ZALMAN CNPS5X -- The Hyper 212+ Killer?

[wannaturnuptheheat]

Finally ready to get a new HSF to finish off my build (stock one gets too loud for me). Was going to get the Hyper 212+, of course, when suddenly I was introduced to an identically-priced solution by Zalman:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118090

How does this thing perform next to the vaunted Hyper 212+? Should I choose this over it, or stick with my original plan?

 

[simon12]

The 212+ has a much bigger heatsink and fan the CPNS5X is meant to compete with the TX3 which is normally around $15 and could not come close to the 212+

 

[wannaturnuptheheat]

The 212+ has a much bigger heatsink and fan the CPNS5X is meant to compete with the TX3 which is normally around $15 and could not come close to the 212+

Yeah, I noticed that, but the Newegg reviews (I know, nudge nudge) seemed to all agree that it was very powerful for its size and quiet to boot.

I guess what I'm getting at is, is the Hyper 212+ going to outperform it simply because it's bigger? Or is it possible this Zalman unit has something about its design that makes it perform similarly while being smaller?

 

[simon12]

In this test the 212+ wins by 3C and is 10 decibels quieter http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2585&page=5
This shows it only beats the TX3 by 2C http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Zalman-CNPS5X-SZ-CPU-Cooler-Review/1218/6
I have not read this full review but it states in the conclusion if you have space in your case get the 212+ http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1174-page10.html

 

[wannaturnuptheheat]

Best answer selected by wannaturnuptheheat.

 

[wannaturnuptheheat]

In this test the 212+ wins by 3C and is 10 decibels quieter http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2585&page=5
This shows it only beats the TX3 by 2C http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Zalman-CNPS5X-SZ-CPU-Cooler-Review/1218/6
I have not read this full review but it states in the conclusion if you have space in your case get the 212+ http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1174-page10.html

All right, Hyper 212+ it is.

 

[simon12]

Good choice