Intel LGA1954 socket maintains heatsink compatibility with LGA1851

The desktop socket LGA1954 used by Intel's upcoming Core Ultra 400 series "Nova Lake-S" processors will continue to maintain compatibility with current LGA1851 and previous LGA1700 coolers, a product installation guide leaked by Thermaltake confirmed.

There have been relevant rumors as early as May 2025, and now they have been confirmed by well-known radiator manufacturers. This means that CPU coolers purchased since 2021 for the 12th generation Core "Alder Lake" platform can continue to be used on future "Nova Lake" platforms.

The LGA1954 socket and processor package is expected to be similar in size to existing Intel desktop chips, increasing socket pin count by reducing contact size and reducing the central area - the "island" that hosts some surface mount components (SMDs).

Sources include a tweet posted by momomo_us and a report by VideoCardz, further confirming that Thermaltake’s new LGA1700/1851 cooler will support Intel’s next-generation LGA1954 Nova Lake processor.