Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Cooler

[Refractoryman]

Is the Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Cooler the best choice for a after market heat sink? It would be used on a X2 4800 CPU / ASUS A8V Deluxe mob? Any other recommendations. I'm running the stock AMD (2) pipe heat sink with idle temps of 45C. Any other recommendations?

 

[Rommel44]

I recommend Noctua NH-U12 with 12cm fan - it has some very good reviews

 

[NuAlphaMan]

Shoot, you should be happy with 45C! I'm running the stock heatsink and I'm getting idle temps of 59C. I only have one case fan though. I have a couple of rosewill fans on order to see how that helps first. If not I will be looking at Zalman. I've read some good things about their CPU coolers!

 

[Baked]

Thermalright Ultra-120. My system (see sig) idles @ 36C. 32C if I use the beefy Panaflo FBA12G24M1A.

PANAFLO FBA12G24M1A = 86.5CFM 35.5DBA
YATE LOON D12SL-12 = 47CFM 28DBA

So I got 3 Yate Loon D12SL-12s in my system right now, but I'm still not satisfy w/ the noise level. I need to find out what the hell's making that damn noise.

 

[Refractoryman]

Do you have to use the fan controller with the Zalman CNPS 9500 or can you jus let the mob control it? Asus A8V-Deluxe Socket 939 / X2 4200.

 

[Baked]

You can plug the Zalman fan directly to the mobo fan header.

 

[OBCT]

With the FanMate2 at full power, the Zalman keeps my AM2 rig at 40C idle. Haven't overclocked yet, and I'm too lazy to download a program to get full load temps.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I'm not happy with my CNPS9500 on my C2D. Have a Ultra-120 with Panaflow H1BX on order. Also going to replace all my case fans with Yate Loons. Still using the stock Antec fans on my P180. SO I think I'll have a much easier time with temps at 3.2Ghz.

 

[Skott]

I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

Are those stock or OC temps? If OC, what speed and vcore?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

based on what? I have read reviews and I will tell you one thing.....
Define being blown away? 1 degree or 2 degrees celcius?? Muahahaaa
I just recieved my Ultra- 120 and installed it on my gaming rigg.....soon to be a Untel Core Duo...

I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.

As is its a 3.2 EE over clocked to 3.8......
Not one degree difference in the temps betwen the 9500 and the Ultra.
There is no way to proclaim the best heatsink for any given computer there are so many variables it just cannot be done.

I know people who are using the Arctic Frezer Pro who are getting better temps with that cooler than the Scythe Ninja which they also own...

So far the zalman 9500 among the coolers that I have is 1 degree celcius difference in all the heatsink I have....
To and including the XP-120 and the XP90copper and the Ultra-120 and the Scythe Ninja and the Zalman 9500 and the Tuniq Tower...none of the other come close to these temps that I have from all these heatsink there is worse case scenario 2 degrees celciius difference in various heatsinks.

On a personnal note i have found at best reviews to be a guide but NOT a diffinitve source to use to buy heatsinks.

personnal use and familiarity are much better.

So if I was you I would buy any of these heatsink that you think you like and not worry about what is the best!!

Any of those heatsinks will do you right if you install them correctly and follow the directions when using thermal paste. They all come with a real good quality thermal paste!!

Good Luck!!

 

[krotchy]

I love my 9500LED. Using QFan on my Asus mobo and CNQ I idle my Opteron 170 @2667 at 30-35C depending on room temperature. Keep in mind Qfan drops my fan to about 1200 at idle, making it completely silent.

Sure the infinity and other coolers will make things a little cooler than the CNPS, but I love the configuration and look of the 9500, plus it doesnt weigh 2 pounds like some of the newer coolers.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

based on what? I have read reviews and I will tell you one thing.....
Define being blown away? 1 degree or 2 degrees celcius?? Muahahaaa
I just recieved my Ultra- 120 and installed it on my gaming rigg.....soon to be a Untel Core Duo...

