Intel Nova Lake-S leak points to optional 2L-ILM for flatter IHS contact
© LGA-1851 socket 2-lever mockup A new Nova Lake-S leak claims Intel is preparing an optional 2L-ILM , described as a two-lever independent loading mechanism for enthusiast and overclocking-focused designs where higher IHS flatness is preferred. Based on the wording, this does not sound like a standard socket change for every board. It sounds like an alternative retention design for selected high-end models.
ILM, RL-ILM and 2L-ILM
Intel already split ILM designs once on Arrow Lake’s LGA1851 platform . Noctua says most higher-end LGA1851 boards use the newer RL-ILM , while some boards still ship with the default ILM. Cooler Master also separates support for Default-ILM and RL-ILM , which shows that Arrow Lake already had more than one loading setup depending on the motherboard.
Nova Lake-S adds an optional 2-lever independent loading mechanism, called 2L-ILM, for enthusiast and overclocking boards where higher IHS flatness is preferred.
— Paraphrased 2L-ILM annoucement in current roadmap
This was not the case for Alder Lake and Raptor Lake . Those generations used the regular LGA1700 ILM , the same mechanism that later led to contact-frame mods and washer fixes from enthusiasts. Hopefully with this new mechanism, such contact frames will no longer be needed.
Source: Aliexpress
The two-lever loading mechanism was used widely on LGA-2011 sockets. Intel has since then moved to PHM design (Processor Heat Sink Module) where the CPU and heatsink are clipped together, with the module being secured using Torx fasteners. I guess two-level systems are more like enthusiast HEDT as we remember back in the day.
Source: VideoCardz.com
