Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler Review

Installation

Test Rig:

Intel i7 920 (retail version)
Gigabyte EX58-UD4P X58 Motherboard
Corsair Dominator GT DDR3-2000 6GB triple channel kit
ASUS Matrix geForce GTX 260 video card
BFG EX-1200 1200 watt power supply
Ikonik Ra X10 Liquid aluminum full tower
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit

This is a watercooled case, but of course I am not using the liquid system. First, prep the CPU and cooler base with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.



Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler

Next, install the cooler mounting base. Place the base with the screw holes over the motherboard cooler mounting openings. Take the gold screws with an insert on each one, the smaller part of the insert towards the motherboard, insert the screws and tighten each until snug.


Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler

Apply thermal compound onto the CPU heat spreader by the manufacturer’s instructions. Zalman wants you to place what I feel is a large amount on both the heatspreader and the cooler. This is far too much, and makes a mess. I didn’t put any on the base. Install the mounting bracket on the cooler by holding at an extreme angle and put the cooler base through the bracket.


Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler

It is totally up to you whether or not you remove the fan before installation. I was able to start the screws under the fan, but the screwdriver was at an extreme angle.it probably would be better to remove the fan first. Place the base over the CPU with the mounting bracket screws lined up with the mounting base holes.

This was the hardest part of the installation, it was kind of tough to line everything up without the cooler coming out of the mounting bracket. Start a screw for a few turns, then start the screw diagonally from it for a few turns. After all screws are started, alternatively tighten in a diagonal pattern until they all are snug.


Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler

There was not only plenty of room for my rather tall memory, I was able to install my memory cooler fan too.


Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler

Install the motherboard into the case. It would be a good idea to connect the ATX12v cable before placing the screws into the motherboard as it is a tight fit between the cooler and the rear of the case.


Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler

Wire things up, install the video card, and you’re done.


Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler

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