Conclusion

The new Zalman cooler made the most favorable impression on us. After CNPS9900 LED it is a really serious step forward for Zalman, even though CNPS10X Extreme turned out just another super-cooler to join several dozens of others. Although, I don’t think the use of the words “just another” would be appropriate in this case, because the new cooling solution from Zalman is equipped with such unique features as a multifunctional fan rotation speed controller and LGA1156 support. And while the latter feature may soon be available from a few other cooler manufacturers, PWM Mate will most likely remain Zalman’s unique distinguishing advantage. Also, do not forget about a “dark horse” – Zalman ZM-STG2 thermal compound, which we are going to check out shortly within our next thermal compounds roundup.

As for the drawbacks, we can certainly point out weak retention for the Intel platform. Thin plastic retention frame doesn’t provide enough hold for the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme base pressed against the CPU heat-spreader. We hope that Zalman engineers will improve this retention solution soon. Besides, despite unusually low recommended retail price of only $59.90, it would be really nice if they also offered a “lite” modification of the same cooler without the plastic parts and maybe even without the rotation speed controller and pricy thermal paste but at a much more affordable price. But the biggest drawback in my opinion, is that this great cooler appeared not two years ago, but only today when there are quite a few serious solutions in the market already.

Nevertheless, I am sure that a “strong and handsome” cooler will find its fans, even though it will not be a king…