Full details regarding the Intel LGA 1851 socket which will be supporting the next-gen Arrow Lake-S Desktop CPUs have been revealed by Igor's Lab.
Intel LGA 1851 Socket Detailed: Designed For Next-Gen Arrow Lake-S CPUs & Beyond
We first came to know about the Intel LGA 1851 "V1" socket through official documents posted by tech outlet, Benchlife. Now, we have even more data available on the next-gen socket thanks to Igor's Lab. But starting off with the basics, the Intel LGA 1851 socket will mostly be similar to the existing LGA 1700 socket with some minor changes. The biggest change will be the bump in the number of contact pads which will go up from 1700 to 1851, an increase of 151 contact pins (+9% increase). In addition to that, the socket itself will measure the same at 37.5mm x 45mm.
In addition to that, the Z-height which is the distance from the top of the motherboard to the top of the CPU IHS will remain almost the same with a few minor height differences which is something that can easily be sorted out by using washers though it is not concluded if that will be the case as proper contact between the IHS and the CPU cooler is something that was a major point of concern when Intel launched its Alder Lake CPUs. The new processors will require additional pressure from the coolers for optimal functionality (923N vs 489.5N).
Igor explains that Intel has already sent out the necessary documents that list the changes we will see with Arrow Lake-S Desktop CPUs and the LGA 1851 socketed platforms to manufacturers such as CPU coolers and AIO makers. This gives OEMs and manufacturers plenty of time to work on new products and offer added support for existing products such as mounting kits (if needed).
The reason why Intel Arrow Lake-S requires a new platform and socket is explained as a means to catch up with AMD's I/O capabilities. While Intel's 600 and 700-series platforms offer a large array of I/O functionality, they still lack within the SSD department. AMD's AM5 platform is fully compliant with Gen 5 SSDs with CPU lanes reserved specifically for the latest storage devices. Meanwhile, Intel partners have to split Gen 5 lanes from PCIe x16 graphics if they want to offer Gen 5 support on the current motherboards. That's something that Intel wants to change in the upcoming generation of 800-series motherboards.
Intel Arrow Lake-S Desktop CPU Pinout Plan For LGA 1851 Socket (Image Credits: Igor's Lab):
It is stated that Intel's Arrow Lake-S Desktop CPUs will offer dedicated Gen 5 x4 lanes for SSD and that is in addition to the standard Gen 4 x4 lanes. The Arrow Lake-S Desktop CPU lineup is planned to release in late 2024 and will be supported by the LGA 1851 socketed motherboards within the 800-series family. The company has an Innovation event planned for 19th September so we can expect more details then.
