 3, corresponding with the two pegs closest to the PCIe slot, are of a wider stance, while numbers 1 & 4 (nearest the VRM heatsink) are closer together.
As discussed in our past coverage, the copper coldplate is sufficiently large to cover the Threadripper die area, though will not make full contact with the IHS. We won't be sure how much this matters until we have the CPU in hand, but Threadripper's spacing between the dies does imply that they will be outside of the central mass of the microfins. We'll test this once we have a CPU. Asetek's copper coldplates are the same size on all of its Gen 4, Gen 4.5, and Gen 5 pumps.
Threadripper will be usable with the existing lineup of Asetek-made coolers, in the very least, and is further validated by Alienware’s use of a Gen5 Asetek CLC in their Area 51. It’d be reasonable to assume that smaller radiators (like the H55, for instance) are inadvisable for Threadripper. Just looking at Intel’s recent high-wattage CPUs, it’s looking like 240mm or larger radiators will be preferable for TR4 mounting.
Just some interesting news we wanted to share.
