Zalman CNPS10X Extreme CPU Cooler

Vote: Thumbs Down or Thumbs Up Our Rating: 89%       Manufacturer: Zalman

Specifications, Availability and Pricing

Zalman leaps in to the tower cooler segment with an all black entry. The heatsink itself is fully plated in black nickel, from top to bottom; even the mating surface. The CNPS10X Extreme weighs in at 920g, which is pretty weighty and measures up at 160mm tall, 100mm wide and 135mm long. Under all of the black nickel plating is an aluminum fin array surrounding five, copper, U-shaped heatpipes that stem from a copper base. The fan and shroud of the CNPS10X is also black and houses a 120mm, blue LED, multi seed fan.

I remember when I purchased my Zalman CNPS9500, it came with a “Fan Mate”. This time around Zalman has incorporated the “Fan Mate” into the top of the cooler shroud. This is a multi-functional version of a fan controller this time around, with three separate preset speeds as well as a manual mode for more finite control of the speed and noise levels, making this the first PWM controlled both manually and automatically on the market. Not only can you control the CNPS10X from the top of the cooler, but it is also detachable, so you can put the controller where it is easiest for you to use. Please refer to the chart below for settings, color of the indicator, speeds and when the manual dial control is functional.

The CNPS10X Extreme Is on shelves currently but is a fresh arrival, so a bit of delivery time is needed before it is more widely available. I was able to find the CNPS10X Extreme at Newegg for 79.99 U.S. Dollars and Google Shopping only brings up two other reliable e-tailers at this point carrying the cooler and all are listed at the same price. This price tag puts the Zalman in the range of the TRUE and Thor’s Hammer. Let’s get down to business and see what the CNPS10X Extreme is all about.