Monster Cooling on a Diet: Zalman CNPS8000 CPU Cooler Review- Page 5/5
June 28, 2006
By
Thomas Soderstrom
Conclusion
Zalman’s focus on quality didn’t distract it from reaching performance goals, as the CNPS8000 is the coolest cooler we’ve tested. At only 5v, it was able to keep our overclocked Prescott at reasonable temperatures in virtual silence, but beating the enormous Big Typhoon in ultimate cooling required setting the fan to full speed.
And so we have a product with split personalities: A competent quiet-cooler, that becomes a performance beast when cranking things up! But the best part is that Zalman was able to pull this off in a cooler that’s small enough to fit most motherboards and short enough even for low-profile HTPC enclosures. Gamers might even find use for it in their LAN machines, as reduced weight also reduces any risk that the cooler might damage the motherboard during transit.
But no review would seem credible without a bit of criticism, and we can think of a few points against the CNPS8000. First, buyers might prefer not to remove their LGA775 motherboard to install a cooler, even though this is normal practice for performance coolers. Second, the full fan speed required to make it cool better than larger competitors creates a moderate amount of noise. Third, a lack of PWM interface means that automatic fan controls found on LGA775 and AM2 motherboards will be ineffective.
Pros:
Top-quality construction
Highest cooling capacity at full fan speed
Good cooling capacity at low fan speeds
Extra-easy Athlon 64 mounting kit
Comparatively good LGA775 mounting kit
Small size fits nearly all motherboards and enclosures
Relatively low weight reduces stress on motherboards
Cons:
Class-leading cooling requires noisiest fan setting
LGA775 installation requires motherboard removal
Three-pin connector lacks PWM function
The Verdict: HTPC builders will enjoy good cooling at low noise levels by turning the fan down, while overclockers will find even more cooling by turning it up. A web price of $50 makes this a best buy for small- to medium-sized enclosures, and top-quality construction puts its value above similarly priced competitors.
SysOpt Product Info
Product: CNPS8000
Category: CPU Cooling
Avg. Price: $50
Manufacturer: Zalman USA, Inc. 10531 Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92843
714-530-0700
Availability: Now
Ratings: (Best of four stars)
Features:
Performance:
Value:
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