The premium cooling market is currently very competitive. For manufacturers, the release of an efficient processor cooler is very important (in order to create a positive image and profit). But in order to make a profit, it is necessary that the products be competitive, i.e. high quality. Therefore, companies that hold the title of "efficient cooler manufacturer" sell budget models without any problems. Until recently, the well-known Korean company Zalman did not enter the race with well-known companies (Termalright and Noctua) for the production of super-coolers. However, the situation changed dramatically with the entry to the world market of the ZALMAN CNPS12X model, which has a two-section tower structure. It is in this form factor that high-performance solutions such as Termalright Silver Arrow and Noctua NH-D14 are produced. These models are currently the leaders in their class.
ZALMAN CNPS12X characteristics:
Manufacturer: ZALMAN
Cooler model: CNPS12X
CPU Socket Support: FM1 / AM3 / AM2 + / AM2 / LGA1156 / LGA775 / LGA2011 / LGA1366
Heat pipes: 6 pipes
Heatsink Material: Aluminum, Copper, Black Pearl Plating
Fan dimensions: 151x132x154 mm
Bearing Type: Long Life Bearing
Total dissipation area: 9635 cm²
Thermal paste ZALMAN STG-2
Cooler supply voltage: 12V
Minimum fan speed: 950 rpm
Maximum fan speed: 1200 rpm
Noise level: 24 dB
Power connector type: 3 PIN
Impeller diameter: 120mm
Cooler total weight: 1000 g.
The characteristics of the new product look very convincing considering the weight of the cooler, 6 heat pipes and a large dissipation area. Such a cooler can only be installed in a spatial case of the Full-Tower or Middle format. I would also like to note the compatibility of this cooler with many processor sockets, including the recently announced Socket Intel LGA2011. As shown by the test results, the heat dissipation of the Sandy Bridge-E series processors is very high, so the choice of an effective cooling system is an urgent issue. We'll talk about the cooling efficiency of the cooler later, but for now let's start our acquaintance with the CNPS12X by examining its packaging.
The manufacturer supplies this cooling system in a large cardboard box. This packaging is very suitable for a flagship product.
On the back of the package there is an image of CNPS12X, a list of advantages and main characteristics.
The manufacturer emphasizes that the CNPS12X cooler is compatible with all current platforms. The packaging also details the characteristics of branded heat pipes.
According to the company's engineers, the combination of 2 methods of heat pipe design has resulted in a 50% more efficient heat exchange system compared to traditional tube placement. This type of heatpipe design can be found in the CNPS9900 MAX.
The delivery set is fully consistent with the price and status of the novelty. It includes all the necessary components for a comfortable installation and operation of the fan. Separately, it should be noted the presence of a screwdriver with a long sting, which will come in handy during installation. An adapter is supplied in the kit that allows you to reduce the supply voltage of the fans. The complete package is as follows:
Thermal paste tube;
Universal reinforcement plate;
Screwdriver;
Resistor to reduce the rotational speed of the cooler;
4x screws of the new planform Intel Socket LGA2011;
4x screws for Intel Socket LGA775 / 1156/1366 platforms and AMD platforms;
4x bushings;
4x washers with plastic knurled head;
Plastic cover for bushings;
Insert block for plate;
Pressure plate and two screws;
Branded sticker on the case;
Universal metal mounting brackets;
Double sided tape.
Appearance and design
In appearance, the CNPS12X cooling system can be attributed to expensive models. Owners of enclosures with a transparent side panel should appreciate the ZALMAN CNPS12X.
The two-piece tower design of the CNPS12X radiator can be called the standard for elite cooling systems. However, Korean designers have introduced a lot of new features into the fan design. Firstly, these are plates of an unusual shape. Secondly, the developers equipped this cooler with three 120 mm fans, which is rare nowadays.
Another feature of the CNPS12X model is the technology of direct contact between the tubes and the processor cover.
Even if such a solution does not provide for polishing the base to a shine, however, in comparison with other copper heat collectors, it allows you to reduce thermal resistance and accelerate the heat transfer process.
When installing this cooling system, you do not need to spare the thermal paste, it must fill all the grooves between the pipes.
This cooler uses 6 nickel-plated tubes with an inner section of 6 mm.
The placement of the tubes cannot be called optimal, because they fall into the "dead zone" of the fans, which is located in the center of the structure.
For three fans, there is a single connector for connecting to the motherboard, which means that it will not be possible to separately control the rotation speed of each fan.
Installation process
The dimensions of the CNPS12X represent some of the requirements for the chassis, motherboard, and memory modules. Manufacturers provide a layout of the cooling system, indicating the height of memory modules and the distance between the processor socket and the nearest PCI-E slot. The height of CNPS12X should also be taken into account, it is 16 cm. Therefore, installation of this cooler in Middle Tower and Desktop cases is unlikely to succeed.
The process of installing the cooler on the board should start with some preparations. First you need to "put" 4 plastic cases on the reinforcement plate.
Further, with the help of adhesive tape, you need to fix a special plug-in block, which will prevent damage to the motherboard and prevent short circuits.
Next, you need to fix the mounting plate on the back of the motherboard and tighten the screws.
The last step is to install the radiator and fix it with two screws. To do this, you need the supplied screwdriver. Given the design of the CNPS12X, it is not difficult to tighten the screws.
On the AMD platform, the ZALMAN CNPS12X cooling system is installed in only one position, which is the most successful.
In general, the installation of the fan is pleasant and convenient, especially considering its design. But the desire to often remove and install the ZALMAN CNPS12X cooler is unlikely to arise.
Testing
According to the test results, the CNPS12X fan demonstrated effective cooling on both Intel and AMD platforms. Compared to competitors (Scythe Mugen 3), the solution from ZALMAN showed good results. However, ZALMAN is not yet ready to compete with eminent rivals (Termalright IFX-14 and Noctua NH-D14). Quiet operation is the main advantage of the ZALMAN CNPS12X. At 600-720 rpm. the noise from the cooler is almost inaudible. And even at maximum speeds, the noise can be described as “below average”. conclusions During its existence, ZALMAN has earned a reputation as a manufacturer of quiet and efficient cooling systems. The processor fan ZALMAN CNPS12X has an attractive appearance. It is compatible with many current processor sockets including Intel LGA2011. Thanks to the use of 6 composite heat pipes and 3 fans, the model is able to effectively cool the processor. But for computer gamers who install powerful PC components, this model will not work. There are other, more efficient models on the market. Benefits: Low noise level; Good cooling efficiency; High quality workmanship; Stylish appearance; Sophisticated mounting system; 3 backlit fans; Support for all current processor sockets; Rich delivery set. Disadvantages: The backlight turns off; High price; Large dimensions and weight; Impossibility of replacing the fans. 