I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.

Winner of what? Aesthetics?

EDIT: So it seems that at 12V it does outperform all the units they tested at the time of the review of the 9500. However,

At the tested level of airflow, the Zalman 9500 is far too loud for use in a conventional case.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

based on what? I have read reviews and I will tell you one thing.....
Define being blown away? 1 degree or 2 degrees celcius?? Muahahaaa
I just recieved my Ultra- 120 and installed it on my gaming rigg.....soon to be a Untel Core Duo...

I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.

As is its a 3.2 EE over clocked to 3.8......
Not one degree difference in the temps betwen the 9500 and the Ultra.
There is no way to proclaim the best heatsink for any given computer there are so many variables it just cannot be done.

I know people who are using the Arctic Frezer Pro who are getting better temps with that cooler than the Scythe Ninja which they also own...

So far the zalman 9500 among the coolers that I have is 1 degree celcius difference in all the heatsink I have....
To and including the XP-120 and the XP90copper and the Ultra-120 and the Scythe Ninja and the Zalman 9500 and the Tuniq Tower...none of the other come close to these temps that I have from all these heatsink there is worse case scenario 2 degrees celciius difference in various heatsinks.

On a personnal note i have found at best reviews to be a guide but NOT a diddinitve source to use to buy heatsinks.

personnal use and familiarity are much better.

So if I was you I would buy any of these heatsink that you think you like and not worry about what is the best!!

Any of those heatsinks will do you right if you install them correctly and follow the directions when using thermal paste. They all come with a real good quality thermal paste!!

Good Luck!!

3 Things. 1)looks don't make a good cooling system 2) a NON replacable fan is a complete mistake and 3) You get to pick your airflow on the infinity/Ultra-120 etc. You can basically put any 120MM fan you want from a 115cfm Panaflow U1A to a ultra quiet Yate Loon and anything in between. Plus instillation of the Zalman is not as stable...only locking the HSF at 2 points and allowing it to lever off the socket.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

based on what? I have read reviews and I will tell you one thing.....
Define being blown away? 1 degree or 2 degrees celcius?? Muahahaaa
I just recieved my Ultra- 120 and installed it on my gaming rigg.....soon to be a Untel Core Duo...

I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.

As is its a 3.2 EE over clocked to 3.8......
Not one degree difference in the temps betwen the 9500 and the Ultra.
There is no way to proclaim the best heatsink for any given computer there are so many variables it just cannot be done.

I know people who are using the Arctic Frezer Pro who are getting better temps with that cooler than the Scythe Ninja which they also own...

So far the zalman 9500 among the coolers that I have is 1 degree celcius difference in all the heatsink I have....
To and including the XP-120 and the XP90copper and the Ultra-120 and the Scythe Ninja and the Zalman 9500 and the Tuniq Tower...none of the other come close to these temps that I have from all these heatsink there is worse case scenario 2 degrees celciius difference in various heatsinks.

On a personnal note i have found at best reviews to be a guide but NOT a diddinitve source to use to buy heatsinks.

personnal use and familiarity are much better.

So if I was you I would buy any of these heatsink that you think you like and not worry about what is the best!!

Any of those heatsinks will do you right if you install them correctly and follow the directions when using thermal paste. They all come with a real good quality thermal paste!!

Good Luck!!

3 Things. 1)looks don't make a good cooling system 2) a NON replacable fan is a complete mistake and 3) You get to pick your airflow on the infinity/Ultra-120 etc. You can basically put any 120MM fan you want from a 115cfm Panaflow U1A to a ultra quiet Yate Loon and anything in between. Plus instillation of the Zalman is not as stable...only locking the HSF at 2 points and allowing it to lever off the socket.

You are either arguing for the sake of being argumentative or you no experience with Zalman HS/Fs. The 9500 is defiantly one of the best currently available heatsinks; top 5 easy. Zalman build quality is exceptional; 2nd only to Alpha in my opinion.

