The Zalman CNPS9900A LED is a huge high end CPU cooler which supports a load of CPUs from both AMD and Intel.

INTRODUCTION

The last couple of months have been busy for Zalman who have sent a few new coolers to the market. Amongst these are the CNPS10X series and CNPS9900 series.

The CNPS10X series introduced a new design for Zalman; the more classic tower type of CPU cooler. The CNPS9900A LED which I will take a look at today is based upon a concept which Zalman calls “Omega Heatpipe Design” from its similarities with the Greek letter Omega (Ω). That design was first introduced with the Zalman CNPS9300AT which I came in contact with a while back and which impressed me by its performance.

These are the specifications for the CNPS9900A LED:

The first thing that hit me when looking at the CNPS9900A LED is that it only utilizes three heat pipes. Most other high end manufacturers of big CPU coolers have gone to solutions with 5 or 6 heatpipes. This review should determine if Zalman has chosen a good path.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The CNPS9900A LED comes in a rather big box, which does nothing to hide the fact that this is truly a large CPU cooler. There’s an opening on the front and back sides of the box which lets us have a glimpse of the heatsink and the fan.

The included accessories are quite plentiful. Zalman have included a manual in; a sticker with the logo of the manufacturer; a tube of the Zalman ZM-STG2 thermal grease, the RC33P adapter and all the anchorages and stuff necessary for installation on a variety of sockets.

The RC33P is a device which allows us to regulate the turning speed of the fan by reducing the power from 12V to 7V. Of course if you have a fan controller you should use that instead because it offers more than two settings.

ZALMAN CNPS9900A LED IN DETAIL

The Zalman CNPS9900A LED is made almost completely in copper. The unique piece made of aluminum is the upper part of the base.

As you can see from the images above the fins on the back part of the heatsink is thicker than the front side. The reason for this is that the copper fins of the back part are the ones responsible for evacuating the heat.

It took me some time to find the two metallic legs that are anchored to the base and which hold up the fan in the middle of the two cylindrical copper fins.

In the back part of the fan I found the label that shows the fan’s model number and its electrical characteristics. In this case Zalman has installed a 120 mm fan with PWM capabilities (between 1000 and 2000 rpm).

INSTALLATION AND TESTS OF ZALMAN CNPS9900A LED

The installation of the fan is quite easy and it took me only a couple of minutes. When installing the fan on an AMD system, you must first fasten the incorporated paper clip, whereas with Intel systems you have to also install a back plate and the fasteners for each socket. I will not go into this further here; suffice to say that the installation is easy.

The other components I used for this review were the following:

I used two different processors for this review (both from AMD). I measured the CPU temperatures both in overclocked mode and with the factory settings.

In order to measure the temperatures of the CPU I used the values from the internal sensors on the CPUs. It’s the best way to get reliable readings. In order to load to the CPUs to the maximum, I used the software OCCT 3.1.

The fan speed was automatically regulated by PWM during the test, reason why the speed oscillated between 1000 and 1600 rpm. These are the results from the test:

As you can see from the graph above, the Zalman CNPS9900A LED is a very effective CPU cooler even though it’s not the most effective which I have tested. Even when I overclocked the CPUs, the CNPS9900A LED had no troubles what so ever to keep the processors cool.

As I said earlier, this cooler is PWM regulated. I monitored the speed during the tests and the max it reached was around 1500rpm. Even at that level the noise level was low. I turned up the fan manually to 2000rpm (max) and then the noise level was above my comfort level. However the fan moved an impressive volume of air at 2000rpm and it should be ideal to use in an overclocking session.

CONCLUSIONS

There are so many things I can say about the Zalman CNPS9900A LED, it is truly a remarkable product in terms of looks, design, size, weight, performance etc. But the one thing that really left an impression with me was its outstanding quality and finish.

When CNPS9900A LED is running it looks really nice with its blue LEDs which gives your system a nice touch provided you have a case with a side window.  Without being the highest performing CPU cooler I have tested, its overall performance is excellent. Its balance between moved volume of air, noise level and secured temperatures is impressive.

In my opinion, the Zalman CNPS9900A LED has only two negative aspects. First; it is really noisy at maximum power and second; its price around $75 is quite hefty and will exclude many consumers. The noise issue is easily solved thanks to the included accessories; you will never need to run the fan with full power. So anyone interested in this fan will have to decide if it’s worth the money. My personal conclusion is that it is worth it.

Pros:

• Good accessories/bundle
• Perfect finish
• Spectacular design
• Supports many CPUs/Sockets
• Good balance between performance/noise

Cons:

• Unbearable noise level above 1800 rpm
• High price

The final score is 92 out of 100 owls, and we give the “Zalman CNPS9900A LED″ our Editor’s Choice Award.

Thanks goes out to Zalman for letting me review this cooler.

