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COMPARISON
It is impossible to make the CNPS8000 look good by comparing it to other heatsinks.
The table below shows every other aftermarket heatsink we've tested on this
test bed. To keep data to a manageable amount, the heatsinks were compared at
approximately 23 dBA@1m, the lowest noise level we achieved for the CNPS8000,
and the highest noise level produced by our reference Nexus 120mm fan. The stock
Intel heatsink was excluded from the comparison, as we do not have a reliable
result for it at 23 dBA@1m. The results speak for themselves.
|
"Low Noise" Comparison at ~23 dBA@1m
|
|
Heatsink / Fan
|
Noise
SPL: dBA@1m
|
Fan Voltage
|
°C Rise
|
°C/W MP
|
|
Zalman CNPS8000
|
23
|
5V
|
34
|
0.34
|
|
Spire Verticool II SP601B3 w/ Nexus 80 Fan
|
23
|
12V
|
28
|
0.28
|
|
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro*
|
24
|
9.5V
|
29
|
0.29
|
|
Scythe Ninja w/ Nexus 120
|
23
|
12V
|
19
|
0.19
|
|
Thermalright XP-120 w/ Nexus 120 fan
|
23
|
12V
|
24
|
0.24
|
|
Arctic Cooling Alpine 64
|
23
|
9V
|
35
|
0.35
|
| *Performance results for the Freezer
7 Pro are extrapolated from data obtained at 9V and 10V — yielding
20 and 28 dBA@1m respectively. |
There is little to be analyzed here. The CNPS8000 more or less ties the Arctic
Cooling Alpine. A different comparison quickly breaks the tie: The Alpine can
be found online for as little as US$6.35, while the current market price for the CNPS8000
is US$40~50.
NOISE RECORDINGS IN MP3 FORMAT
Zalman CNPS8000: 5V-7V-9V-12V, 5s Ambient
between levels: One
Meter, One Foot
Comparatives:
Alpine 64: 5V-7V-9V-12V, 5s Ambient
between levels: One Meter,
One Foot
Scythe Mine: 5V-7V-9V-12V, 5s Ambient
between levels: One
Meter, One Foot
Nexus 92mm fan: 5V-7V-9V-12V, 5s Ambient
between levels: One Meter,
One Foot
|
HOW TO LISTEN & COMPARE
These recordings were made
with a high resolution, studio quality, digital recording system and are
intended to represent a quick snapshot of what we heard during the review.
Two recordings of each noise level were made, one from a distance of one
meter, and another from one foot away.
The one meter recording is
intended to give you an idea of how the subject of this review sound in
actual use — one meter is a reasonable typical distance between a
computer or computer component and your ear. The recording contains stretches
of ambient noise that you can use to judge the relative loudness of the
subject. For best results, set your volume control so that the ambient
noise is just barely audible. Be aware that very quiet subjects may not
be audible — if we couldn't hear it from one meter, chances are we
couldn't record it either!
The one foot recording is
designed to bring out the fine details of the noise. Use this recording
with caution! Although more detailed, it may not represent how the subject
sounds in actual use. It is best to listen to this recording after you
have listened to the one meter recording.
|
FINAL CONCLUSIONS
We have to shake our heads and wonder what Zalman
was thinking. They have years of experience building heatsinks, and they have created some excellent products in the past. But, the CNPS8000 is not one of
them. Not only is the performance below what we've come to expect, the fan is also
noisier than any of Zalman's past efforts — and it can't be replaced.
It does have good points, but they are the minor points usually
used to differentiate similar products for marketing purposes. It is reasonably small (though larger
than the CNPS7000), lightweight, and installation is simple enough. If this
was an inexpensive heatsink, these might be enough to make it worthwhile, but, as
it is currently selling for US$40~50 range, it is clearly not intended for
the low end. The CNPS7000 is available
for US$20, and can probably one-up its newest sibling in terms of both noise
and performance.
|
Pros
* Light
* Low Profile
* Easy Installation
* Fan controller is included
|
Cons
* Noisy fan
* Fan cannot be replaced
* Terrible performance
* Expensive
* Tightly spaced fins
|
Much thanks to Zalman
for the CNPS8000 sample.
* * *
Articles of Related Interest
Recommended Heatsinks
Spire Verticool II SP601B3
tower heatsink
Arctic Cooling Freezer
7 Pro
Arctic Cooling Alpine HSF:
A New Budget King?
Zalman CNPS7700-AlCu
Heatsink/Fan
Zalman CNPS9500 LED Heatsink/Fan
* * *
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