Originally posted by: YYZ2112
VS. the TR 90C...
http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=3&artpage=1473&articID=365
I really love the looks of this cooler but I have a green CCFL themed lighting scheme (petty, I know).
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A bit OT.
My Big T sits so close to the window panel on my new setup, I'm installing a 120mm clear fine aluminum mesh air filter so most of the air being pulled into into the CPU cooler and over the mobo is fresh outside air.
Here is the cover - transparent so one can still see the internal lighting and it's a two piece set so it's easy to clean.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/...product_info&cPath=92&products_id=2276
I hope to post some BT temps soon.
Look at the graphs....
but first look at what they say is the margin for error temperature wise---
All results were taken with room temperature at ~22°C. Due to room temp fluctuations, different mounting and user error can account up to 1-2°C of inaccuracy from obtained results. Please keep this in mind when looking at the results. Each heatsink was tested repeatedly; if I got questionable results the test was restarted.
Now go look at the results....
http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=2&artpage=1467&articID=365
Notice anything peculiar taking into accout the 1c-2c margin of error....
Temperature wise the XP90 and the Zalman 9500 were equal (taking into account the margin for error...)!!
Noise wise......if you keep the Zalman turned down to its lowest setting ..
Trailing the top 2 heatsink by only 1°C it's safe to say that Zalman latest heatsink is a winner when using the "low" speed option.
The you set the Zalman at its highest setting its only marginally better that at its lowest setting...
But if you take into account the 1-2c margin for error...its the same!!
Conclusion
The strength of Zalman?s latest CPU cooler comes to light when you let the fan running at ?low? speed settings. Performance is on par with the best out there and noise-wise it?s as silent too.
However when you turn up the speed of the fan with the included fanmate II you?re out of the silent zone and into the extra performance realm. But testing showed the difference between minimum and maximum fan speed to be only a mere 2°C, so not quite worth the extra noise.
The rather unique design, combined with a blue LED fan might also tickle the fantasy of some enthusiasts to brighten up their casemods. Extreme power users might be turned down by the fact that the fan on the unit can not be swapped out, this seems to be a trademark of the Zalman series.
Overall the CNPS9500 LED is a very solid performer at low noise levels, found in Europe for ~?50 and ~$60 in USA, it?s no longer a budget solution, but with multiple socket compatibility and easy installation it comes recommended.
It has been my experience with the 9500 as well as the XP120 you don`t need your fans cranked all the way to achieve maximum results.....
So again noise is not ; nor should it be an issue.......
In my opinion the XP90 copper as well as the XP120 and the zalman 9500 are all in the same league....
I really don`t see how you can say the zalman doesn`t do that well against the XP....
when on any setting be it low or high it fell within there margin for error.......1-2c...