Are the bases for all CPU coolers the same (for the same socket)?

[gary king]

I'm going to build a new PC soon. I plan on getting LGA 1155, so the CPU I'm getting is i3-3220. I don't plan on overclocking but I plan on gaming.

I was originally going to just stick with the stock cooler, but I think I want to use an aftermarket CPU cooler, not because of the heat dissipation as much, but because of the quietness and the fact that it would be a pain to install one after I install the motherboard.

So, I'm wondering, if I install a CPU cooler, and then I want to change to a different one, do I have to remove the base portion and install the new base portion, or are they the same for every cooler for the same socket? The base part looks roughly the same across CPU coolers, but with some variance in color, etc.

Or is it advisable to always change the base as well when changing coolers? And is it really a pain to install a CPU cooler when the motherboard is already installed? I notice in my last build (which didn't have an aftermarket CPU cooler or graphics card, so I'm new to both of those two items) that the back part of the motherboard had a cut-out, to allow space for CPU cooler bases I'm guessing.

 

[ur6beersaway]

The cooler you select needs to be LGA 1155 compatible (very popular). Some custom cases have access to the back of the mobo at all times (for brackets & screws). It is easier to do it before hand. The mobo socket base stays and is not a factor. Don't forget to grab thermal paste also.

 

[gary king]

The cooler you select needs to be LGA 1155 compatible (very popular). Some custom cases have access to the back of the mobo at all times (for brackets & screws). It is easier to do it before hand. The mobo socket base stays and is not a factor. Don't forget to grab thermal paste also.

Yep, I am aware that I need one that is compatible with LGA 1155, because not all are. So are you saying that the socket base behind the motherboard is essentially interchangeable and can be reused between different CPU coolers, even those from different manufacturers? I'm guessing because there's nothing special with the base since it just holds the CPU cooler in place?

 

[Intel God]

1156/1155/1150 are all the same mount so you shouldn't worry

 

[ur6beersaway]

The cooler you select needs to be LGA 1155 compatible (very popular). Some custom cases have access to the back of the mobo at all times (for brackets & screws). It is easier to do it before hand. The mobo socket base stays and is not a factor. Don't forget to grab thermal paste also.

Yep, I am aware that I need one that is compatible with LGA 1155, because not all are. So are you saying that the socket base behind the motherboard is essentially interchangeable and can be reused between different CPU coolers, even those from different manufacturers? I'm guessing because there's nothing special with the base since it just holds the CPU cooler in place?

Correct....Coolers come with instructions, but some are confusing & useless, others help. There is always "YouTube" if you want to see how easy it is. cheers