Who to find out if an Intel CPU is soldered?

DesiPower

Lifer
Nov 22, 2008
15,366
740
126
Is there any way to find out if an Intel CPU is soldered or just using thermal paste? I could not find anywhere in ark or any other sources. Googling it does yield useful results but not always. I generally use siliconlottery, assuming that if the CPU is not listed then its not soldered. Are are any official sources?
 

DesiPower

Lifer
Nov 22, 2008
15,366
740
126
Right now I am not looking for any in particular. Just wondering, who do people find such info? Just inside information, enthusiast experimenting, word of mouth etc?
 
Last edited:

scannall

Golden Member
Jan 1, 2012
1,946
1,638
136
Right now I am not looking for any in particular. Just wondering, who do people find such info? Just inside information, enthusiast experimenting, word of mouth etc?
It will be splattered all over every tech forum within an hour of release. No secret searching needed. ;-)
 

Ken g6

Programming Moderator, Elite Member
Moderator
Dec 11, 1999
16,250
3,845
75
I think generally somebody tries delidding. Either it works, meaning it's not soldered, or the chip is pulled off the PCB.
 

kjboughton

Senior member
Dec 19, 2007
330
118
116
Do this.

NewCore.jpg
 

PliotronX

Diamond Member
Oct 17, 1999
8,883
107
106
If there have not been ample reports of the precise model, look for postings about chips in the same line. That is the method I usually use but say newegg shipped your preorder earlier than even reviewers had a sample. In this situation, I would treat it as soldered as you really don't know whats under the lid. When you set up razors and suspend by a couple of bricks like I did with my Q6600, naturally the weight should pop it apart if its garden variety TIM:

lsUuCLE.jpg


If it does not, hit it with a butane torch, I got a handy pocket size one from Amazon for like 15 bucks. Go right for the center and it only takes a few seconds. Give it a rest in between bouts so the silicon isnt damaged and you should see some delicious transistor beauty.

ZZJJQBY.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: VirtualLarry

Kenmitch

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
8,505
2,249
136
If siliconelottery has delid service for the chip you decide on it's not as soldered.