No AM4 contact frame available.
No AM4 contact frame available.
Since it's not required for AM4, let alone AM5, producers noticed customers were purchasing it for Intel 13th and 14th models and created AM5 contact frames to attract less informed buyers.
It wasn't necessary. AM4 didn't face bending problems. Intel's chips from the 12th generation are larger, and their one-way lever design led to complications. That's why the 12th to 14th generations introduced Contact frames to resolve this issue—something Intel seems unwilling to invest in. AM5 isn't truly a contact frame; it functions more like an offset mount, as the CCDs and IOD are now positioned lower on the chip rather than centrally. Most of these designs simply tweak the cooler's direct contact to make up for the change.
because there's no need for contact frame on AM4, contact frame is for better CPU -> cooler contact, if the CPU already makes good enough contact there's no need for frame, Intel 1700 socket CPUs have curved surface, and the contact isn't as flat as AM4 or AM5, they also easily overheat even on good coolers, that's why they need frame.
Aligns well with the general discussion, except for using a contact frame after sanding down the extremely thick IHS of AM5 CPUs. JaysTwoCents tested the 7950X and noticed noticeable temperature gains due to better heat retention from the thicker IHS, though he still thinks customers should upgrade coolers or adapters rather than relying on a contact frame. For stock AM5 chips, it likely offers minimal benefit—perhaps a slight performance edge of around one percent on the most powerful models like the 7950X and 9950X. It seems unnecessary unless you're doing physical modifications, where it might help only in specific cases.