A new leak around Nova Lake-S suggests that Intel is preparing a socket equipped with 2L-ILM technology. Short for Two-Lever Independent Loading Mechanism, this approach is a two-lever loading mechanism.
It is presented as optional and above all intended primarily for motherboards for enthusiasts and overclockers. The leak suggests a system designed to promote better “flatness” of the IHS (protection and heatsink present on top of the processor). It would ensure a flatter contact surface between the processor and the cooling system, whether we are talking about Watercooling or Aircooling.
An optional socket
If the information is accurate, Intel would not necessarily be preparing a generalized change but rather a retention variant reserved for certain high-end motherboards. We are more faced with a ‘Premium’ option, likely to appear on extreme performance-oriented motherboards, where each mechanical detail can influence the pressure exerted on the processor and therefore the temperatures.
Intel mounting systems have often been closely scrutinized due to issues of pressure, deformation of the CPU and quality of contact with the cooler or water block. In all cases, these variables actively participate through heat between the processor and the cooling solution.
The subject is thorny to the point that the LGA 1851 (Core Ultra 200 series) marked an evolution in this area. Indeed the LGA 1851 socket is today available in two versions with the LGA 1851 RL-ILM (Reduced Load Independent Loading Mechanism) and the LGA1851 ILM (Independent Loading Mechanism). The first is mainly reserved for Z890 motherboards while the second is generally found on the B860 and H810 references. One difference concerns the contact force required with the cooling solution. It is more important with the LGA 1851 RL-ILM which can cause optimization problems with certain cooling systems.
So this leak on the 2L-ILM becomes interesting because Intel could go even further by proposing an alternative mechanism altogether. The idea of a two-lever mechanism will probably remind hardware veterans of something. Intel has already used this type of approach on older platforms like LGA 2011where the double lever retention system was part of the landscape on the enthusiast and HEDT platforms.
