Zalman over the years has been hard at work placing some very popular CPU coolers on the market. The one that everybody remembers and still is going strong where the initial CNPS (Computer Noise Prevention System) CPU cooler, the copper somewhat rounded "butterfly" based coolers. That model has been the biggest success of all their coolers. Anno 2011 Zalman is still going strong on the concept, though changed and styled different. And just when you think they can't change anything on that design they proof that a top notch new cooler based off that old design can still work out well and look gorgeous.
As such Zalman decided to reintroduce the CNPS 12X model, an updated model hinting to that older design yet now with three fans. The minute you'll see it you know you are looking at high-performance cooling (within the air based cooling segment of course).
The Zalman CNPS 12X comes with Zalman’s heat transfer solution by utilizing ‘composite heatpipe’ technology allowing a Q-Max of roughly 300W, along with a bigger design Zalman claims this cooler to be offering quiet operation and broad compatibility for Intel 2011/1156/1155/1366/775 & AMD AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2.
The product measures 151(L) x 132(W) x 154(H)mm and weighs 1000 grams. It has that rather abnormal silhouette, with two circular fin arrays, on one side you'll spot a fan, but also in-between it. Fans with an 850 to 1200 RPM (rotations per minute) and a sound output of just 24dBA.
Aesthetics wise the 12X got a little TLC as well, the base plate, the heatpipes and the fins themselves come with a nice black nickel plating.
Specifications
As stated, the CPU cooler follows in the footsteps of the older 9900 CNPS series, let's have a peek at the manufacturer's supplied specs and features of this cooler.
Features of the 12X
- Powerful Cooling Performance
Optimally designed aluminum fins disperse heat away from the CPU via 6 of high performance heatpipes by utilizing I.H.D technology, while the high capacity 120mm Triple fans quickly cools the heatsink for stable operation of high performance CPUs. - I.H.D : Interactive Heat pipe transfer Design Ultra Quiet Triple Blue LED FAN
Switching noise eliminated 120mm Triple Fans incorporated for ultra quiet operation and blue LEDs for cool aesthetics. - ¡®Switching noise¡¯ is the high frequency harmonic noise that can result from voltage regulation.
- VFP Dual Heatsink
Optimized dual heatsink, applying V.F.P(Variable Fin Profile) technology, maximized it¡¯s performance through dual air-intake structure that increase Air Flow. - Radiator Surface Area : 9,635 §²
- Noise : 22dBA ¡¾10% (with RC5) W-DTH Base applied
As applying W-DTH(Whole-Direct Touch Heatpipes) technology, heatpipes in the Base Cover touch the CPU directly and transfer the CPU¡¯s heat directly to heatpipes, thereby minimizing heat resistance and maximizing cooling performance in a short time. - Composite Heatpipe applied
By utilizing Composite Heatpipes, the heat transfer capacity enhanced by 50% compared to the ordinary Sintered-type Heatpipes. - Composite Heatpipe : Featuring a ¡®Sintered Metal¡¯ type wick, resulting in outstanding capillary pumping performance, and a high thermal conductive design of ¡®Axial Grooves¡¯ which increases the heat transfer rate. Versatile Compatibility
CNPS12X accommodates a broad range of sockets including Intel¡¯s upcoming socket LGA2011 as well as AMD¡¯s sockets.
LGA2011/1366/1156/1155/775
FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 - Moreover, thanks to highly optimized heatsink design, CNPS12X is able to be compatible with a Mid -Tower Case with its width is 180mm or wider.
- Black-Pearl Nickel Plating
The entire heatsink of CNPS12X is plated with ¡®Black-Pearl¡¯ Nickel for a long-term corrosion resistance, while the deep ¡°Black-Pearl¡± tone along with the high intensity Blue LEDs reinforce its powerful aesthetics. - High Performance Super Thermal Grease ZM-STG2
The included all new high performance thermal grease ZM-STG2 maximizes heat transfer from the CPU to the base of CNPS12X for intensified cooling performance.
Processors supported
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