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: Best for: HTPC and Portable Gaming PCs