Intel patent outlines embedding MicroLEDs directly into CPU package to light up wording or work as an 'extra aesthetic component' — MicroLED is embedded with die in glass substrate

· Tom's Hardware ·

4 min read Original article ↗
Intel silicon spin qubit progress
(Image credit: Intel)

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Jake Roach

Jake Roach is the Senior CPU Analyst at Tom’s Hardware, writing reviews, news, and features about the latest consumer and workstation processors.

  • jmcgaw

    Yep. If there's one thing I enjoy, it is staring at my CPU although it is a real PITA removing the heatsink and wiping off the goo every time I want to see what it is saying...

    Reply

  • TheyStoppedit

    It's not April 1st. Come on you guys

    Reply

  • Tiz.io

    jmcgaw said:

    Yep. If there's one thing I enjoy, it is staring at my CPU although it is a real PITA removing the heatsink and wiping off the goo every time I want to see what it is saying...

    Just imagine how cool it will be knowing there are some invisible RGBs under there though secretly making you even more L33T while only adding a few watts to the package until they inevitably burn out from being too hot.

    Reply

  • LordVile

    Tiz.io said:

    Just imagine how cool it will be knowing there are some invisible RGBs under there though secretly making you even more L33T while only adding a few watts to the package until they inevitably burn out from being too hot.

    They give you an extra 69 fps

    Reply

  • TerryLaze

    jmcgaw said:

    Yep. If there's one thing I enjoy, it is staring at my CPU although it is a real PITA removing the heatsink and wiping off the goo every time I want to see what it is saying...

    You do realize that CPU doesn't just refer to desktop CPUs right?
    The pi for example has a CPU that runs fine without any cooling and leds would make some sense on something like that.
    There are more CPUs that don't need cooling than there are ones that do need it.
    All phone CPUs run mostly without cooling and if they find a way to make the back transparent (and still somewhat heat conductive) having the CPU flash the makers logo in bright LEDs also makes sense.
    Even on desktops the chipset often has no cooling on it, another place this could work.
    The applications are practically unlimited.
    (Doesn't mean this will ever happen, or take off if it happens, just saying that there are reasons for it)

    Reply

  • BillM12

    TerryLaze said:

    You do realize that CPU doesn't just refer to desktop CPUs right?
    The pi for example has a CPU that runs fine without any cooling and leds would make some sense on something like that.
    There are more CPUs that don't need cooling than there are ones that do need it.
    All phone CPUs run mostly without cooling and if they find a way to make the back transparent (and still somewhat heat conductive) having the CPU flash the makers logo in bright LEDs also makes sense.
    Even on desktops the chipset often has no cooling on it, another place this could work.
    The applications are practically unlimited.
    (Doesn't mean this will ever happen, or take off if it happens, just saying that there are reasons for it)

    Too many narrow the scope where/hiw this can be used. Expanding this to any IC could have lots of application both from advertizing as well as easy diagnostics. Patents are future capabilities that few can vision the exact usage and many patents are written broadly. Will this ever be produced? Maybe....

    Reply

  • hotaru251
    to light up wording or work as an 'extra aesthetic component'

    so raising cost for no reason to milk more from ppl?

    also if you have them die (and randomly can) ...it would look awful.

    Reply

  • bigdragon

    Anyone else find the Mercedes and Audi vehicles with the illuminated grille logos to be gaudy? They just look goofy to me. The first thing I thought of was Intel trying to do something similar with this tech -- illuminate their own logo on some sort of passively-cooled CPU.

    Given the heatsinks desktop systems use, I could only see this tech appearing as an illuminated ring around the IHS. Personally, I don't want it. Not everything has to light up or change color!

    Reply

  • salgado18

    TerryLaze said:

    The pi for example has a CPU that runs fine without any cooling

    I believe Intel is incapable of making a CPU that can run without cooling and is still useful.

    Reply

  • TerryLaze

    salgado18 said:

    I believe Intel is incapable of making a CPU that can run without cooling and is still useful.

    Mainstream desktop no, I said as much myself.
    But intel is opening up to anybody and everybody as a FAB and a lot of designs on 14A, and even previous nodes, will run fine without cooling, just not the top end big performers.

    Reply