Zalman CNPS8700 NT - How Not To Mount A Cooler
Zalman CNPS8700 NT
This is the second version of renowned cooler company Zalman's CNPS8700 that we are testing. The NT variant only differs from the LED version tested here in that it features another color and comes with a PWM-controlled fan. Despite what its color might lead you to believe, the cooler is actually not made of aluminum, but rather, specially treated copper. The NT version features the same catastrophic mounting method we already criticized on the LED variant. Thus, the result is identical as well, and we have no choice but to fail this product.
The usual suspects - Zalman's CPU retention module
Uninstalling the fan is practically impossible inside a case
Since the NT's maximum fan speed is 300 RPM lower under full load than that of its twin, the CPU temperature is slightly higher. Obviously, this affects cooling performance, which is rather meager at 76°C. When the processor is idle, the NT's results are on par with those of the LED.
The shipping package of Zalman's CNPS8700 NT
A recommended retail price of €50 is hard to defend in light of these results; it's just far too high.
| Technical Data | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 100% load | idle |
| Temperature PWM | 76.5 °C | 38 °C |
| Noise | 44.1 dB(A) | 38.9 dB(A) |
| Fan Speed | 2050 RPM | 1450 RPM |
| Weight | 488 grams | Row 4 - Cell 2 |
| Intel Socket | 775 | Row 5 - Cell 2 |
| AMD Socket | AM2 | AM2+ |
| Row 7 - Cell 0 | 939 | 940 |
Mounted on the test platform - the CNPS8700 NT
