Have Zalman CNPS-9500 thinking about getting Thermalright 120 Extreme

[havuk]

I have the Zalman CNPS-9500 right now, I upgraded my system today going with:

Abit IP35-pro
Q6600
2x2gb G.Skill DDR2 1000 memory

was thinking about upgrading to the Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835109140

would this be worth the money for OC my cpu?

 

[PCTC2]

definitely. The Zalman 9500 has the looks, but it is very mediocre in cooling. I went from the Zalman 9700 on my E6400 to a Thermalright Ultra120 and the difference was amazing. The Zalman only let my E6400 stable at 3.2 with runs at 3.3-3.4 but the TR was good to 3.5 and suicide runs at 3.7. The Ultra120 idled at 3.3 at the same temperature the Zalman did at 2.93GHz or there abouts. The Zalman 9500 cannot handle an overclocked quad very well so i would suggest the Ultra120X any day for a Q6600.

 

[Navid]

Use this technique for mounting the backplate.
It will be much more convenient.
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...111635&highlight_key=y

The U-12 extreme cooler is very heavy.
Make sure you will be happy with that.

The base is not necessarily flat.
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...ht_key=y&keyword1=flat
Make sure you will be happy with that also.

 

[havuk]

Hmm how hard is it to lap the sink? Should I go for something else? It's not too late to change my order at newegg...

Quick question about the fan...
I have a few Yate Loon 120mm x 25mm D12SL-12 Fans - 0.30amps @ 12V, 47 CFM, 28dB 1350 rpm

would one of these work or do I need to buy something else?

 

[SparkyJJO]

The 120ex with a low speed yate should whoop the 9500. I had a 9500, wasn't too impressed really (especially after spending $60 on it then the fan crapping out only a year later, just out of warranty grrrr...). I've never lapped anything but I've heard it isn't too hard, just don't rush it.

 

[Navid]

I cannot make recommendations because there is so much unknown about all this!
I am providing information. You will have to make the decision!



Some facts:

Some say that the curvature of the base is by design. I don't know for a fact that this claim is true or not.

You can buy a lapped version for more money.
This is an example.
http://www.svc.com/ultra120extl.html

Lapping is not too difficult if you have patience, steady hand, and the right tools.

A Yate Loon fan will be fine. If you are bothered by its noise, you may need to lower the RPM.

 

[Navid]

By the way, it is cheaper at jabtech compared to newegg.
http://www.jab-tech.com/Therma...0-eXtreme-pr-3762.html