Question Why are there two types of cooler install mechanisms in LGA1155 socket?

[GeorgeCZ75]

I am curious in LGA1155 socket coolers. How come I see one type of install mechanism, the mechanism where you have to push down 4 black pins, and I see another mechanism, the one where there are 4 screws with springs around the screws?

 

[rubix_1011]

Push down is similar to the Intel OEM cooler type. Others with tension screws are using a backplate to hold tension on the cooler using the motherboard as leverage (more secure).

 

[Karadjgne]

It's a weight distribution issue. The smaller, light coolers like the stock Intel have such a low center of gravity to the motherboard that there's little downwards pressure when vertical. 4 plastic pushpins are considerably cheaper than a plastic/metal backplate and standoffs and thumbscrews, which are far stronger and spread the weight around for the taller, heavier tower heatsinks.

If in doubt, take a gallon of milk and hold it near your chest. Then hold it at arms length. Very big difference in effort needed to support the arms length milk. Then imagine that arms length gallon doubled in weight the way a larger tower can be, compared to stock intel. Bring on the screws...

 

[GeorgeCZ75]

I bought a third party cooler that came with both the 4 plastic pushpins and brackets with the 4 screws with springs around it. Which mechanism should I use?

 

[Darkbreeze]

What is the cooler model?

 

[Karadjgne]

The plastic pushpins are more than likely spaced for an intel motherboard, the screws/bracket to change that spacing to amd.