A while ago I decided that my beloved but aging Alienware Aurora gaming computer was due for an update. I happily replaced my AMD Athlon64 4000+ CPU with a brand new, dual core AMD Athlon64 X2 4200+. But I quickly learned that the stock CPU cooler wasn’t up to the job. After several overheat alarms and two automatic heat shutdowns, I decided to buy a new CPU cooler.
But who? I searched for coolers that would be compatible with 1) my stock 939 motherboard 2) my rather extreme cooling needs and 3) the amount of space available in my computer case After a bit of tossing and turning, I finally settled on the Zalman CNPS9500A CPU Cooler, $48.99 at newegg.com.
System configuration:
Alienware Aurora
Motherboard: goes AV8 (socket 939)
CPU: AMD Athlon64 X2 4200+
Windows XP sp2
Test Software:
goes ìGuru Utility
CPU Cooler:
Zalman CNPS9500A LED
Pre-installation impressions:
1. Location
This is a HUGE deal! At 85(L) x 112(W) x 125(H) mm (3.35 x 4.4 x 5 in), and weighing 530g (1.17lbs), this is one of the larger CPU coolers on the market. Fortunately, I measured the space in my case before I bought the cooler, so I knew it would fit.
2. Appearance
The most beautiful Zalman is known for the visual design of their CPU coolers, and this one is no exception. The base, heatpipes and fins are pure, shiny brass, and the fan blades are matte, shiny plastic.
3. I feel
The strong It feels heavier and cooler, and holds heat and fins firmly. It will breathe easily but is not too loose. The included accessories and installation parts seem well done.
4. Accessories, components and instructions
It should be written and considered by all present. At first I was confused by the sheer number of installation components. There seems to be a different set of requirements for every type of matrix compatibility, and at first glance some of them look almost the same. To further compound my confusion, the installation of the parts in the box and the components shown on the manufacturer’s website were completely different. The information on the Zalman site shows that this particular cooler is installed with clips, while the parts and instructions I received require the cooler to be attached to the motherboard. Maybe I got a bigger version of the 9500A cooler and updated the installation of the parts later. Whatever the case, I’m not redundant.
Institution:
1. Prep work
After a bit of struggle, I finally managed to get the stock CPU cooler and, as per the installation instructions, removed the screws holding the CPU cooler bracket to the motherboard. I also removed the old chocolate paste and carefully added new ones to the top of the process, as I recommend. Then I prepared the cooler by inserting the tension bar of the cooler screw, which finally made it more secure to reach the motherboard and was firmly aligned.
2. Getting in there
After carefully inserting the processor and cooler overnight, I lowered the cooler into the matrix and tried to insert the cooler bracket screws. Nuts That cooler bracket had flowed into Thrace, and therefore my night was gone. When I tried to remove the cooler from the process, I discovered that the chocolate cake was already partially set. Darn. I gently twisted the cooler, as per the instructions, and eased that process, or rather tried to. The process took off from the nerve matrix with the cooler, but it seemed unharmed.
I installed the process, carefully aligned the cooler bracket, and tightened the tension with its screws already above the process. Thanks to the day and night I woke up again, and finally I was able to get the process, the cooler bracket and the tensioner (and the screws) aligned. Now I have to tighten all the screws.
The instructions suggested tightening one of the screws about halfway, then changing the other screw, and alternating until the screws were all just in. While trying to start the first screw, I couldn’t hold even pressure on the tension rod, and it popped on the opposite side of the rod, like the rod was acting up and literally pulling the process out of the socket, bending several of the process pins. on the road
After much swearing, I was able to gently re-sign the process pins with my fingernails and repeat it. However, there was no way I could even get the tension pressure down on the bar and screw at the same time by myself – my hands are simply too small. I was able to get some help in the form of my sister, and together we tried another (and another, and another) roll on the tension bar.
Finally, success. The motherboard cooler was firmly assembled and plugged into the power supply.
Refrigeration:
1. Of the colder stock of Thrace
According to the ìGuru utility, the CPU temperature under load was about 80C (176F), which is slightly below the risk level of my Athlon64 X2 4200+ processor.
2. The Zalman CNPS9500A LED cooler
I expected the Zalman cooler to provide a significant improvement in the cooler category, but it completely exceeded my expectations. According to utility ìGuru, the CPU temperature with the Zalman cooler is 25C (77F), a whopping 55 degrees (Celsius) lower than with the stock cooler.
Super impressions:
This is an awesome cooler. The thing is quiet, the blue light LED is bright and looks sharp reflected in the copper fins. On the other hand, the training itself was a nightmare. I had help just to screw the cooler on the motherboard. I was lucky that I hadn’t lost the process, and to add insult to injury, I had badly split my hand in the heat. It required no stitches, but it was rather close. To be fair, the difficulty level of the installation is probably why the device updated the installation parts. The clips would certainly make installation much easier.
Recommendation:
The Zalman CNPS9500A LED CPU cooler features an excellent visual that is quiet, fairly cheap, and provides superior cooling. Unfortunately, it is also very difficult to train someone with small hands alone.
Based on my experience with the Zalman CNPS9500A LED CPU cooler I will give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
