Can the Zerotherm Nirvana NV120 or FZ120 fit?

[JohnMerlino]

I recently put in a ZeroTherm CF800 thinking it would fix a cooling issue, but it just sits at 1250 RPM, meanwhile CPU on idle is at 48c. So I contacted ZeroTherm, with solutions running dry, and the guy recommended something stronger like a Zerotherm Nirvana or Zerotherm FZ120, because the CF800 is only designed to reduce noise, while the other two, he said, would cool the processor significantly. While I have an ATX Alumminus, which definitely can house either of the two cpu coolors (Nirvana or FZ120), he said that my motherboard, Asus P5N-E SLI, might prevent it from fitting. Before I purchase another fan, does anyone know whether the Zerotherm Nirvana NV120 can fit in an ATX Alumminus case with an Asus P5N-E SLI motherboard? Right now there's a couple of inches from the air duct cylander black thing that vents out air from the cpu cooling device.

[faint545]

From what I've seen of the Nirvana NV 120 and the P5N-E SLI, it will more than likely fit. Most aftermarket heat sink & fans should fit on an ATX board. Only thing I can see that can be a restriction is the case but the Ultra Aluminus is a full tower so, you shouldn't have any problems.

If in doubt, you can always look up the dimensions of the cpu cooler and measure out the space needed on the motherboard.

[JohnMerlino]

I just looked at the specifications on newegg again, and the zerotherm nirvana, which was the one I was desiring, doesn't have a 775 socket, but my processor's socket is 775. The compatibility on newegg says Socket 754 / 939 / 940 / AM2 / LGA775. So I guess that marks out that. Now the Zen FZ120 is compatible with an intel socket 775. There is where I'm confused and I don't know if I'm looking at this the wrong way. The current cpu fan in my computer has a speed is 800-2300±10% RPM ( Automatic fan speed control by Temp. sensor ), and airflow Max. 42.8 CFM. Now the Zen FZ120 fan speed is 1100 - 1800 RPM (± 10%), and airflow 59.48 CFM. I don't understand how the Zen FZ120 could cool my computer more if its maximum rpm is only 1800. Maybe I am not figuring something vital into this equation or maybe someone knows a better cpu cooler fan?

[faint545]

I just looked at the specifications on newegg again, and the zerotherm nirvana, which was the one I was desiring, doesn't have a 775 socket, but my processor's socket is 775. The compatibility on newegg says Socket 754 / 939 / 940 / AM2 / LGA775

I'm a bit confused here... You are talking about the Nirvana NV120 right? Cuz that is fully compatible with the P5N-E SLI.

The current cpu fan in my computer has a speed is 800-2300±10% RPM ( Automatic fan speed control by Temp. sensor ), and airflow Max. 42.8 CFM. Now the Zen FZ120 fan speed is 1100 - 1800 RPM (± 10%), and airflow 59.48 CFM. I don't understand how the Zen FZ120 could cool my computer more if its maximum rpm is only 1800. Maybe I am not figuring something vital into this equation or maybe someone knows a better cpu cooler fan?

You have to take into consideration the size difference of your current fan and the NV120. NV120 has a 120mm fan and as a general rule, the larger the fan the more airflow it can pump out at lower speeds. Now the current fan you have (CF800) is quite small so it would have run at higher RPMs to reach a the same CFM as the NV120.

[JohnMerlino]

Do you think the Zerotherm Zen FZ120 will keep the processor at 40c or lower during idle? Right now it sits at 48c with the CF800.

[faint545]

It should keep it within the 30-40 range.

[JohnMerlino]

I'm still contemplating on whether to get the ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler or the Zen FZ120. The Zen with the rebate would be cheaper, but that's the problem: it requires a rebate which I may or may not receive. However, the Zalman has received better reviews on newegg. Knowing that I have an Asus P5N-E SLI, which would you recommend the Zalman CNPS9700 or the ZeroTherm ZenFZ120?

[faint545]

I've used the Zalman and from my personal experience, I really liked it. Only reason i'm not using it anymore is because I lost the bracket for my AMD socket and I didn't feel like spending another $40 or so just for a bracket.

Either one would work just fine, although from what I've researched on the internet, the Zalman cools a bit better but don't just rely on my opinion; research it for yourself. However in my opinion, if you're going to be overclocking, I would get the Zalman. Otherwise you can just go for the Zen or even, the stock heat sink & fan.