Quick Answer

Most modern AIO coolers ship with mounting hardware for AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, and LGA 115X sockets in the box. AM4 and AM5 use AMD's standard 54mm hole spacing, LGA 1700 uses a wider 78mm x 78mm pattern, and LGA 115X/1200 share a 75mm x 75mm pattern. Checking this compatibility list before purchasing prevents the frustrating scenario of receiving a cooler that cannot mount to your motherboard.

AMD Socket Compatibility: AM4 and AM5 🔧

AM4 covers AMD CPUs from the Ryzen 1000 through Ryzen 5000 series, while AM5 is the current platform for Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series chips like the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 9 9950X. Both sockets share the same 54mm mounting hole spacing, which means most AIO cold plates designed for AM4 mount on AM5 without different screws, though the backplate or bracket may differ. AMD changed the retention system with AM5, introducing a new bracket design. Verify that your chosen AIO explicitly lists AM5 support, since older coolers may not include the correct bracket even if the hole spacing matches.

Intel Socket Compatibility: LGA 1700, 1200 and 115X 🖥️

LGA 1700 covers Intel's 12th through 14th generation Core processors and Core Ultra 200 series, including chips like the Core i7-14700K and Core Ultra 9 285K. Its mounting pattern is a wider 78mm x 78mm square. LGA 1200 (10th and 11th Gen) and LGA 115X (6th through 9th Gen) share a 75mm x 75mm pattern and use the same mounting bracket on most AIOs, meaning an LGA 1200 bracket typically fits LGA 1151 as well. Any AIO listing LGA 1700 support almost certainly also supports LGA 1200 and LGA 115X since those patterns are a strict subset widely supported for years.

What to Check When Buying an AIO in South Africa 💰

When buying locally at Evetech, look for the socket compatibility list on the product page. Current-generation AIOs from Corsair, NZXT, Deepcool, and Lian Li support all five sockets mentioned here out of the box. For SA builders planning a future CPU upgrade, choosing an AIO that already supports both AM5 and LGA 1700 means the cooler survives a platform swap without replacement, protecting your investment across multiple upgrade cycles. If you are using an older HEDT platform like LGA 2011, compatibility varies and a separate mounting kit may be required.

TIP

Keep the Extra Mounting Hardware in the Box ⚡

Most AIOs include mounting brackets for every supported socket, but only one set gets installed. Store unused brackets and screws in the original packaging. When you upgrade your CPU or swap platforms, you will need those parts and they are difficult to source individually in South Africa.

FAQ

Does an AM4-compatible AIO automatically work on AM5 without extra parts?

Not always. The mounting hole spacing is the same, but AM5 uses a different bracket arrangement. Many modern AIOs include dedicated AM5 hardware in the box, but older models may require a free mounting kit from the manufacturer. Always verify before purchasing if you are on AM5.

Do all AIO coolers support LGA 1700 without modification?

AIOs manufactured before mid-2021 may not include LGA 1700 hardware since that socket launched with Alder Lake in November 2021. Many brands offered free LGA 1700 upgrade kits then. If you are buying a new AIO today, all current models include LGA 1700 support by default.

Can I use an Intel-purchased AIO on an AMD platform?

Yes, as long as the unit lists both Intel and AMD socket support in its compatibility list, which all major current-generation AIOs do. The cold plate is universal; only the mounting bracket and backplate differ, and both sets are included in the retail box.

Need an AIO that fits your AMD or Intel platform without guesswork? Browse AIO coolers at Evetech with clear socket compatibility listings for AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, and more. Check the cooling section on the Evetech site for current stock.