Zalman CNPS10X Flex CPU Cooler Review

High Speed Fan Performance Results

2.6GHz

To be honest, we were not expecting this cooler to do as well as this at this somewhat low heat level. It has been our experience that the high-end coolers (like the Noctua D14, TRUE, Prolimatech, etc) only really come to life when the heat is cranked way, way up. Heck, this solid base cooler gives H.D.T-based units a real run for their money. If that is not proof of the thin base design concept, then we don’t know what is.

3.42GHz

While it is not beating the Fenrir nor Prolimatech at this heat load and fan speed combination, it IS giving both a real run for their money. Even better is the fact that this relatively light weight single tower cooler is beating the mighty (and heavy) Noctua D14 (albeit a D14 with only one fan, which is an area that cooler is not exactly stellar at). Also of note is the fact, this properly version of the CNPS10X with its well designed mounting setup is paying dividends when compared to the more expensive CNPS10X Extreme! We hope this is a trend which continues through the testing stage.

3.8GHz

Once again the Zalman CNPS10X Flex is really, really competitive against the best of the best. With less than a degree separating this cooler from the other big boys it is obvious Zalman has a real winner on their hands! At least with a high-speed fan attached to it.