The design of CNPS-9500 is functional; it's not just about looks. The built in fan is a trade off, but as long as the fan is of high-quality (which it is) I don't think it's much of an issue. It is possible to replace the fan should something go wrong, either from Zalman or through modification of a fan of your choice.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

based on what? I have read reviews and I will tell you one thing.....
Define being blown away? 1 degree or 2 degrees celcius?? Muahahaaa
I just recieved my Ultra- 120 and installed it on my gaming rigg.....soon to be a Untel Core Duo...

I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.

As is its a 3.2 EE over clocked to 3.8......
Not one degree difference in the temps betwen the 9500 and the Ultra.
There is no way to proclaim the best heatsink for any given computer there are so many variables it just cannot be done.

I know people who are using the Arctic Frezer Pro who are getting better temps with that cooler than the Scythe Ninja which they also own...

So far the zalman 9500 among the coolers that I have is 1 degree celcius difference in all the heatsink I have....
To and including the XP-120 and the XP90copper and the Ultra-120 and the Scythe Ninja and the Zalman 9500 and the Tuniq Tower...none of the other come close to these temps that I have from all these heatsink there is worse case scenario 2 degrees celciius difference in various heatsinks.

On a personnal note i have found at best reviews to be a guide but NOT a diddinitve source to use to buy heatsinks.

personnal use and familiarity are much better.

So if I was you I would buy any of these heatsink that you think you like and not worry about what is the best!!

Any of those heatsinks will do you right if you install them correctly and follow the directions when using thermal paste. They all come with a real good quality thermal paste!!

Good Luck!!

3 Things. 1)looks don't make a good cooling system 2) a NON replacable fan is a complete mistake and 3) You get to pick your airflow on the infinity/Ultra-120 etc. You can basically put any 120MM fan you want from a 115cfm Panaflow U1A to a ultra quiet Yate Loon and anything in between. Plus instillation of the Zalman is not as stable...only locking the HSF at 2 points and allowing it to lever off the socket.

You are either arguing for the sake of being argumentative or you no experience with Zalman HS/Fs. The 9500 is defiantly one of the best currently available heatsinks; top 5 easy. Zalman build quality is exceptional; 2nd only to Alpha in my opinion.

The design of CNPS-9500 is functional; it's not just about looks. The built in fan is a trade off, but as long as the fan is of high-quality (which it is) I don't think it's much of an issue. It is possible to replace the fan should something go wrong, either from Zalman or through modification of a fan of your choice.

I have a CNPS9500 and I would never tell anyone to buy it. It sucks, it doesn't work very well at all in my experience and it's very expensive considering it's lack of performance. End of topic.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

based on what? I have read reviews and I will tell you one thing.....
Define being blown away? 1 degree or 2 degrees celcius?? Muahahaaa
I just recieved my Ultra- 120 and installed it on my gaming rigg.....soon to be a Untel Core Duo...

I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.

Winner of what? Aesthetics?

EDIT: So it seems that at 12V it does outperform all the units they tested at the time of the review of the 9500. However,

At the tested level of airflow, the Zalman 9500 is far too loud for use in a conventional case.

Again Howard you did not read or comprehend my post which is nothing new for you I guess...what did I say.....

did I say at full throttle????
I believe I said -- I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.
Please correct me if I am wrong?

Did I say 12 volts nope.....again you put words into my mouth....
As I stated in my post -- As is its a 3.2 EE over clocked to 3.8......
Not one degree difference in the temps betwen the 9500 and the Ultra.
There is no way to proclaim the best heatsink for any given computer there are so many variables it just cannot be done.

I know people who are using the Arctic Frezer Pro who are getting better temps with that cooler than the Scythe Ninja which they also own...

So far the zalman 9500 among the coolers that I have is 1 degree celcius difference in all the heatsink I have....
To and including the XP-120 and the XP90copper and the Ultra-120 and the Scythe Ninja and the Zalman 9500 and the Tuniq Tower...none of the other come close to these temps that I have from all these heatsink there is worse case scenario 2 degrees celciius difference in various heatsinks.

