FAQ: LGA1155 vs LGA1156 Heatsink Mounting Holes Linus Tech Tips

This video addresses a common question about compatibility between Intel socket generations LGA1155 and LGA1156, focusing on heatsink mounting holes and cooler compatibility. The presenter demonstrates with real hardware that the mounting hole spacing for LGA1155 and LGA1156 is identical, illustrating this by attaching an 1156 cooler to an 1155 motherboard and showing that the push pins, back plate, and mounting hardware align and function the same. He explains that 1155 is an upgraded platform despite having fewer pins, and notes that the thermal design power (TDP) of CPUs across both generations is quite similar, implying that many coolers designed for 1156 will work on 1155 systems without modification. The video also compares keep-out zones and back plates, showing that the existing hardware can be reused when switching between these sockets. The conclusion offered is practical and reassuring for users upgrading to 1155: you likely do not need to buy a new cooler, and existing coolers can remain compatible. The overall message is that socket compatibility is broad and upgradeable, simplifying the path for users moving from 1156 to 1155 or vice versa, with a emphasis on verifying the exact cooler and mounting hardware before purchasing. Subscribing for more Linus Tech Tips content is encouraged at the end.

Topics · hardware-compatibility · pc-builds · cpu-sockets · computer-hardware · cooling · tech-tips