Zalman CPNS10X Performa CPU Cooler Review

Results

With the test system running at stock settings the CNPS10X Performa on high is right on the heels of the NH-U12P (single fan config) and 15 degrees cooler than the stock Intel HSF. For the quiet mode it’s on par with the Cooler Master V8; running at 59.25*C it is quieter and 14.75 degrees better than the stock Intel HSF.

With the system overclocked to 3.5GHz the CNPS10X Performa cools our i7-920 to 66.5*C on high. Thats a very nice 17 degrees cooler then the stock Intel HSF and 1 degree cooler than the ever popular NH-U12P SE2 (dual fan config), albeit noisier. With the CNPS10X Performa running in low speed mode the temps come in at 67.5*C at full load. Thats 1.25 degrees cooler than its predecessor, the CNPS10X Extreme, on high. So it seems the Zalman’s tweaking is paying off.

With the heat turned up a bit more we have our C0 stepping i7-920 at 3.8GHz (190×20, CPU 1.3875v). After 30 minutes the CNPS10X Performa was holding at 82*C, almost 5 degrees behind the Thermalright Venomous X that was paired with two NF-P12 fans. It is a bit warmer then I would want to run 24/7, though.