“Liquid metal” thermal paste, which is increasingly popular among overclockers and modders, replaces traditional thermal compounds with a metallic alloy that improves the thermal conductivity between the CPU and cooler. This high-performance paste can offer exceptional heat transfer, making it highly favored for pushing processors to their limits. However, it comes with inherent risks, and Intel is particularly cautious when it comes to the use of this type of thermal paste.
An investigation by HKEPC (translated and reported by Tom’s Hardware) revealed a troubling case where Intel refused warranty service to a user who had applied liquid metal thermal paste to their Intel Core i9-14900K processor. The user hoped to take advantage of Intel’s extended warranty, given the processor’s known issues with stability and frequent crashes. However, when Intel received the CPU, they found that the corrosive properties of the liquid metal paste had damaged the top plate of the processor, removing the printed label. This, according to Intel’s warranty policies, was a clear indication of liquid metal use, which voids any warranty.
Liquid metal alloys, while effective at transferring heat, are mildly corrosive. While this is typically not enough to cause noticeable damage, it can still lead to long-term issues, particularly when it comes into contact with sensitive components. In this case, the corrosion was severe enough to erase the processor’s identifying label, which is a key marker of warranty eligibility. Intel’s warranty terms specifically warn against using liquid metal because of its potential to cause electrical conductivity problems if not applied correctly. Unlike standard thermal paste, which is non-conductive, liquid metal can short-circuit components if it leaks onto other parts of the motherboard.
This issue highlights an important caveat for those using liquid metal: unless applied in a factory setting for a pre-built desktop, laptop, or another component, it’s typically not covered under warranty. This policy is standard across many manufacturers, including AMD. While the situation involving Intel’s Core i9-14900K processor may be more high-profile due to the series’ recent issues with stability, it serves as a reminder for anyone considering liquid metal to understand the risks—both in terms of hardware damage and warranty coverage.
In conclusion, while liquid metal paste can certainly improve thermal performance, it’s not without its downsides. Intel’s refusal to honor a warranty in this case underscores the importance of reading and adhering to manufacturer guidelines before attempting such high-risk cooling methods. A little extra heat management might come at a high cost if it leads to a voided warranty.
