These IHS replacements for Intel and AMD CPUs are pure-copper DIY kits

Overclocking used to be a bit of an extreme sport offshoot of the PC gaming world, only performed by people willing to take some risks to see how far they could push their hardware. Now it’s a bit different. Many chips have overclocking options accessible straight in the BIOS, letting everyone get a taste. That being said, there are still the hardcore out there happily tearing the tops off their CPUs trying for the best gains, though even this kind of process is getting much easier, thanks to delid kits designed specifically for the purpose. 

Spotted by TechPowerUp, RockIt Cool is one such company specialising in these delid kits. They sell both delid and relid kits, designed to give you all the tools you need to DIY your CPU to new temperature lows. They have different options depending on the CPU you want to mutilate, and come with pure-copper IHS replacements. There are even markings on the IHS to help with the application of liquid metal, making this fairly risky upgrade as easy as possible.

But more importantly they look baller as heck. The little piece of metal sitting on top of the CPUs gives an extra layer of class to the build, even if you won’t see it tucked away in your case, hidden under your cooler. Copper does a great job of dispersing heat, so it’s an excellent choice for a new lid on a CPU. 

RockIt Cool claims it managed to drop 15C off the operating temperatures of an Intel i9 12900K using one of its copper lids and thermal interface material, but that seems a bit too good to be true. I don't think most users should expect to see results anywhere near this impressive. 

Regardless, customer reviews seem genuinely impressed, and the kits are relatively inexpensive ranging from $19 to $80 USD, depending. Though as always, be careful. This process will void your warranty and may even damage your gear. It’s not a good idea to give this a try without being very aware of the potential for failure. 

While the focus for overclockers will likely be for the 12th gen Intel and AMD Ryzen kits, there's plenty of options for those not quite on the cutting edge or looking to get the best possible benchmark scores. RockIt Cool also offers quite a few options for older chips going back to 3rd and 4th gen Intel, which might be a safer bet for first timers. This is a great chance for those who’ve been overlock-curious to have a fairly fool proof shot of giving delidding and relidding a go on an old chip.