Thermalright
Thermalright ASF-Black AM5 CPU Holder
Bottom line: The Thermalright ASF-Black AM5 CPU Holder ($9.90 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 22:16 UTC): Anodized aluminum frame supports cooler weight to counter AM5 IHS bending; main trade-off: AM5 only, so no reuse if you move to Intel LGA1700 or an older AM4 build.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Anodized aluminum frame supports cooler weight to counter AM5 IHS bending
- ✓ Non-marking contact face survives repeated cooler remounts without scuffing the lid
- ✓ Bundled TF7 2g paste rated 12.8 W/m.K ships in the box
- ✓ L-shaped screwdriver included, so no separate tool hunt
Cons
- ✗ AM5 only, so no reuse if you move to Intel LGA1700 or an older AM4 build
- ✗ Officially listed for X670 and B650 boards only, leaving A620 and B850 unconfirmed
- ✗ Only 2g of TF7 paste included, enough for roughly one mainstream cooler mount
- ✗ Replacing the factory retention mechanism may complicate a CPU warranty claim
Manufacturer description
The Thermalright ASF-Black AM5 CPU holder replaces the stock AM5 retention frame to keep Ryzen 7000-series chips flat under cooler pressure. Machined from anodized, sandblasted aluminum, it spreads mounting force evenly across the IHS edges so the socket area stays flush instead of flexing toward the center. The non-marking contact surface means you can remount repeatedly without scuffing the CPU lid, and the rounded perimeter avoids the sharp edges that scratch boards during install. Insulated foot pads sit precisely against the AM5 slot outline, limiting stray contact between thermal paste…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Thermalright ASF-Black AM5 CPU Holder using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the motherboards category. Thermalright's motherboards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for motherboards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this fit my AM5 motherboard?
Thermalright lists the ASF-Black as supporting AM5 sockets on X670 and B650 series chipsets. It is not compatible with AM4 or any Intel socket. For boards on other AM5 chipsets, confirm against the current product listing before ordering.
Does it come with thermal paste, or do I need my own?
A 2 g tube of Thermalright TF7 paste rated at 12.8 W/m.K is included, along with an L-shaped screwdriver. That is roughly enough paste for one mainstream cooler mount, so keep a spare tube if you plan to reseat several times.
Do I have to remove my CPU cooler to install it?
Yes. The frame replaces the stock AM5 retention bracket, so the cooler comes off, the factory frame unscrews, this one goes on, then you repaste and remount. Thermalright provides written instructions and an installation video for the sequence.
Will it actually stop my Ryzen chip from bending?
The all-aluminum frame is designed to carry cooler weight and apply even pressure around the IHS edges rather than concentrating load at the center, which is the mechanism behind AM5 bending. Thermalright does not publish a deflection figure, so treat it as preventative hardware, not a repair.
How big is it and will it clear my cooler mounting hardware?
The frame measures 70 x 54 x 6 mm and weighs 20 g by itself, 55 g with all included parts. The 6 mm height sits in place of the stock bracket, but check your cooler's AM5 mounting instructions if it uses the factory backplate posts.
Key Features
- 【Dedicated CPU Slot】Exclusive AM5 anti-bending corrector with all-aluminum anodized sandblasting process, Fully laminated, non-marking installation with even pressure edges, multiple installations will not wear out the CPU cover.
- 【Insulated Foot Pad】Precise positioning of AM5 CPU slot size with insulated protective feet can reduce the capacitance caused by thermal conductive silicone contacting the CPU.
- 【Antioxidant Effect】All aluminum alloy precision workmanship, surface oxidation treatment, rounded perimeter, not easy to scratch, carefully designed to fit the CPU perfectly, can support the weight of the cooler to prevent the CPU from being bent, black version.
- 【Easy to Installation】Suitable for AM5 CPU motherboard slots, configured with L-shaped screwdriver for easy installation. The included TF7 2g silicone grease with a thermal conductivity of 12.8W/M.K can be combined with a cooler to quickly enhance the CPU cooling effect. Follow the instructions or installation video to operate, you can install successfully in one step.
- 【Support Specifications】Product size: 70 (L) × 54 (W) × 6 (H) mm, only supports AMD: AM5 CPU, motherboard slot for AM5, chipset for X670, B650 series, weight: body: 20g, overall 55g.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Thermalright |
|---|---|
| Model | ASF BLACK |
| Weight | 2g |
| Wattage | 12.8 watts |
| Material | Metal |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Part Number | ASF BLACK |
| Material Type | Metal |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Included Components | AM5 CPU holder |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Warranty Description | 0.6 |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 2.13"L x 0.24"W x 2.76"H |
| 【Support Specifications】Product size | 70 (L) × 54 (W) × 6 (H) mm, only supports AMD: AM5 CPU, motherboard slot for AM5, chipset for X670, B650 series, weight: body: 20g, overall 55g. |
| Full listing title | Thermalright ASF-Black AM5 CPU Holder, Corrective Anti-Bending Fixing Frame, Full-Fit Fixed Non-Marking Mounter, AM5 Anti-Bending Contact Frame, CPU Cooler Standard |
Ready to buy?
Thermalright ASF-Black AM5 CPU Holder, Corrective Anti-Bending Fixing Frame, Full-Fit Fixed Non-Marking Mounter, AM5 Anti-Bending Contact Frame, CPU Cooler Standard is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
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