To clarify the purpose of this product extra completely, properly, slightly than totally enclosing the die and top-side electronics, the IHS for the Zen 4 desktop processors has symmetrical cut-outs on all 4 sides to make room for small surface-mount parts. If you happen to’re utilizing goop to your thermal interface materials, and you are not cautious with the applying, you may simply find yourself with mentioned goop squeezed into the gaps within the IHS.
This does not actually pose a hazard, precisely; even conductive thermal goop ought to typically be effective as a result of the surface-mount parts are wired by means of the CPU substrate and there are not any uncovered traces. Nonetheless, it is messy and would not look nice, particularly if you wish to promote a used processor later. It is also a ache to scrub as a result of awkward form of the gaps.
So, Noctua is promoting the NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard. It is just a bit plastic sheet that you simply slot down over the CPU after you put in it within the socket and clamp down the Socket Actuation Module (SAM). It matches snugly across the CPU IHS. On condition that it is only a flat, skinny sheet of plastic, it will be a lot simpler to scrub off than the CPU itself. We do not have one in hand after all, however Noctua says it varieties a “tight seal” across the CPU and is meant to be left in place with the cooler put in over it.
The corporate will apparently be promoting the NA-STPG1 as a stand-alone product in a equipment with cleansing wipes, but it surely’ll even be obtainable as a part of a pack with 3.5 grams of NT-H1 or NT-H2 thermal paste in an “AM5 Version” launch of these merchandise. The standalone pack will likely be $7.90, whereas the bundles with thermal paste will likely be $13.90. All three will change into obtainable in December.