Check out the computer cooling category at TestSeek.com!

Author: Manuel González Fernández

Translator: Vince Emiloz Sanderson

Summary: Zalman is back with another one of their much appreciated fan controllers, the Zalman ZM-MFC3. It can control 4 fans and monitor 4 temperatures in addition to measuring the total voltage use of your system.

INTRODUCTION

Fan controllers have been around for ages it seems. These are products intended for true PC hardware enthusiasts who enjoy optimizing their systems to the max. Zalman was one of the pioneers in this sector with its famous ZM-MFC1, a device that only allowed us to control fan rotating speed. The concept of a 5.25” panel from which you could control all your fans directly was very well received by modders and PC builders. The unit which I will be taking a closer look at today is a much more evolved product compared to Zalman’s first attempt.

The average score for the Zalman ZM-MFC3 at TestSeek.com is currently 76% but the voices are somewhat inkoherent.

Zalman ZM-MFC3 is the natural evolution of the ZM-MFC2. Both have the same functionality, the only real changes are the design of the unit and how the data is displayed on the screen.

Here are the specifications of the ZM-MFC3:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Rehobus ZM-MFC3 comes in a cardboard box of rather small dimensions with a quite sober design. Already from viewing the box we can get a preview of the most important functions of the ZM-MFC3.

I like that Zalman has included a detailed showcase of the main functions on the backside of the box.

When I opened the box I found the unit itself in an antistatic plastic bag. All the accessories were located in a white box and there was also a rather extensive manual which was located under the fan controller.

The accessories that Zalman has included are; 4 cables for connecting to the fans (3 with 3 pin connectors and one with a 4 pin PWM connector); 4 temperature sensors; a PCI bracket with a CVS connector for measuring the power and some screws for the installation of the unit.

ZALMAN ZM-MFC3 IN DETAIL

Zalman ZM-MFC3 is a quite small device (147 x 87 x 42 mm) which fits perfectly into a 5.25” expansion bay. The depth of the unit is not even half of a normal DVD drive. It has a rather sober and elegant design I think.

There are two stickers on the top side of the ZM-MFC3. They hold information about of the serial number and model of the unit.

The front of the ZM-MFC3 is very simple. The only two elements of interest are the screen and the button/wheel.

All the connections are located in the back of the unit. From left to right there are 3 connectors for 3 pin fans and a 4 pin PWM connector. To the right of the fan connectors there are 4 connectors for the temperature sensors. Then there’s a CVS connector for the voltage measurements. Farthest to the right, there’s a DC power connector.

INSTALLING ZALMAN ZM-MFC3

In spite of my first impression, the installation of the ZM-MFC3 wasn’t too complicated since the connectors are easy to identify and the corresponding cables couldn’t be fitted anywhere else.

The most problematic thing I had to confront was the connection of the power consumption meter which involved several steps. First I connected the CVS cable to the ZM-MFC3 and then I installed the PCI bracket in my case, then I connected the watt meter to the power supply and finally I connected the USB connector from the watt meter to the PCI bracket.

Yes, they are many connections, but with a little patience the installation is fairly easy.

Once the installation was finished I turned on my PC and directly there was o ton of information on the Rheobus panel. It was really refreshing that I didn’t have to install any software on my PC to get the readings.

The presentation of the information is fairly clear and as Zalman says; the visualization of the panel is excellent from any angle which is great because you are rarely directly in front of you PC. With the clear display a swift glance at the panel is enough to register the readouts from it.

Now you might be asking; what about controlling the speed of the fans? It’s truly a piece of cake, just push and hold the wheel in for three seconds to enter the correct mode. Then you choose fan by pushing the wheel button until you have selected the one you which to alter. Finally, to change the speed of the fan, you turn the wheel in the desired direction.

CONCLUSIONS

Zalman has yet again proved why their products are so popular amongst consumers in the PC hardware segment. The ZM-MFC3 is an excellent product. It excels in terms of design, function, connectivity, presentation of the information and its relative simplicity.

The functions that Zalman ZM-MFC3 offers are quite extensive and very useful. I would have loved to be able to read out some more interesting info from it like the CPU and memory frequency etc. The display is really clear, both in terms of the visibility and how the information is arranged.

The Zalman ZM-MFC3 goes for around $70 (50€ in Europe) which seems to be an OK price to me.

Pros:

• Simple and sober design
• 4 temperature sensors and 4 fan controllers
• Measures the power consumption
• Good viewing angle on the display
• Good presentation of the info

Cons:

• No CPU/Memory monitoring
• Perhaps some extra USB/FireWire ports?

The final score is 90 out of 100 owls, and we give the “Zalman ZM-MFC3” our Editor’s Choice Award.

Thanks goes out to Zalman for letting me review this mouse.

