About CPU Cooler Socket Types for Custom-Built PCs

This article explains the importance of socket types when choosing a CPU, motherboard, and CPU cooler.

When building a PC, it is necessary to match the socket type of the CPU and motherboard. In addition, the socket type of the CPU cooler must also match the motherboard.

If the socket types do not match, the parts will not fit together physically, so assembly will not be possible. Be careful to avoid this mistake.

This article also explains how to choose a CPU cooler from the perspective of types, performance, and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose a CPU Cooler for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

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About Socket Types

Before explaining the socket types for CPU coolers, this section covers the basic concept of socket types.

What is a Socket Type?

A socket type refers to the shape and design of the physical connection point between the CPU and motherboard.

Simply put, it is the “connection port” for installing the CPU onto the motherboard.

If the socket type does not match between the CPU and motherboard, the CPU cannot be installed.

Also, the socket type of the CPU cooler must match as well.

Types of Socket Types

The socket type of a CPU differs depending on the CPU manufacturer (Intel, AMD).

Each company uses its own dedicated socket type, so they are not compatible with each other.

New generations of CPUs are usually released about once a year, but the same socket type is often used for about 2 or 3 generations.

For Intel, there are brands such as the consumer Intel Core i series and the Xeon series for servers and workstations, and the socket type can differ by brand.

In other words, the socket type varies depending on the manufacturer, brand, and generation.

For example, in the Intel Core i series, there are different grades such as Core i3, i5, i7, and i9, but if they are from the same generation, the socket type is the same regardless of grade.

Since the socket type is unified by generation, if upgrading the CPU in a custom PC, an old generation may require replacing the motherboard as well, because the socket type may not match.

Let’s summarize which socket types exist and which manufacturers, brands, and generations they support.

Socket Type List

This list covers only consumer brands. Server and workstation models use different socket types.

About CPU Cooler Socket Types

This section explains the basics of CPU cooler socket types.

CPU Coolers Support Multiple Socket Types

While CPUs and motherboards support only one socket type, most CPU coolers are designed to support multiple socket types.

CPUs, and motherboards as well, support only one socket type from a single CPU manufacturer.

On the other hand, if you check the specifications of a CPU cooler, CPU coolers are designed to support multiple socket types from both Intel and AMD, so they can be installed on various motherboards.

Thanks to this, users can choose a CPU cooler from a wide range of options without being limited to a specific socket.

Also, when upgrading the CPU or motherboard in the future, it is more likely that the same cooler can be reused.

Must Include the Motherboard’s Socket Type

When choosing a CPU cooler, it is necessary to select one that supports the socket type of the CPU and motherboard.

If the CPU cooler does not support the required socket type, it cannot be physically installed, so assembly will not be possible regardless of whether it works or not.

First, narrow down your choices by socket type, then consider other factors such as CPU cooler performance, design, and price.

This article mainly explains CPU coolers, but of course, the socket types of the CPU and motherboard must also match.

There are also articles explaining how to choose a CPU cooler from the perspective of performance, features, and compatibility, and a tool that allows you to check compatibility, estimate, and calculate power just by selecting PC parts. Please make use of these resources.

The tool also checks if the socket types of the CPU, motherboard, and CPU cooler match just by selecting the parts.

If the Socket Type is Wrong, You Will Have to Buy Again [Failure Story]

If the socket types of the CPU, CPU cooler, and motherboard are different, you will basically have to buy new parts.

In my own experience, when building my second PC, I once chose the wrong socket type for the CPU cooler.

At that time, I considered the parts online and bought them at a store.

However, since the CPU cooler I wanted was not available, I chose a different one on the spot and checked the socket type myself just in case.

Because I was still inexperienced with custom PCs, I also asked the store staff to confirm.

However, when I actually tried to assemble the PC, the socket type was not compatible, so I could not assemble it.

Luckily, I was able to swap the CPU cooler with the one from my first custom PC, so both could be installed and the problem was solved.

If I hadn’t had that option, I would have had to buy a new cooler.

Maybe the store staff would have exchanged it because of the mistake, but either way, it would have been a hassle.

Since this kind of situation can happen, always check the socket types before purchasing once you have decided on the parts.

About CPU Cooler Parts and Assembly

This section explains the parts and assembly of CPU coolers.

What is Included with a CPU Cooler

The contents of a CPU cooler package mainly include the CPU cooler itself and mounting parts for Intel and AMD.

The items in the image are mounting parts for AMD AM3 and some Intel socket.

With these mounting parts, CPU coolers can support multiple socket types.

Use Mounting Parts That Match the CPU Manufacturer

When installing a CPU cooler, it is necessary to place the mounting parts between the CPU and motherboard.

Attach the mounting parts to the motherboard, then install the CPU cooler on top.

First, fix the mounting parts to the motherboard with screws.

After that, place the CPU cooler on top of the CPU and secure it to the mounting parts with screws.

This is the general structure and installation method, but the specific procedure may differ depending on the product, so always check the manual.

Summary: Always Choose a CPU Cooler That Supports the Motherboard’s Socket Type

This article explained the basic knowledge about socket types and how to choose parts.

Here are the key points again.

When building a custom PC, always check that the socket types of the CPU, motherboard, and CPU cooler match before purchasing the parts.

Especially when deciding on parts online and buying them at a store, there may be times when the desired product is not available and you have to change your choice on the spot.

In such cases, be careful not to overlook checking the socket type, as mistakes can happen.

This article also explains how to choose a CPU cooler from the perspective of types, performance, and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose a CPU Cooler for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

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PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.