are the conroe e6400 and wolfdale e8500 intel coolers interchangeable?

[maneuen]

I have an unused conroe cooler and I am about to build using the e8500. The conroe cooler is much larger (taller) than the wolfdale with a copper center piece vs. the wolfdales all aluminum chassis an shorter fins.

I know the 8500 is lower wattage than the 6400 thus the smaller cooler - but if they both fit, wouldn't I be better off using the larger cooler - in case I want to overclock a little down the road?


Also, should I scrape off the original thermal paste from the conroe (never touched), or is it still as good as new? (ie does it dry out?)

 

[schneiderguy]

Yes, the e6400 heatsink will work on the e8500 and it will perform better than the e8500 heatsink.

 

[Rabbits]

Provided that the e8500 is newer, yes.
I did the same thing to a E6400 from a P4 cooler, and it kept it below average temperatures.