Introduction
Introduction
Zalman, along with Swiftech and Alpha probably make the highest quality CPU coolers on the market, but unlike the other two mentioned, rather than focusing on just ultimate performance, Zalman attempt to combat another problem which is steadily becoming a large issue with overclockers - noise. In this test, I will be comparing virtually their entire range of coolers, including three beautiful FHS (Flower Heat Sink) coolers, and two other coolers from their latest CNPS 5000 range.
Cooler reviews.
This is the first installment in a series of CPU cooler reviews and round-ups from OcPrices. We have decided to include information on each cooler which is sometimes neglected by reviews - first of all, what CPUs the HSF's are compatible with... Athlon | | Pentium III / Celeron | | Slotket | | Pentium 4 | |
...and secondly how noisy they are.
Coolers are given a rating of 1-5 ear-muffs on how noisy they are. Only the noisiest coolers get 5, (for example the classic FOP-38 would get a 4) and only the quietest get 1.
The contenders
In this particular round up, the contenders are:
• Zalman CNPS 5001 - Plus
• Zalman CNPS 5001 – AL
• Zalman CNPS 3000
• Zalman CNPS 3100
• Zalman CNPS 3100 GOLD
Lets have a look at the all-important test setup.
Test Setup
Rather than using my usual overclocked PIII system, I opted for an Athlon system for this round up, since it offers more of a challenge to the coolers. The full specs are:
- AMD Athlon 1.33GHz Processor @ 1.4GHz
- 256MB Cas 2 DDR RAM
- IBM Deskstar 60GXP 20 GB
- Asus A7A266 Mobo
- 19" Sony Multiscan GDM-400PS Monitor
- Win98
- Eclipse ATX Midi Black Case
In all tests, the thermal compound used was Arctic Silver II. All temperatures were taken using a thermal probe. Idle temperature was measured by allowing Windows to boot up, and leaving the PC idle until the temperature stopped fluctuating. To measure the temperatures at full load, I used Genome @ home and allowed the CPU to run at full 100% load for 15 minutes. This was sufficient to bring the CPU to its maximum temperature under each cooler. All heat sinks were subjected to the same test conditions (Same Genome @ Home work unit, same ambient temperature of 25°C). So let’s see how these beauties performed...
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