You complain about noise levels well there are many people love the Zalman 9500 and run it all full throttle who have no issues with noise....
I for one also have no issues with noise...
There are websites that have reviewed the Zalman 9500 who have stated there is no appreciable difference betwen running the 9500 at full throttle and other heatsinks.
Yet we both know that since it has a 80mm fan it most likely to some degree is louder.

yet as I stated throttled down to 7 or 5 volts even SPCR says it is a very good heatsink.
Oh by the way-- Hello Howard!!

 

[Operandi]

It is expensive, that?s the cost of its elaborate design. If the price is a factor there are better choices.

Most good reviews put the 9500 on the top of the charts however; specifically in noise to performance ratio And most people are happy with their purchase.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

based on what? I have read reviews and I will tell you one thing.....
Define being blown away? 1 degree or 2 degrees celcius?? Muahahaaa
I just recieved my Ultra- 120 and installed it on my gaming rigg.....soon to be a Untel Core Duo...

I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.

As is its a 3.2 EE over clocked to 3.8......
Not one degree difference in the temps betwen the 9500 and the Ultra.
There is no way to proclaim the best heatsink for any given computer there are so many variables it just cannot be done.

I know people who are using the Arctic Frezer Pro who are getting better temps with that cooler than the Scythe Ninja which they also own...

So far the zalman 9500 among the coolers that I have is 1 degree celcius difference in all the heatsink I have....
To and including the XP-120 and the XP90copper and the Ultra-120 and the Scythe Ninja and the Zalman 9500 and the Tuniq Tower...none of the other come close to these temps that I have from all these heatsink there is worse case scenario 2 degrees celciius difference in various heatsinks.

On a personnal note i have found at best reviews to be a guide but NOT a diddinitve source to use to buy heatsinks.

personnal use and familiarity are much better.

So if I was you I would buy any of these heatsink that you think you like and not worry about what is the best!!

Any of those heatsinks will do you right if you install them correctly and follow the directions when using thermal paste. They all come with a real good quality thermal paste!!

Good Luck!!

3 Things. 1)looks don't make a good cooling system 2) a NON replacable fan is a complete mistake and 3) You get to pick your airflow on the infinity/Ultra-120 etc. You can basically put any 120MM fan you want from a 115cfm Panaflow U1A to a ultra quiet Yate Loon and anything in between. Plus instillation of the Zalman is not as stable...only locking the HSF at 2 points and allowing it to lever off the socket.

You are either arguing for the sake of being argumentative or you no experience with Zalman HS/Fs. The 9500 is defiantly one of the best currently available heatsinks; top 5 easy. Zalman build quality is exceptional; 2nd only to Alpha in my opinion.

The design of CNPS-9500 is functional; it's not just about looks. The built in fan is a trade off, but as long as the fan is of high-quality (which it is) I don't think it's much of an issue. It is possible to replace the fan should something go wrong, either from Zalman or through modification of a fan of your choice.

I have a CNPS9500 and I would never tell anyone to buy it. It sucks, it doesn't work very well at all in my experience and it's very expensive considering it's lack of performance. End of topic.

again i agree with Operandi!! Everything he says is true!! Zalman as a company is known for quality products.
Your reasons against the 9500 don`t make any sense at all!!

First of all -- The installation is very stable!! The bar establishes a very solid foundation which is kept in place by 2 screws. If you go look at other heatsinks from different companies you will find the case to be almost the same especially with the thermalRight products. Thus I would say you appear to be shooting smoke in the wind!!

Then you also state - looks don`t make a cooling system but in this case it sure does look nice and it is very functional and a superb piece of quality work!

Then you talk about picking your airflow...when in reality the Zalman 9500 can be throttled down to 7 volts and still performs almost as good as heatsinks that are 12v.
Then you talk about a non replacable fan when in reality you can replace the fan if it goes bad and there are also fan mods for the Zalman 9500 that equip it with a 120 mmfan.

