Zalman CNPS10X Flex CPU Cooler Review

A Closer Look at the CNPS10X Flex

Moving onto the actual Flex itself, the very first thing we though of when we first laid eyes on it was its close resemblance to the ZeroTherm Nirvana or BTF90 “Butterfly”. To be fair that is overstating things somewhat, but you can see that Zalman has gone for a very similar approach with “wings” on the fin array; albeit it a much more subtle way. The fact of the matter is, this is a very effective way to add surface area to the fin array and help reduce static pressures. In the case of the Flex, the task of relieving static pressure is accomplished by leaving a small gap between where the fan(s) reside and where the bulk of the fin array begins. This creates a small fan sheath to removed the dead zone in front of the fan’s motor hub.

Both sides of this cooler obviously have has had the Extreme’s middle area “bump” removed to allow a second fan to sit properly. Rather than have a bump to accentuate this area (as the CNPS10X Extreme does), Zalman has painted this section of fins a deep, rich black which does give the cooler a very distinctive and handsome appearance.


As previously mentioned, the CNPS10X Flex is a double face cooler designed to wield fans in either a single or dual configuration. However, unlike most dual fan capable CPU cooling solutions out there, the Flex has two separate and distinct faces. This is the first time we have come across a dual fan capable cooler which has differently-designed sides so let’s look at why this was done.

The main face side (if you are running only one fan) has what can best be described as a second set of “wings” or waves which runthe entire length of the fin array. The purposes of these waves are to increases the surface area of the face and break up the air which will reduce the static pressure needed for the air to successfully pass through the fin array. These types of small tweaks are mainly necessary because the Flex has a very dense fin design which needs all the help it can get.

The other side’s face doesn’t have this wave or wing appearance since it has been designed to act as the “pull” side of the equation and the air is supposed to be sucked out of the fin array (and thus static pressure reducing features like multifaceted designs are not necessary). The only potential down side to this unique face structure is that you will have to be more careful in the direction of these faces when installing the Flex. Just remember: the face with the wave on it should be the one with a fan mounted in “push” configuration.


When viewed from a top - down perspective, the distinctive X or butterfly appearance does become even more evident. However, it is obvious that Zalman didn’t take a completely divergent path with the Flex when compared to its “brother”, the CNPS10X Extreme. What we are referring to is the inclusion of a nice, neat and tidy plastic top which hides the ends of heatpipes from view and gives a cooler already well endowed in the looks department that final little bit of sex appeal. However, unlike the CNPS10X Extreme version this unit does not come with an integrated speed fan controller which is a bit of a disappointment but understandable given this product’s price.



While the plastic top cap and the fin array design of the Flex are completely different than the CNPS10X Extreme model, one thing which Zalman did leave alone was the heatpipes and their configuration. Both coolers make use of five 6mm heatpipes in a North/South orientation, with two closer to the center of the fin array and the other three out further. While we really wish this Flex used the larger 8mm pipes that some of the truly big boy’s use, this is tried and true configuration which has worked for Zalman in the past.


As you can see, Zalman once again went with what is easily one of the best solid base designs going while also improving upon the Extreme’s base design. As with the Extreme, the Flex variation of the CNPS10X uses a solid, yet thin base to evenly transfer the heat to the five heatpipes.

On the truly positive side, this simple yet elegantly thin base has been finished to damn near perfection. Needless to say, its way, way above average and is the gold standard by which we measure all other solid base coolers by. To us, this is a sign of a truly experienced manufacturer since it takes experience to know when to fix something and when to leave it alone. After all, when you have attained the pinnacle of manufacturing perfection as Zalman has (in this one area), messing with it means the only place left to go is downhill.