Is the sole reason for why CPUs come with an integrated heat spreader, instead of an exposed die, that the end user can't be trusted to not overtight the heatsink and crack the die?
@alyx Pretty much, the die is quite fragile and so there's a chance you'll damage just with a slight amount of over-tightening, as the metal of the heat spreader expands and contracts, but the CPU die doesn't as much.
With a heat spreader, the die is no longer at significant risk anymore, as the IHS expands and contracts with the heat spreader.
Additionally, the heat spreader improves the conduction of heat to the heatsink, as there is more surface area.
Finally, a IHS allows for dual die and chiplet designs without cooler designs specifically needing to accommodate such.
With a heat spreader, the die is no longer at significant risk anymore, as the IHS expands and contracts with the heat spreader.
Additionally, the heat spreader improves the conduction of heat to the heatsink, as there is more surface area.
Finally, a IHS allows for dual die and chiplet designs without cooler designs specifically needing to accommodate such.