So me thinks you iether installed it wrong..possibly you used way too much thermal paste or you just honestly have no clue....iether way thats OK!!

I would set my temps against any temps you have...even with my compter over clocked!!

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

based on what? I have read reviews and I will tell you one thing.....
Define being blown away? 1 degree or 2 degrees celcius?? Muahahaaa
I just recieved my Ultra- 120 and installed it on my gaming rigg.....soon to be a Untel Core Duo...

I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.

Winner of what? Aesthetics?

EDIT: So it seems that at 12V it does outperform all the units they tested at the time of the review of the 9500. However,

At the tested level of airflow, the Zalman 9500 is far too loud for use in a conventional case.

Again Howard you dod not read or comprehend my post which is nothing new for you I guess...what did i say.....

did i say at full throttle????
I believe I said -- will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.
Please correct me if I am wrong?

Did I say 12 volts nope.....again you put words into my mouth....
As I stated in my post -- As is its a 3.2 EE over clocked to 3.8......
Not one degree difference in the temps betwen the 9500 and the Ultra.
There is no way to proclaim the best heatsink for any given computer there are so many variables it just cannot be done.

I know people who are using the Arctic Frezer Pro who are getting better temps with that cooler than the Scythe Ninja which they also own...

So far the zalman 9500 among the coolers that I have is 1 degree celcius difference in all the heatsink I have....
To and including the XP-120 and the XP90copper and the Ultra-120 and the Scythe Ninja and the Zalman 9500 and the Tuniq Tower...none of the other come close to these temps that I have from all these heatsink there is worse case scenario 2 degrees celciius difference in various heatsinks.

You complain about noise levels well there are many people love the Zlaman 9500 and run it all full throttle who have no issues with noise....
I for one also have no issues with noise...
There are websites that have reviewed the Zalman 9500 who have stated there is no appreciable difference betwen running the 9500 at full throttle and other heatsinks.
Yet we both knpw that since it has a 80mm fan it most likely to some degree is louder.

yet as I stated throttled down to 7 or 5 volts even SPCR says it is a very good heatsink.
Oh by the way-- Hello Howard!!

Actually it's a 92mm fan not 80mm and if you read any reviews that show the Infinity, Ultra-120 or the Tuniq Tower in a controlled test they are clearly superior. Thing of it is, I've never seen a CNPS9500 compared to these. Why do you think that is? It's simply because the AC Freezer, Big Typhoon, and 9500 are not all that high end. The Infinity, Tuniq Tower, Ultra-120 and even the Noctura are made for high end cooling and not the average joe who just wants to overclock for the first time. These coolers are the best you can get without delving into water or something more extreme yet.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Skott
I like the 9500 AT on my Conroe chip. Core temps is 35C Idle and 47C under load. I think the 9500 is definetely one of the best if not the best hsf you can get. It'll depend on your chip. mobo, and case though. Use AS5 too to help keep temps down.

I just have one thing to say... NO WAY! The Scythe Infinity, Tuniq Tower, and Thermalright Ultra-120 all blow the 9500 away. There is no comparison at all.

based on what? I have read reviews and I will tell you one thing.....
Define being blown away? 1 degree or 2 degrees celcius?? Muahahaaa
I just recieved my Ultra- 120 and installed it on my gaming rigg.....soon to be a Untel Core Duo...

I will tell you one thing...none of the heatsink even hold a candle to the 9500 when cranked down to 7 or 5 volts. Even on SPCR they said Zalman was the clear winner.

As is its a 3.2 EE over clocked to 3.8......
Not one degree difference in the temps betwen the 9500 and the Ultra.
There is no way to proclaim the best heatsink for any given computer there are so many variables it just cannot be done.

I know people who are using the Arctic Frezer Pro who are getting better temps with that cooler than the Scythe Ninja which they also own...

