After almost 10 years, even AMD is going to change the mounting. Actually it was to be expected that the upcoming AM4 CPUs would require a different mounting kit, since the socket is quite a bit different as well. As always Noctua is very early on letting their customers know that their existing CPU coolers will soon be compatible.


The new mounting kit measures 90x54mm while the old AM3+ is 96x48mm. AMD has been using the same dimensions for several generations which includes AM2, AM2+, AM3 and AM3+ as well as all the FM-series. Although this information has yet not been confirmed a few images show the difference between the two mounting plates.

Noctua has already announced that the existing CPU coolers will be updated with the new mounting kit. In case you already have a cooler in your hands and you’re going to build a system based on an upcoming AMD AM4 motherboard, you can send a request to Noctua and they will send you a kit for free. Unfortunately not all coolers are compatible with this program, which is why there is information on compatibility available on their website.

Due to AMD launching AM4 and Intel coming up with X299 motherboards, while feature a new socket, it looks like 2017 is going to be a great year for CPU cooler vendors. Therefore we’re hoping that also other manufacturers will follow the example from Noctua and provide free upgrade kits.



Source: Overclock3D