Intel Core i5, Core i7 800 Processors and P55 Express

Intel's socket 1156 specifications call for CPU heatsink mounting holes that are 3mm closer than the original Core i7's, we're told to minimize the amount of flex in the motherboard when the heatsink is mounted. As such, a new stock heatsink was required and third-party manufactures will have to either introduce new socket 1156 compatible heatsinks or new retention mechanisms for current heatsink designs.

 
 
Stock Intel Core i5 Socket 1156 Cooler

The stock Intel Core i5 heatsink is pictured above. Aside from being very quiet, what's most impressive about this cooler is its size--the thing is downright tiny. The heatsink fins are barely and inch high, and the entire cooler is a fraction of the height of many aftermarket coolers. It mounts using Intel's traditional push-pins and features a PWM fan.

  
Thermalright MUX-120 Socket 1156 Cooler

We also obtained a Thermalright MUX-120 heatsink to accompany our Core i5 and Core i7 800 series processors. The MUX-120 is virtually identical to the older Ultra-120 eXtreme RT for socket 1366 processors, but the MUZ-120 ships with a new retention clip that is compatible with socket 1156.