Some folks might find it interesting that heat pipe technology has been around since the invention of steam engines. But it was the automotive world that found more feasible applications dating back to 1942. It was only in the last few years did it re-appear in today’s CPU coolers. While none of today’s manufacturers invented heat pipes, it’s come down to engineers battling it out behind the scenes using their best heat pipe designs trying to out perform the competition. One of the more innovative manufacturers utilizing heat pipe technology is of course, Zalman.
Many a PC enthusiast have used one of their many innovative CPU coolers ranging from their CNPS 7000 “flower” shaped series to the 9900 series coolers. Both of them sport one of the beefiest heat pipe implementations around. Just as processors have evolved utilizing more cores and getting hotter than ever, Zalman has adapted by putting more research into their cooler designs. The end result has brought us the CNPS10X Extreme CPU Cooler.
Features and Specifications
Probably the most important information at the top of reader’s list is which brand CPU and socket the CNPS10X Extreme supports. Simply put, it supports every AMD and Intel processor on the market. Of all the processors, it’s the Core i7 LGA1366 socket processors that will benefit the most. The newest quad cores can get quite warm especially when Intel Turbo Tech is enabled, giving the cores a dynamic overclock.
The cooler weighs in at a hefty 940 grams making it one of the more heavy solutions. However, that weight isn’t an issue thanks to the sturdy back plates and mounting brackets. The cooler comes with a controllable 120mm blue LED cooling fan rated at 1000rpm (20dBA) to 2150rpm (39dBA) moving an estimated 65 cubic feet of air a minute.
What’s obviously unique about the CNPS10X Extreme is that it offers manual and automatic PWM control via a small PWM Mate mounted on top of the unit. The PWM Mate is also removable and can be connected to an extension cable so that you can access the control outside the case if you’d like. It’s better than having to open up the case every time you want to pick a setting.
With the touch of a button, the PWM Mate changes the fan speed setting. There are three auto settings: 100%, 75%, and 50% which covers the estimated safe speeds for cooling something like the quad core. The manual setting naturally let’s you pick the speed you want.
What’s In The Box?
We know the package contents aren’t always exciting. But, this is how we find out if the manual is clear and easy to understand. We also find out if anything is missing (or should be inlcluded) and Sometimes, we even play a part in improving the further products.
I’m happy to report that Zalman took their time with the manual. It’s pretty easy to understand and has good illustrations to help with installation. All the installation components from brackets to screws are of good quality and accounted for in our test package.
The CNPS10X Extreme Up Close
The 10X Extreme is a rather sharp looking cooler. Overall it doesn’t look or feel like it’s been fabricated from a tin can. Many CPU coolers have made the mistake of using low quality, thinner aluminum for their fins. It’s unlike many of the performance tower coolers in that it comes assembled with a mounted 120mm blue LED cooling fan of Zalman’s choice. Many enthusiasts like to use fans of their own choice. However, if the 120mm fan used here is of decent quality, we see no reason why it will ever be an issue even amongst DIY enthusiasts.
Overall, the 10X Extreme rather solid cooler. It’s roughly 5 inches wide by 6.25 inches tall x 4 inches deep. Most of that size comes from the fan frame which is actually more of a “cap” of sorts sitting on top with two small screws holding the fan in place. Basically, just for show but does add a nice finished quality to the product.
Mentioned earlier, the cooler contains a controller known as the PWM Mate. The unique thing about the PWM Mate is that it can be disconnected from the cooler and act as a wired remote when coupled with the included extension cable. Users can allow the Mate to hang or mount on the back of their computer case for easier control. It saves you time from having to open and close the chassis.
The entire cooler is made from or covered in what Zalman has dubbed “Black Pearl” Nickel Plating. We counted 5 full length U-shaped heat pipes running the full length and most the width of the cooler. The fins are noticeably thicker and make a rather tight fit, or connection, against the heat pipes than many other tower coolers. This should better help transfer heat from the pipes to the fins.
Despite appearances, we definitely noticed the superb mirror like finish on the non-copper colored base. Copper has always proven to be the best material for heat sinks. And, the mirror finish ensures that there’s maximum transference of heat from the CPU to the base as well as through the heat pipes.
We think you’ve patiently drooled long enough. Let’s see what this beauty can do.
