Der8auer shared advice for safely scalping Arrow Lake processors

Well-known overclocker and YouTube blogger Der8auer (Roman Hartung) shared a method for safely removing the cover from the recently released Intel Core Ultra 200S (Arrow Lake) processors, recommending heating the chip to 165 °C, but not higher, so as not to damage the SMD components.

In a post on the Overlock.net forum, he recommended heating the chip before removing the cover to melt the indium solder. This will make the process easier and safer, but it is important not to exceed the specified temperature to avoid damaging components on the surface of the processor. Hartung indicates the heating temperature in the range of 157-165 degrees Celsius.

When using dedicated delidding tools such as EK delidder, he says, extreme care must be taken not to damage the small components located around the processor cover (IHS). “You have about 1.5-2mm of space, and if you don’t heat the chip before removing the cover, it could damage the processor,” he noted. By the way, there are several cases where Arrow Lake was damaged due to attempts to remove the cover without preheating.

Although the optimal temperature for heating a chip before delidding should exceed 157 °C, 165 °C is a safer threshold. “If you overheat the processor, the adhesive may weaken and the cover will pop off, which is likely to damage some small components.” Hartung says he spent months developing a safe tool for delidding and determining the best temperature.

For reference, delidding is the process of removing the heat spreader cover (IHS) of the processor in order to install a water block for more efficient cooling. This practice is widespread among enthusiasts and overclockers looking to squeeze maximum performance out of their processors. Intel Alder Lake and Raptor Lake processors are so well known for their high heat dissipation that delidding has become quite common for these series.

However, for those who want to achieve record overclocking, it is necessary to scalp the processor, that is, take a certain risk. To help enthusiasts, some manufacturers, such as EKWB and even Hartung himself, have developed special tools that make the process safer and easier, reducing the risk of chip damage. It is worth keeping in mind that when delidding is performed, the warranty on the processor will be voided.