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Thread ID: 65202 2006-01-10 23:14:00 CPU Cooler Opinions Myth (110) Press F1
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420059 2006-01-10 23:14:00 Sometime in the near future I want to replace the last remaining noisy fan in this box (the CPU heatsink and fan). I have been considering the Zalman CNP range, and wondered what anyone else thought of them. If they are no good, then what should I look at>

Incidentally, I have 2 main criteria, must be quiet, and must be transferable (say if I upgrade from my 478 P4 to say a 939 AMD).

Currently I am using the stock standard cooler, does the job, but is rather noisy
Myth (110)
420060 2006-01-11 01:14:00 The CNPS9500 has had very good reviews, but is around $115. It's compact, and relatively light weight.

www.zalman.co.kr

Though you're not asking about it, I don't like the "dish-pan" style, which is popular, such as the Zalman Fatal1ty FS-C77.

www.zalman.co.kr

The fins get very tight near the center, and the fan makes it impossible to clean. It quickly gets a grey mat of dust. It's also amazingly heavy, which is a worry with tower PC's.

Personally I'm a big fan of Zalman's water cooled "Reserator", but is very pricey at $450. It eliminates the CPU fan completely, and optionally the video card fan also.
kingdragonfly (309)
420061 2006-01-11 01:21:00 I like the Thermalright XP-90C.

www.overclockers.co.nz

Of course what fan you pair it with is the noise factor.
I use mine with a Vantec Stealth. Its a balance between quiet and not too low RPM.
pctek (84)
420062 2006-01-11 04:26:00 You cant go wrong with either the Zalman or Thermalright options. Im using an older Thermalright and have been very impressed. Pete O'Neil (6584)
420063 2006-02-21 05:28:00 Finally got round to getting some dosh together.. thought I would double check required measurements/clearances before I ordered the Zalman 9500. Sure enough, I have 3 capacitors sticking up within required clearance area. Looks like it may be the Thermalright.
But, before I order (about 2 or 3 days), anyone have any other suggestions for cpu cooler (requirements in first post)
Myth (110)
420064 2006-02-25 22:45:00 Just an update:
After much reading and advice seeking (thanks to those who contributed) I opted for the Thermalright XP90 (AlCu) as it was lighter than the XP90C and I didn't think I would need a full copper heatsink (esp with the extra 300g and only 1-3 degrees difference compared with the XP90 according to reviews)
IN partnership with the thermalright heatsink, I included a 92mm 11dBa SilenX fan.

Now my problem is I have to strain my ears to hear if its still running :D

Thoroughly recommend the thermalright/silenx pairing at this stage

Incidentally, I didn't get the Zalman 9500 purely because my current case doesn't give me the recommended clearances
Myth (110)
420065 2006-02-26 01:29:00 Cannot resist a chance to flog the dead horse, but the BEST cooling for any PC is a climate controlled environment.

I.E. Air conditioning.

Could also use some liquid nitrogen :;
ughnz (8297)
420066 2006-02-26 03:22:00 But, before I order (about 2 or 3 days), anyone have any other suggestions for cpu cooler (requirements in first post)
Its not the heatsink - its the fan, remember.
pctek (84)
420067 2006-02-26 03:40:00 Its not the heatsink - its the fan, remember.For that particular question I was referring to the heatsink. But yeah I know what you mean, some people do get the 2 mixed up (done it myself once or twice momentarily:)) Myth (110)
420068 2006-02-26 04:28:00 I have to say that I've just bought and installed a Zalman 7700 AlCu...

The Zalman fits snuggly into the P4P800-SE (stoked) and I have to say the results are quite impressive.

I've had a 6-7 degree drop in CPU temp, a 3 degree drop in the mobo temp and a 4-5 degree drop in the GPU temp as well. Overall I think a good result and buy.

Here are a few pics...

us.f2.yahoofs.com


us.f2.yahoofs.com


In the next 2 pics you can see there's just about a 5 - 7mm gap between the PSU and the Zalman.


us.f2.yahoofs.com


us.f2.yahoofs.com


Here's a look at the temps after the install... pc was running for about 15 minutes before I took these.

us.f2.yahoofs.com


Glad I got this cooler and even more stoked that it fit. Now all I have to do is get a new PSU... the 520W Task PSU I have is good and stable but the fans are noticably noisy.

cheers

chiefnz
chiefnz (545)
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