What Is a CPU's IHS? A Basic Definition

IHS stands for integrated heat spreader. The IHS is the metal exterior lid of a CPU’s processor. It serves as both a protective shell around the processing silicon and a pathway for heat to be exchanged between the CPU and your CPU cooler.

Some very intrepid overclockers use a process called delidding  to remove their processor's stock IHS and replace it with even more conductive material. No matter how good your IHS is, however, it must always be used in concert with some kind of CPU cooler. For more on delidding, check out our tutorial on how to delid your CPU and what you'll gain. 

This article is part of the 3DTested Glossary.

Further reading:

• How to Delid Your Processor and Why It's Worth It
• Best CPU Coolers 2018: Air and Liquid
• How to Buy the Right CPU 
• Best (Non-Gaming) Performance CPUs
• Best Gaming CPUs
• CPU Benchmarks Hierarchy