How important is Compatibility when choosing a CPU cooling fan?

[imaginaryk]

I've noticed that fans, in their specifications, generally have a list of compatible processors. How important is it that the fan's list of such processors include the one you would like to put it on?

What does this really mean?

Thermodynamics applies equally to everything, so I don't understand what is really being advertised by this.. does it cool different spots better in some cases?

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

Fans? If you meant CPU coolers, I cant explain. If its not compatible. It wont mount, and if you even try to mount it in some strange way, you will get horribly hot CPU temps.

I don't know what fan brand you are talking about, but any fan brand that is stupid enough to say that probably makes horrible fans (unless its the website/store and not the fan maker).