A Mini Review: Zalman VF700 Cu + X800 Pro

daba · Post by **daba** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 4:40 pm

Well, here she is:

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the pictures.

I installed this heatsink yesterday on my Sapphire X800 Pro. I run mine at 5V although it is possible to run it at 12V.

Installation
I've heard many horror stories of Zalman products destroying video cards on top of being a pain to install. This one, however, was fairly easy to use. It took about 20 minutes from beginning to end.

Noise
At 5V, it is very silent, although there is some motor noise. But I can barely hear it. At 12V, it is acceptable -- still quieter than the stock ATi cooler.

Performance
Zalman (at 12V):
Idle: 34C
Load: 49C

Zalman (at 5V):
Idle: 36C
Load: 55C

This is better performance than the ATi stock cooler at full speed by a great margin at 12V, and a significant margin at 5V.

Notes
I am very satisfied with this product! It's quiet and it's a great performer.

Jordan · Post by **Jordan** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 7:24 pm

Nice report. What is the weight of it like in your hand? Is it kind of worrying knowing that it is going to be sitting horizontal forcing downward on the card?

daba · Post by **daba** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 7:34 pm

I've held this and an NV Silencer 5, and the NV Silencer is much heavier. I was surprised when I held this in my hand because I was expecting it to be much heavier. I believe the weight on the Cu version is 270g, and the weight on the AlCu version is 190g. Since I had a 6800 with a NV Silencer 5 which gave me no problems, and since the NV Silencer 5 is 400 something grams, I feel much better with this lighter (and quieter and better performing!) cooler.

Post by **NeilBlanchard** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 8:32 pm

Hello:

Here's a review at Adrian's Rojak Pot.

How "thick" is this HSF -- would it prevent you from putting a card in the next slot?

daba · Post by **daba** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 8:45 pm

Yes, it would.

Sizzle · Post by **Sizzle** » Thu Jan 27, 2005 7:32 am

Good job buddy!

Tintagel · Post by **Tintagel** » Thu Jan 27, 2005 2:45 pm

We really need a SPCR review...

v3n · Post by **v3n** » Fri Jan 28, 2005 6:05 am

Tintagel wrote:We really need a SPCR review...

yeah with some real numbers and sound clips

im sure it wont be too long

xxkrnxstylezxx · Post by **xxkrnxstylezxx** » Fri Jan 28, 2005 1:54 pm

YES finally available in the US

I've been waiting since december. I think I'll buy it, hope this is the best I can get for the 6800. My computer is quiet accept for the BFG 6800

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 117&depa=0

xxkrnxstylezxx · Post by **xxkrnxstylezxx** » Fri Jan 28, 2005 2:07 pm

Will the ram heatsinks be necessary or help much? If I put it on, it's permanent, correct?

I'm thinking ill just leave it out just in case I have to RMA this card later on...

daba · Post by **daba** » Sun Jan 30, 2005 7:48 pm

I'm not sure if they are permanent or not, but I'm sure you can remove them with some innovation.

daba · Post by **daba** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 4:20 pm

Actually, Zalman states that the strength of the thermal tape on the heatsinks increases by 90% upon "curing." However, I have seen one of these for sale on a bulletin board where the person did succeed in removing the RAMsinks without trouble. However, they could no longer be used.