Author: Manuel González Fernández

Translator: Vince Emiloz Sanderson

Summary: Be Quiet! recently updated their product line with the Silent Wings USC case fans, which incorporates some new and very interesting features to produce the maximum ratio of air volume moved / noise emitted.

Be Quiet is a German manufacturer most known for their high quality power supplies. Today I will be taking a look at their new case fans called “Silent Wings”.

INTRODUCTION

The great majority of PC users don’t know about the difference between high quality fans and the ones that comes with standard desktop computers. There are many manufacturers in this market but if we are talking about high quality, long lived and silent case fans, it comes down to only a few manufacturers. Be Quiet wants a piece of that market and are clearly directing the Silent Wings fans towards enthusiasts and expert PC users. They market them as extremely silent, long lived and being able to move a great volume of air.

The German manufacturer introduces interesting materials and techniques to achieve the proclaimed features of these fans. They call this technique the “Ultra Silent Concept” (USC) and it includes the following:

• Innovation: Screw less anti-vibration fixtures and rubberized fan frame protected by German utility patent .
  Effect: Quiet operation thanks to the reduction of vibrations and simple installation without tools.
• Innovation: High-airflow-performance design with flow-optimized fan blades on both sides, protected by German utility patent.
  Effect: Quiet operation and optimum airflow.
• Innovation: A high-quality IC controls the motor.
  Effect: Minimization of electrical noises at a constantly high running smoothness.

The above will accordingly to Be Quiet, give the fans a 300.000 hours life span. Let’s take a look at the specifications:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The packaging of the three models is identical, only their dimensions are different. As you can see from the image below, the boxes are black with white and yellow printing on them. The front part can be flipped over and behind it, we can get a glimpse of the fan itself.

The Silent Wings 12V bundle includes an adapter from 3 to 4 pins, a reducer from 12V to 7V for a quieter operation without having to use the regulator, and 5 “silent screws” which are made of plastic screws with rubber plates (for fastening the fan to the case). The fact that the plastic screws are rigid facilitates the installation (not like other fans I have tested previously which use rubber screws).

IN DETAIL

All three models look exactly the same except for their size. They are made in a blackish color, only the color of the Be Quiet logo differs. At the beginning of the review I talked about the USC concept and one of the things included in that concept is the fact that the frames are made of an anti vibration material. This, together with the fastening screws described above, makes it impossible for the fan to transmit any vibrations to the case.

Another thing included in the USC concept, is the innovative design of the fan blades which you can see in greater detail in the image below. According to Be Quiet!, this design maximizes the ratio between the volume of air moved and the noise level produced by the fan.

Yet another USC feature is the “Dynamic Bearing” electrical motor which has a copper core. The result of this innovation is a lower electrical noise from the motor when it operates at the maximum speed. Another result of this technology is that the mechanical friction is reduced to a minimum and thus a quieter operation is achieved. The use of copper in the motor, also improves the heat dissipation coming from the motor, which prolongs the life span of the fan and gives the Silent Wings fan a life span about 5 to 10 times longer that the life span of traditional case fans.

It seems like Be Quiet! has thought of everything. I love the fact that the Silent Wing fans can be operated at a voltage of 3.5V. Normally case fans use 12V but some models in the high end segment have an adapter which lets them operate at only 7V. The Silent Wings are to my knowledge the only fans on the market that are able to work at a voltage of 3.5V.

Not only the finish and the features of the fan itself are great, the cables and connectors have been given great attention. The power connector is of standard 3 pin type, but is possible to modify with an adapter which lets us regulate the fan speed. The wire has a length of 450mm, which is great because it facilitates the arrangement of cables inside the case.

TESTING

The tests performed in this review are somewhat subjective, because I lack instruments to measure actual noise level and the actual volume of air these fans are able to move. Nevertheless, I have tested many different case fans previously so I have a lot of experience in what to look for and expect. My observation of the operation of the three models has been realized with a voltage of 12V.

120mm fan

92mm fan

80mm fan

When the Silent Wings are operating at 12V they generate the maximum moved volume of air. As I said above, I have tested many high end case fans from prestigious marks and when comparing the performance of the Silent Wing in terms of the volume of air moved, I must say I was very impressed. The fact that these fans generate a great air flow is partly due to the fact that they have a higher than normal rotating speed (1500RPM for the 120mm; 1800RPM for the 92mm; 2000RPM for the 80mm). This also results in a noise level slightly higher that what I am used to with high end fans in corresponding sizes. But I wouldn’t say that the noise level is in any way high, quite the opposite they are very quiet.

When running the fans at lower speeds the noise level drastically diminishes. I tried running the fans at both 7V and 3.5V and at 3.5V the fans are almost not possible to detect at all. The fact that you can run these fans in different modes makes them attractive to both HTPC builders and overclockers.

