The new heatspreader design of AMD's Ryzen 7000 CPUs brings with it a new problem: thermal paste can easily seep into the cutouts. Noctua has already introduced a cover for sealing. Thermalright has something similar up its sleeve, but it looks better.
While the Noctua NA-STPG1 is just a transparent plastic plate, which is the heatspreader that no thermal paste can disappear into the recesses, Thermalright's solution is more complex and conspicuous.
Thermalright's AM5 Secure Frame is a 75 × 56 × 7.5 mm aluminum frame that replaces the AM5 socket mount. Available in black or red, the frame clings to the Ryzen 7000's heat spreader. Whether it seals well enough to prevent thermal paste from escaping at the edges remains to be seen.
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CPU frame for AMD Ryzen 7000 (AM5 Secure Frame) (Image: Thermalright)
Thermalright's product pages feature the AM5 frame, which appears to replace the original Socket Actuation Module (SAM). However, a more detailed description is still missing. It is also unclear when the product will reach retailers and what it will cost.
However, the solution is reminiscent of the LGA1700 frames, which Thermalright also offers in different colors for Intel's current desktop platform. Here, however, the primary task of the frame is to prevent the heat spreader from bending when the cooler is installed. This risk hardly exists with AMD CPUs, since the heat spreader is very thick and massive.
Both Thermalright includes thermal paste and an L-shaped screwdriver and offers a 6-year guarantee. The Intel variant costs around 17 euros. A similar price would be conceivable for the AM5 Secure Frame.
The rather simple but functional solution from Noctua only costs 8 euros. The manufacturer charges around 10 or 14 euros in combination with various heat-conducting pastes.
AMD needs new screws
There could be a problem with Thermalright's AM5 solution: As Hot Hardware notes, AMD has fixed socket mounting screws. Should this be replaced with the Thermalright frame, new screws would have to be found. So far, Thermalright has not stated that such are included in the scope of delivery.