Skip to main content

You’ll flip your lid for Rockit Cool’s new Intel processor delidding kit

Rockit 88 Delidder Tool
Rockit Cool has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a product called Rockit 88. This is an Intel processor “delid” tool that supposedly makes the process a lot easier. So far, the company has raised $3,334 of its $600 goal from a mere 80 backers, with the campaign having only four days to go. The tool will work on Haswell, Devil’s Canyon, Skylake, and other Intel-based processors.

So what exactly is processor delidding tool, and why do it? It’s the act of taking apart the processor to get the best extreme overclock for a specific processor at a specific temperature. Delidding includes physically removing the integrated heat spreader (IHS) from the processor’s printed circuit board, exposing the actual CPU die.

As Rockit Cool explains, the heat spreader is attached to the circuit board using a thick adhesive. Thus, a large gap is created between the heat spreader and the CPU die, which is filled with a thick layer of Thermal Interface Material, or TIM. This layer provides a thermal exchange between the heat spreader and the fan-heatsink. Delidding the processor and directly attaching a high-quality heatsink can improve overall thermal performance.

That said, delidding is a dangerous procedure and typically voids the processor’s warranty. One way to do this is with a bench vise while another method involves using a double-edged razor blade. The Rockit 88 kit is billed as the “world’s safest” delid tool that requires no hammer, no razor, and no bench vise.

“After using the Rockit 88 delid tool to remove the IHS from your CPU, the thick glue and factory TIM can be removed,” the company states. “Without the thick glue, the gap is eliminated and new, more efficient TIM can be applied in a much thinner layer, giving a major increase in heat transfer efficiency.”

As an example, the company claims that by using the tool, owners of an Intel Devil’s Canyon processor will see the stock speed running between 140 and 145-degrees Fahrenheit, compared to the normal temperature of 158-degrees Fahrenheit. The same processor with a 1GHz overclock will see just under 167-degrees Fahrenheit after the tool, and 185-degrees Fahrenheit without using the tool.

Those who pledge $35 or more to the campaign will get the complete kit in May (the Early Bird Special pledge option for an April release is sold out). The company is also accepting $1 or more pledges, and $5 or more pledges, the latter of which will land customers an envelope containing the company’s thanks on a personalized card.

“After testing our prototypes, refining our design for maximum safety, ease of use, and durability we’re now ready to move past the prototyping phase and gear up for production,” the company adds. “This includes preparing our CNC machines with the proper tools and equipment, ordering raw materials, and packaging to share our passion with the world of computer enthusiasts and hobbyists.”

Again, while this new tool supposedly makes the delidding process easier, there is still a chance of damage. not to mention voiding the chip’s warranty. But if you want to squeeze out the utmost performance from your CPU through overclocking, you can find out more about this convenient delidding tool by checking out the Kickstarter campaign here.

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Trying to buy a GPU in 2023 almost makes me miss the shortage
Two AMD Radeon RX 7000 graphics cards on a pink surface.

The days of the GPU shortage are long over, but somehow, buying a GPU is harder than ever -- and that sentiment has very little to do with stock levels. It's just that there are no obvious candidates when shopping anymore.

In a generation where no single GPU stands out as the single best graphics card, it's hard to jump on board with the latest from AMD and Nvidia. I don't want to see another GPU shortage, but the state of the graphics card market is far from where it should be.
This generation is all over the place

Read more
HP printers are heavily discounted in Best Buy’s flash sale
The HP - OfficeJet Pro 8034e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer on a desk with a smartphone.

There’s good news in store if you’re looking to land a new printer at a discount this weekend. Best Buy is having a 48-hour flash sale on HP printers, with several that can compete with the best printers seeing some good prices. HP is almost always one of the best laptop brands, and it’s one of the same when it comes to printers. So if you’re looking for a new home or office printer, read onward on how to save on an HP printer at Best Buy.
HP DeskJet 2755e — $60, was $85

The HP DeskJet 2755e is a good entry-level printer. It’s got you covered if your printing needs are pretty basic, or if you don’t need to print in mass. This is a color InkJet printer, which makes it good for almost all uses. It can also make copies and scan in color, and it has mobile and wireless printing functionality. You can get set up quickly and easily with the HP Smart app that guides you through the setup process, and you can also use this app to print, scan and copy documents from your phone.

Read more
This tiny ThinkPad can’t quite keep up with the MacBook Air M2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 rear view showing lid and logo.

While the laptop industry continues to move toward 14-inch laptops and larger, the 13-inch laptop remains an important category. One of the best is the Apple MacBook Air M2, with an extremely thin and well-built chassis, great performance, and incredibly long battery life.

Lenovo has recently introduced the third generation of its ThinkPad X1 Nano, one of the lightest laptops we've tested and a good performer as well. It's stiff competition, but which of these two diminutive laptops stands apart?
Specs and configurations

Read more