CONCLUSIONS

Clearly, Be Quiet! has put some serious work in research and development before launching these fans to the market and they have done a nice work in innovating a rather stale market and product type. Everything about these fans has been thoroughly thought through and the innovations have proved themselves to be working just as planned in my tests. The prices for the fans are 15€, 13€, and 10€ for the 120mm; 92mm and 80mm respectively.

The final score is 95 out of 100 owls, and we give the “Be Quiet! Silent Wings USC” our Editor’s Choice Award.

Thanks to Be Quiet! For letting me review these fans.

Author: Manuel González Fernández

Translator: Vince Emiloz Sanderson

Summary: The Nexus TDD-9000 is a bold and innovative product that promises great advantages compared to traditional coolers for portable computers.

We’ve tested many cooling systems for laptops. In general, they all depend on active cooling from fans. Although they’re generally quiet, they also consume a large amount of electricity. Nexus has given us a very innovative cooler for portables. We’re sure it will impress you as much as it impressed us.

INTRODUCTION

The Nexus TDD-9000 is more than just a cooler. We’d call it an advanced cooling system, which uses gel to do its work.

Let’s start by looking at the TDD-9000′s features:

• Cools by using a patented liquid
• Finished in black velvet
• Completely silent: 0 dB!
• Doesn’t use electricity
• Universally compatible
• Light, foldable, and easy to carry, weighing only 500 grams (17.6 ounces)
• Dimensions: 400 x 290 mm (15.7 x 11.4″)

As a cooling system, the TDD-9000 is certainly a bit strange. But we also recognize that it’s truly innovative and is definitely worth a look.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Nexus TDD-9000 cooling pad comes in a large, but very practical bag, which lets you see the product. The packaging briefly describes the TDD-9000 and promises to lower your portable computer’s temperature by up to 17ºC (62.6ºF).

The back of the package explains some of the product’s features in detail. It includes two graphics with the results that an independent lab obtained in its performance testing. The graphics say it all — if we could get only half the promised improvement, we’d celebrate!

A DETAILED LOOK AT THE NEXUS TDD-9000

It’s time to take a close look at the TDD-9000, so we’ll take it out of its protective plastic shell. The first thing we noticed (you can’t help it!) is the very pleasant feel of the pad’s 100% velvet cover.

When we heard that the TDD-9000 was filled with gel, we thought it would be pretty rigid. But it’s totally moldable, as you’ll see in the images above and below, where we bend and fold it. If you’re short on space, no problem — you can fold it and put it in a small box, or even fold it into a ball.

The TDD-9000 is made of excellent material. You can see that in the Nexus logo in the lower left corner. We were afraid of tearing the pad, which could cause a serious problem if the gel leaked out. But the materials are very good, and the pad as a whole should be very resistant.

TESTING THE NEXUS TDD-9000

To test the TDD-9000 we used tools based on Intel’s Santa Rosa platform: a Core 2 Duo T7300 with a 965GM chipset, X3100 graphics, and a Toshiba MK1637GSX hard disk. Our laptop has a 15.4″ screen. When we put it on top of the TDD-9000, we saw that the pad is large enough to accommodate even larger laptops. I’d venture to say that you wouldn’t have problems even with a 17″ screen.

For our temperature tests, we used the CINEBENCH R10 benchmark, which let us simultaneously exercise the processor, chipset, and graphics card. Here are the results:

Our results were far from the improvements certified by the Taiwanese test lab. But they were appreciable. Even a reduction of 2ºC (3.6ºF) is welcome in a portable computer. We also noticed that we didn’t get any noise reduction benefit, as we did when we tested cooling units that used fans.

I was pleased that I had no problem keeping the computer on my lap when I used the TDD-9000, even for long periods of time. The bottom of the pad was always cold. It seems that by using the TDD-9000, we can finally use a laptop in bed to watch movies or to work in a relaxed state, with nothing to bother us.

CONCLUSIONS

The Nexus TDD-9000 is definitely a novel and impressive, even bold product. That’s the only way to make a name for itself in the market.

As a cooling pad, the TDD-9000 has many virtues, such as its excellent materials, good feel, lightness, and easy storage (even in pant pockets). At first, we had great hopes for its ability to lower temperatures. While those benefits ended up being much smaller, we think they may be adequate.

Something else that caught our attention was that the TDD-9000 doesn’t reduce a laptop’s fan noise, something that does improve with active coolers. But we also realized that when we used this pad, we could put the computer on our lap without being bothered by the heat.

In short, Nexus has done a good job with its TDD-9000. If it can somehow improve the pad’s performance, it will have an excellent product. It’s available at several places for as low as $25.

The final score is 75 out of 90 owls, which is 83.3 out of 100. We give the “Nexus TDD-9000 Laptop Cooling Pad” our Recommended Award.

Thanks to Nexus and ThunderIT Ibérica for letting us test the TDD-9000.

Author: Manuel González Fernández

Translator: Ed Winograd