Nowadays CPU’s are running faster and faster. Nevertheless which most people don’t realise, they are also running hotter and hotter. Introducing the Zalman CNPS7000A-ACu CPU Cooler, designed to fit Socket 478, Socket 462 and Socket 754.

Most people, who own a Pre-Packaged standard machine (bought from Dell or others) may think that it’s absurd to replace a “certified” Intel or AMD Heat Sink Fan. The truth is that most CPU’s run rather hot and thus causing irreversible damage. Zalman is a company who’s had plenty of experience in making CPU coolers, and is regarded highly in the Computer Market today. Its past history stems back to Socket 370 CPU coolers (Pentium 3) and definitely knows its stuff. For its recent products it’s changed the installation method, so it is now easier to attach this beast to your beloved electronic investment.

The Zalman CNPS7000A-ACu Includes:

Common Parts
1) FHS Assembly (CNPS7000A-Cu)
2) Four (4) Bolts - For fastening the clip
3) Thermal Grease
4) Adjustable Fan Speed Controller (FAN MATE 1)
5) Installation Manual - in English and Korean

Parts for Intel Pentium 4 (Socket 478)
6) Two (2) Clip Supports for Socket 478

Parts for AMD Athlon/Duron/Athlon XP (Socket 462)
7) Clip Support for Socket 462 - Type A (Blue)
Clip Support for Socket 462 - Type B (White)
9) Four (4) Bolts - For fastening the clip support
10) One (1) Sheet of Washers

Parts for AMD Athlon 64 (Socket 754)
11) Two (2) Nipples
12) One (1) Back plate
13) Use the larger washers from part #10

We installed it on a Pentium 4 system which is a breeze, when compared to the other socket installations. Utilizing the existing attachment mechanism, aluminium bars are inserted into, followed by the cooler which simply with screws, screws on. Make sure you apply the thermal grease beforehand on the CPU, included in the packet. The total weight of this beast is a respectable 445grams, which is just under the Intel specified max weight of 500grams.

One installation problem we encounted (which wasn’t on Zalman’s end) was that the standard Intel Heat Sink when used for a while actually sticks to your CPU. Once you pull the CPU fan off, it pulls out the CPU attached with it, off its seat! By fluke, it wasn’t damaged, and it easily came off by twisting it. Intel should really consider replacing that black thermal stuff! More information on this horror is here: http://forums.devhardware.com/showthread.php?threadid=11520&s=

The CPU Cooler consists basically of a slab of metal (which is numerous bolted fins together) and a Huge Fan. The heat sink metal is an alloy of copper and aluminium which aids cooling significantly. The heat sink is rounded, due to its unusual shape and structure. The massive fan (or some may call propeller!) sits in grooved into the Heat Sink and thrashers around air to cool down your CPU. The dimensions of the CNPS7000A-ACu CPU are 109mm (L) x 109mm (W) x 62(H), with a total dissipation area of 3170cm squared.

Temperature during Normal Operation:
Intel HSF: 45 Degrees Celsius
Zalman CNPS7000A-ACu: 39 Degrees Celsius

Temperature during Max Payne 2 (a CPU intensive application):
Intel HSF: 55 Degrees Celsius
Zalman CNPS7000A-ACu: 48 Degrees Celsius

The performance of the cooler is significantly better than the stock standard Intel HSF and keeps the temperature down while your computer is on, and keeps it sane through the most CPU intensive applications you can think of.

Overall the Zalman CNPS7000A-ACu is an essential purchase for anybody who respects their CPU and wants to keep their most critical component cool. The quality of the cooler is superb, and it looks cool too! The only problem with the product is that the thermal grease is a little small, but even though we tested it with the included thermal grease the results were still respectable. The only downside to the product is that they don’t specify that if you are replacing your HSF, your going to be in for a wild ride. Mind you, its Intel’s fault they use that metal carbon substance.

This product retails around $90 AU

Packaging - 8
Functionality - 10
Value - 9.5

Overall Score - 9.5/10

I would like to thank Altech Computers for supplying the product and making this review possible. You can buy the product from Altech Computers today!