Intel’s Entry-Level RS1 Laminar CPU Cooler Quietly Exits Production Line

Intel has discontinued production of the base RS1 Laminar CPU cooler, marking the end of its most affordable cooling solution. The RS1, which debuted alongside Intel’s 12th-generation processors in 2021, was a modest upgrade over earlier stock coolers. Its aluminum construction and 47mm profile coupled with a redesigned five-blade fan provide plenty of cooling for 65W processors despite its lightweight 260 grams. The decision to discontinue the RS1 appears to be largely due to its limited scope. The cooler was supplied exclusively with two dual-core processors: Pentium Gold G7400 and Celeron G6900. With both chips running at a modest 46W TPD, the RS1’s base cooling capacity proved adequate but ultimately too specialized for broader market demand.

Going forward, Intel will rely on the RM1 cooler as its primary replacement. The RM1 has the same dimensions as the RS1, but has a copper baseplate for improved heat transfer and features LED accent lighting. Intel recently released the Intel Processor 300, which is essentially an updated Pentium G7400 that comes with an RM1 cooler, suggesting that the company has already begun phasing out the RS1. RM1 now serves as Intel’s standard cooling solution for most locked-in Intel processors, from Core i3 to Core i7 in the 12th and 14th generations. This standardization will help the company reduce costs by focusing on products with greater compatibility and market appeal. For users and system builders, this change should have minimal impact as the RM1 offers superior cooling capabilities compared to its discontinued predecessor.