Thermal Grizzly has said that two mounting frames for AMD 9000X3D may not be compatible without modification.

AMD's 9000X3D processors are on the horizon and many PC gamers are likely preparing their upgrade funds for a draining. Overclockers may also be looking forward to the near future, as they await the next generation 3D V-Cache chip. Some of those who are clamoring for new gear may need to wait.

Thermal Grizzly has confirmed that its Ryzen 7000 Direct Dies Frame and its V2 versions "are likely incompatible" (at least "without modification") with Ryzen 9000X3D processors. Videocardz points this out as being due to the additional silicon around the capacitors on the 9000-series compared with the 7000-series. Thermal Grizzly also "strongly advise[s]" against altering the adhesion surfaces.

Thermal Grizzly claims that other products such as the AM5 Heatspreader are compatible with Ryzen 9 9800X3D or 9950X3D.

While other extreme overclockers may be able use the most popular mounting frame to do this, those who want to remove the lid from their 9000-series chip and place a cooler on top will not be able to. Extreme overclockers can be a clever bunch and may find it easy to modify the Direct Die Frame.

I call these products "extreme overclockers", because they are aimed at this market. The Thermal Grizzly product in question is "direct-die", "sealing frames", and other de-lidding paraphernalia.

If you don't understand what you're doing, you could void your warranty or even ruin your processor. Wes Fenlon, our own expert, says it's worth it, but also describes it as a "delicate and high-risk operation". I'll leave that to the experts.

It's worth noting, too, that for most people it's probably not worth trying to overclock a Ryzen X3D. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D for example, cannot be overclocked by default. You have to do some PBO or ECLK shenanigans which will yield little performance gain for an average user.

Extreme overclockers aren’t your average users. They overclock almost exclusively to prove that they can or to beat the world record. I don't believe that a small mounting frame modification will stop them.