CNPS7000B-CU vs. XP-90

[Waylay00]

I suspect that the XP-90 is better but how much compared to the Zalman? The local store has that Zalman and was wondering if I should get that instead of the XP-90. If the difference is only like 1 degree clecius, I will get the Zalman. Any suggestions?

 

[CraigRT]

the XP-90 is better in 2 ways, but this is just my reasons. your findings may vary.

It is lighter than the Zalman, it actually weighs almost nothing for it's size... very light.
and you can put whatever fan you want on it, making it possibly cool better than the zalman, or be even quieter again depending on which fan you use.

I :heart: my XP-90.

 

[Waylay00]

K, I think I'll stick with the XP-90. BTW Craig, how do you like your Modstream?

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: Waylay00
K, I think I'll stick with the XP-90. BTW Craig, how do you like your Modstream?

So far so good.
I read the fan is supposedly a high speed model on it... let me tell you the thing is not loud.

it DOES increase speed depending on load, but provided your system is no more powerful than mine, you won't have a problem with noise level.

the cables are nicer than the x-connect cables IMO, ( also UV reactive ) but the plug ends are a little more secure, which is my favorite part. the x-connect cables were not so secure on both the PSU end and the drive end.

The PSU is sweet looking as well. It's nothing extra special, but a quality piece indeed. I like it.

 

[Waylay00]

K thanks.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: Waylay00
K thanks.

no problem dude, good luck w/everything

 

[Waylay00]

I hope it will work when I build it! What I have left is PSU, Mobo, CPU, RAM, HS, and GPU. (Practically everything). Setup as follows -

Thermaltake Tsunami Black with Window
ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe
1GB Corsair XMS PC3200XLPRO
3500+ Winchester
XP-90 with 92mm Tornado and Vantec Nexus Fan Controller
160GB Seagate SATA Barracuda
Lite-on SOHC CDRW/DVD combo
OCZ Modstream 520w
PNY 6800GT PCI-e

And to later get -
Viewsonic VP171B 17" LCD
Logitech Z-5300e 5.1

 

[wisdomtooth]

I have several computers, some using the XP90 and others using the Zalman CNPS7000AlCu.

What I found:

- The XP90 has better performance-- CPU temps are lower by about 2 degrees Celsius.

- The Zalman is quieter given the same speed fan-- I used the Fanmate fan controller that came with the Zalman to dial the speeds to about the same on both it and the XP90 (within + or - 500rpms), and the frameless fan on the Zalman seems a bit quieter given the same fan speeds. The frameless fan might have less turbulent flow noise perhaps.

So, if you want performance, go XP90. If you want quietness, go Zalman.

HTH.

 

[Azndude51]

The Zalman fan and the Modstream fan in my computer are the two quietest (not including chipset fan). I wanted a very quiet computer, but made the mistake of gettings a Thermaltake Tsunami case, holy crap those 120mm fans are loud (I'm going to replace them soon). Oh and Waylay00, in case you wanted another opinion on the Modstream, I think it is an excellent PSU. It performs very well, in my system at least, and I love the looks of it. My only real complaint would be that the UV reactive cables are really stiff and hard to position.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I think of Zalman as effectiing noiseless solutions that are needlessly "noiseless" given the weight issue. In some cases, I've picked Zalman passive coolers (like the ZM80D VGA cooler) and purposely made it noisier and more effective. With a closed case, many fans useable for either an XP90 or XP120 are close to "noiseless". PaxMate, foam-board ducting mods and other enhancements go far to literally kill all internal fan noise.

So -- true -- the Zalman 7000 and 7700 are "good" coolers, but the XP120 trumps the 7700 in carefully controlled tests and review summaries, and the XP90 trumps the 7000. In fact, the XP series also trumps the new "Arctic Freezer" models.

You can have the best of noiseless and coolest if you make a few other compromises and work at it.

By the way. Has anyone else come to the conclusion that aluminum cases resonate noise like one of those Caribbean tin-drum "percussive pianos"?

 

[Pauli]

I just performed this "upgrade" on my P4 system, except that I replaced an AlCu Zalman, not the Cu version.

I installed a Nexus 92mm fan on the XP-90 which is known as the quietest 92mm fan available at stock voltage. It doesn't have alot of CFM, but this heatsink doesn't really need it unless you are really running very hot.

In any case, the Zalman is much noisier at 12V. However, using the supplied FanMate on its lowest setting, it is almost as quiet as the Nexus fan with only a little less airflow. The performance is very similar between the two heatsinks. Probably the XP-90 is a degree or two better. The Zalman is also considerable cheaper when you factor in the cost of supplying a decent fan for the XP-90.

Either way, both are very good heatsinks that can be made quiet and install pretty easily.

 

[Mucker]

There is some good info on the XP-90 here: http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&articID=196
The Zalman will be reviewed in the upcoming part 2....More good info here, scroll down: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article30-page1.html

m

 

[rise]

i got the 7000-al-cu as well and couldn't be happier. i have the fan hooked up to a fan controller but rarely do i have to turn it up on a p4 norty.
the a-cu is about 1/2 te weight of the pure cu with very similar cooling capabilities from what i've read/heard.