Extreme overclockers might need new mounting frames for AMD 9000X3D chips, as Thermal Grizzly says two 'are likely incompatible without modifications'

Delidded CPU having liquid metal applied

(Image credit: Future)

AMD's 9000X3D chips are just around the corner and many a PC gamer is likely prepping the upgrade fund for a draining. Overclockers, too, might have their eyes set on the near horizon, waiting for the next generation of 3D V-Cache chips to put through their paces. At least some of those foaming at the bit, however, might need some new gear first.

Unfortunately for some, Thermal Grizzly says its Ryzen 7000 Direct Die Frame and its V2 version "are likely incompatible" with Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs, at least "without modifications". Videocardz points out that this is likely because of the added silicon around the capacitors for the 9000-series compared to the 7000-series, and Thermal Grizzly "strongly advise[s] against altering the adhesive surfaces".

I say "extreme overclockers" because these products are most decidedly for that market. The Thermal Grizzly products in question are all "direct-die" this, and "sealing frame" that—there's enough de-lidding paraphernalia here to send shivers down my cowardly spine.

De-lidding your CPU—removing its heatspreader to get at its guts—can be a way to set up some ice cold cooling solutions and allow for extreme overclocks, but it's also a way to void your warranty and even wreck the processor if you don't know what you're doing. And while our own Wes Fenlon assures us it's worth doing, he also calls it a "delicate, high-risk operation". I'll leave it to the experts, thanks.

It's also worth noting that, for most people, it probably won't be worth attempting to overclock a Ryzen X3D chip at all. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, for instance, can't be overclocked normally—you have to do some PBO and ECLK shenanigans that will net little performance gain for the average user.

Jacob got his hands on a gaming PC for the first time when he was about 12 years old. He swiftly realised the local PC repair store had ripped him off with his build and vowed never to let another soul build his rig again. With this vow, Jacob the hardware junkie was born. Since then, Jacob's led a double-life as part-hardware geek, part-philosophy nerd, first working as a Hardware Writer for PCGamesN in 2020, then working towards a PhD in Philosophy for a few years while freelancing on the side for sites such as TechRadar, Pocket-lint, and yours truly, PC Gamer. Eventually, he gave up the ruthless mercenary life to join the world's #1 PC Gaming site full-time. It's definitely not an ego thing, he assures us.