Installation Notes and Test Setup
First, our test system was thoroughly cleaned and prepped using Artic Clean’s products. To eliminate any variables between test coolers, a third party compound from Artic Silver 5 was used in place of Zalman’s thermal compound. No doubt that Zalman’s would be the ideal choice over any generic compounds, but we want to present the most uniform test experience.
The manual was clear on which LGA1366 components to use. The black bracket was a little loose even with the washer and screws thoroughly tightened. We figure the motherboard’s PCB is just a little thinner than the boards Zalman’s engineers used in development. While it shouldn’t affect performance, we didn’t want to take a chance, so an extra washer was added to each bottom bolt to tighten it up nicely.
The only sticky point was getting the top chrome fastening plate oriented properly while setting the cooler on the CPU. It can be tricky so take your time, eye the placement as best you can as you set it in place. After tightening the screws, it was extremely secure without any movement. Just what we like to see.
Here’s the test system:
- Intel Core i7-980X Gulftown 6-Core Processor
- Test Cooler 1: Zalman CNPS10X Extreme (As tested)
- Test Cooler 2: Tuniq 120 Extreme
- Test Cooler 3: Cooler Master Hyper N620
- GIGABYTE X58A-UD5 Motherboard
- Patriot Memory 6GB 2000MHz ViperII DDR3
- Zotac Geforce GTX295 Video Card
- Kingston 128GB SSDNow V+ Rev2 (Toshiba)
- Corsair HX750W Professional Series Power Supply
Our hexa-core processor is a beast of a processor. It can get pretty warm pushing any cooler to its thermal limits. If this performance grade CPU cooler can cool the Core i7-980X, it will easily cool any other processor available, including AMD’s upcoming Phenom II X6s.
Observations and Results
Using the smoke from a small incense wick during testing, I noticed that air moves through the cooler pretty easily. The bulk of the air also seems to evenly hit each heat pipe before it trails off in different directions out the back. This tells us the design works well even without a full fan shroud. Performance should be optimal based on this observation.
Following top secret NASA-ish technical protocols developed by engineers, a series of idle, desktop, and fully loaded CPU tests were performed which should give us typical, real world performance. In other words, we used OCCT to push the hex-core to its max load and back again.
Based on our results, what we discovered is that the N620 and the CNPS10X were extremely close at idle. The Tuniq edges out both by a degree. This is most likely due to the room’s ambient 20C temperature. It’s under regular desktop use, which is often mainly single core operations, where things are fairly uneventful. It’s only when the INTEL 980X is fully taxed do we see the CNPS10X Extreme show off some of its cooling magic besting the challengers.
Despite the great performance showing, noise levels weren’t bad at all, owing to optimizations for low noise. The cooler was plugged into one of my liquid cooled machines just so we could get a noise level measurement. Even though the fan is rated to 39dBA, the meter detected just under 34dBA at its highest point. The combination of the GTX295 and case fans in the test system were ultimately louder.
Final Thoughts
Considering what I knew before I really started down the road to technical enlightenment, I have to give Zalman some props. They’ve produced some impressive enclosures and cooling solutions that have a quality unrivaled by the greater part of the market. The CNPS10X Extreme CPU Cooler continues a long running tradition many enthusiast have come to appreciate. The quality finishes, tight construction quality and dedication to both performance and quiet are a rare combination.
The CNPS10x Extreme may appear to be like any other CPU cooler. But, based on today’s difficult test standards, it’s as close to perfect a design as anyone can get. It looks great, it’s innovative, it doesn’t waste resources on fancy decorative materials and it does a commendable job of cooling Intel’s titan of the desktop processor market, the 980X. It’s definitely one of the best all-in-one air cooling solutions on the market.
Having said all that, the CNPS10X Extreme has room to improve. Fitment issues like the inclusion of additional washers for the various quality motherboard PCBs would be a nice touch and while we like the PWM Mate, we’d like it better if it wasn’t just a standard remote on a leash. A wireless solution would really set this great cooler apart from the crowd (but would add to the $69.99 US price tag). But then again, when has Zalman shied away from pricing for quality?
Pros
- Innovative PWM Mate feature
- Great cooling performance
- High quality materials and components
- Very attractive design
Cons
- Extra washers for thin PCBs required for best fit.
- PWM Mate cord could be improved. Why not “remove” the cord?
- Premium priced product
Overall Rating: 9.0 / 10.0
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Zalman CNPS10X Extreme Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler – Photo Gallery
