The 12th generation Intel Alder Lake CPUs will use the new LGA 1700 socket, sources pointed out. Looks like the lifespan of LGA 1200 sockets is limited, unlike the previous mainstream sockets. These are expected to arrive by 1H 2022.
The 10th generation Intel Comet Lake CPUs brought in the new architecture, new desktop chipsets and the new sockets. The compatibility between the 11th generation and the 400 series B and Z series is confirmed, thanks to Gigabyte. The company personnel further emphasized its inclusion of the PCIe 4.0 bandwidth with Z490 chipsets via 11th gen CPUs.
What’s new about Alder Lake?
The Alder Lake CPUs will be Intel’s 12th generation Core series CPUs. These will accompany with new desktop chipsets and expected to be based on 10nm++ process. 12th generation platform is also expected to have PCIe 5.0 support and DDR5.
https://twitter.com/KOMACHI_ENSAKA/status/1212728059465367558
The information leak came via a Taiwan-based company that provides voltage regulation tests for Intel Asia-Pacific. Thee LGA 1200 sockets will be used only for two generations of CPUs. It had future Intel SKUs using Alder Lake-S architecture on LGA 1700 socketed motherboards.
When compared with dimensions, Alder Lake CPUs are broader. The LGA 1200 socketed CPUs measure 37.5mm x 37.5 mm. As a result, it’s able to inherit the LGA 115x CPU cooler support. But the Alder Lake’s LGA 1700 measure 45mm x 37.5mm, retaining a rectangular-shaped CPU. This also dismisses the ability to use previous LGA compatible coolers.
Is this a big deal?
Usually, mainstream socket CPUs have compatibility between 2-3 generation of motherboard desktop chipsets. Some CPUs and chipsets (depending on the SKU) would have either limited or no compatibility but retain the physical socket. This change implies significant changes and improvements made to require a new socket.