So far the zalman 9500 among the coolers that I have is 1 degree celcius difference in all the heatsink I have....
To and including the XP-120 and the XP90copper and the Ultra-120 and the Scythe Ninja and the Zalman 9500 and the Tuniq Tower...none of the other come close to these temps that I have from all these heatsink there is worse case scenario 2 degrees celciius difference in various heatsinks.

On a personnal note i have found at best reviews to be a guide but NOT a diddinitve source to use to buy heatsinks.

personnal use and familiarity are much better.

So if I was you I would buy any of these heatsink that you think you like and not worry about what is the best!!

Any of those heatsinks will do you right if you install them correctly and follow the directions when using thermal paste. They all come with a real good quality thermal paste!!

Good Luck!!

3 Things. 1)looks don't make a good cooling system 2) a NON replacable fan is a complete mistake and 3) You get to pick your airflow on the infinity/Ultra-120 etc. You can basically put any 120MM fan you want from a 115cfm Panaflow U1A to a ultra quiet Yate Loon and anything in between. Plus instillation of the Zalman is not as stable...only locking the HSF at 2 points and allowing it to lever off the socket.

You are either arguing for the sake of being argumentative or you no experience with Zalman HS/Fs. The 9500 is defiantly one of the best currently available heatsinks; top 5 easy. Zalman build quality is exceptional; 2nd only to Alpha in my opinion.

The design of CNPS-9500 is functional; it's not just about looks. The built in fan is a trade off, but as long as the fan is of high-quality (which it is) I don't think it's much of an issue. It is possible to replace the fan should something go wrong, either from Zalman or through modification of a fan of your choice.

I have a CNPS9500 and I would never tell anyone to buy it. It sucks, it doesn't work very well at all in my experience and it's very expensive considering it's lack of performance. End of topic.

again i agree with Operandi!! Everything he says is true!! Zalman as a company is known for quality products.
Your reasons against the 9500 don`t make any sense at all!!

First of all -- The installation is very stable!! The bar establishes a very solid foundation which is kept in place by 2 screws. If you go look at other heatsinks from different companies you will find the case to be almost the same especially with the thermalRight products. Thus I would say you appear to be shooting smoke in the wind!!

Then you also state - looks don`t make a cooling system but in this case it sure does look nice and it is very functional and a superb piece of quality work!

Then you talk about picking your airflow...when in reality the Zalman 9500 can be throttled down to 7 volts and still performs almost as good as heatsinks that are 12v.
Then you talk about a non replacable fan when in reality you can replace the fan if it goes bad and there are also fan mods for the Zalman 9500 that equip it with a 120 mmfan.

So me thinks you iether installed it wrong..possibly you used way too much thermal paste or you just honestly have no clue....iether way thats OK!!

I would set my temps against any temps you have...even with my compter over clocked!!

No, Thermalright uses a Bolt down system that doesn't use any plastec rim hovering above the socket when you look at a 775 system. Furthermore the metal brace that Zalman gives you DOES warp after continued use and loses it's leverage.

And now you say I installed it wrong? Give me a friggen break...that's everyone's excuse for everything "you did it wrong" so tell me mr smarty pants how did I do it wrong when I've been building computers for about 10 years and yes I RTFM when in doubt...

You keep talking about throttling down well, I gurantee I can run a Tuniq Tower or Ultra-120 with a GOOD fan (Panaflow for instance) at low and perform on par with Zalman on high. Why? Because they're better engineered.

 

[Operandi]

The 9500 was designed and built for low noise performance cooling. It was never intended to be an all out performance HS/F; that has always been Zalman's target market.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Operandi
The 9500 was designed and built for low noise performance cooling. It was never intended to be an all out performance HS/F; that has always been Zalman's target market.

Low noise and low performance I guess...

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: Operandi
The 9500 was designed and built for low noise performance cooling. It was never intended to be an all out performance HS/F; that has always been Zalman's target market.

Low noise and low performance I guess...

You guessed wrong...

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