Not sure that it ultimately matters, but I recently purchased an E2160 proc and the stock cooler is of the aluminum variety. That's not surprising. What I found somewhat strange, however, was the changes in design when compared to the last aluminum stock cooler that was packaged with an E2140 that I purchased last fall. It's hard to describe, but it seems to be a lower profile. The second thing I noticed was the surface that contacts the proc heat speader is a much larger surface overall. In other words, it is not like the other stock intel coolers I've seen where the base of the cooler is sort of terraced to create a platform that contacts the proc. This new one just has a large surface with a circular machined area the size of the circular base of the old style. Also, the machining on the base seems to be of much lesser quality.
I hope this makes sense. Like I said, I'm not sure it matters in the end, but I am certainly curious what others think about this.
I hope this makes sense. Like I said, I'm not sure it matters in the end, but I am certainly curious what others think about this.