Introduction

I would hope at this point the Zalman CNPS10X series of coolers have caught your attention. My first glance at the currently growing series of coolers was with the CNPS10X Extreme. This was a new take on incorporating stylish looks with an integrated and removable fan controller. The controller had pre-set fan speeds or actually allowed for dial control as well. The Extreme had all the bells and whistles; nickel plating, a plastic cover to clean up the looks and if I recall correctly, the fan even boasted LED lighting.

The newest release in the series is the CNPS10X Performa that we are about to get an in-depth look at. From my angle it really seems that Zalman had a good start with the Extreme version and saw potential in an otherwise good looking cooler with average performance. Zalman went back to the idea tank and pulled out some old tricks and beefed up the performance level of the self proclaimed Performa. It only makes sense the cooler should do well.

When I say they are simplifying things, I mean it in the way that the Performa is just that, a performer. Think of it like an older car with a good motor and transmission in it. It may not be the prettiest thing on the street, but it commands respect when you have to clear your windshield of its rubber to see how far behind it you actually are. Same rules apply here. It isn't the sexiest cooler I have had in my hands, but with a name like Performa, I expect big things.

All right, enough with the buildup, let's pop the hood and see what Zalman brings to the track.