Socket-A Cooler Roundup: September 2001
by Tillmann Steinbrecher on September 7, 2001 3:19 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Zalman CNPS5000plus/CNPS5001
The CNPS5000+/CNPS5001 is Zalman's "performance" cooler for both AMD and
Intel P4 CPUs. We received one cooler from Zalman directly, and one from a
retailer (Frozen Silicon ). The
only difference between the two is the fan: One comes with a 3.2W Sunonwealth
fan, one with a 3.0W fan (manufacturer unknown). Also, both include two adapters
for reducing the voltage, so that the cooling performance can be adjusted
according to the needs of your CPU, to keep noise down.
We tested the cooler in four configurations: With the 3.0W fan, with the 3.2W
fan, the 3.2W fan with voltage reduced to 5V, and finally, with the Delta
7000rpm fan that comes with many other coolers.
Comparison between CNPS-5001 and CNPS-5000plus:
Installation and clip
Just like the Alpha PAL8035 and the Swiftech MC462, the CNPS5000 is mounted
using screws, which take advantage of the mounting holes in the motherboard.
This mounting method is superiour to clip mounting, but makes the cooler
incompatible with motherboards for Intel CPUs.
But, Zalman goes even one step further, by including the necessary mounting
material for installing the cooler on a P4. So, if you want a good cooler
for your Socket A CPU, but plan to switch to a P4 system, then this is the
cooler to get.
Also, there are lots of washers included for protecting the motherboard,
a small plastic bag with "spare parts" (we've never seen this before - even
a "spare hologram" is included). AOS thermal compound is also included (which
is not as good as ArcticSilver, but better than standard compound).
Performance and noise, conclusion
The performance of the CNPS5000 is good - especially with Delta 7000rpm fan.
However it didn't perform as well as the cheaper Thermalright SK6 or the Cool
Jag unit in this roundup, and it didn't come close to the 80x80mm monsters from
Alpha and Swiftech. Still, with the 3.0W fan, this cooler is worth recommending
for its good performance/noise ratio, its great mounting method, and the additional
P4 compability.
An astonishing detail: The version with 3.0W fan was both more efficient and
quieter than the 3.2W version. So try to get this version if you have the choice.
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Zalman CNPS5000+ / 5001 |
|
Fan: 60x25mm 3.2W Sunonwealth or 60x25mm 3.0W unknown Mfr. Also tested
with Delta 7000rpm
Price: Around $50 |
| Advantages |
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| Disadvantages |
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