How does the Thermalright XP-90 HSF compare to the Zalman CNPS7000-Cu?

[bupkus]

How does the Thermalright XP-90 HSF compare to the Zalman CNPS7000-Cu?

I have both (still in the box) and I'm wondering which to sell to my nephew and which to keep for myself.
Edit: Both would be used in future A64 builds. No pentiums here.

 

[imported_Kensai]

It depends on what you want to do with em and what fan you're gonna stick onto the XP-90.
If you're like most residents of this forum and love overclocking, you'll prefer the XP-90.
If you're like me and like quiet systems, you'll keep the 7000Cu, or give it to me.

 

[wisdomtooth]

The Thermalright XP90 cools a CPU better than the Zalman.

The Zalman is usually quieter than the XP90 though (unless you put a real-low RPM fan on the XP90), and the Zalman with its radial fin design also circulates air in all directions and so lessens dead spots in your case where hot air might stagnate.

The two heatsinks are for different applications, really... If you are running a difficult-to-cool CPU like a P4 PresHott, you need the XP90. If you want a quiet PC, you go for the Zalman.

HTH.

 

[bupkus]

Thanks, then I'll probably keep the Zalman for myself; I like quiet more than I need to OC.
My nephew however is a gamer who would probably prefer the OC.
BTW, these are for future A64 builds.

 

[Coolin]

The XP-90 can also cool better than the Zalman at lower noise levels. You just have to find the correct low-noise fan.

The only real advantage the Zalman has is that it's cheaper than the cost of buying an XP-90 plus an extra fan.

 

[bupkus]

Originally posted by: Coolin
The XP-90 can also cool better than the Zalman at lower noise levels. You just have to find the correct low-noise fan.

The only real advantage the Zalman has is that it's cheaper than the cost of buying an XP-90 plus an extra fan.

What do you think of the Panaflo FBA09A12H set at 7V?
I have one sitting in an old case blow-hole mod.

 

[wisdomtooth]

You can use the Zalman 7000 on a Socket 939.. Check the compatibility chart at Zalman USA

 

[bupkus]

What do you think of the Panaflo FBA09A12H set at 7V?

 

[wisdomtooth]

If you put that H1A Japanflo on a fan controller, I think it should be able to give you options (to run loud for good performance or run quiet for stock speeds).

HTH!

 

[Auric]

Yeah, the nice thing aboot the Zalman is it cools the Northbridge, VRM & MOSFETs too. Whatever HSF you use, I recommend using SpeedFan to automatically vary the fan speed based upon temps so given a good quality fan it will always be as quiet as possible.

 

[kcbass]

No one's mentioned the weights of the two yet....the xp-90 is half the weight of the copper zalman. I don't know offhand what the crush-weight of an A64 is, but I know it's close to the zalman...I've seen people recommend caution with that HS.

Xp-90 approx. 350g
zalman approx 690g

 

[bupkus]

My unopened package says this Zalman weighs in at 773g! A real weight watchers candidate.
Just a thought, since this is a tower and not a desktop, this thing is pressing more on the lower half of the cpu than the upper half. Is this not true?

 

[Auric]

What made you choose the Cu rather than the AlCu? The added cost and weight of the former cannot be justified by performance. Al is better at dissipating heat too so more suitable to low airflow when varying the fan speed as required.

The force on the CPU should be even so long as it is fastened flush and tight. The main problem would be the uneven force on the mobo.

 

[bupkus]

Auric, at the time (two years ago ) xoxide.com was holding a "1 hour madness" sale of Zalman products. Among other things was this HSF for $19. I bought it with the expectation of using it in an A64 system in the future. I never expected to be keeping my Barton for as long as I have but I'm still happy with its performance, primarily because I don't play UT2004 anymore.

Quick answer, $19 + shipping.

 

[Auric]

Ah so. I am still happily using one (AlCu) on a recently aquired P3000 @ 3600 (haven't tried pushing it yet). For low duty use, 1500 RPM (10%) is cool 'nuff and almost inaudible over the other motors (HDD, PSU fan, auxilliary fan -the latter two being Panaflo's at low speed). But I am thinking aboot improving the venting or airflow through the case somehow without adding any more motors (mayhaps a side vent).

 

[bupkus]

Just a thought, but do you think we tend to do things to the extreme? When I was in overclock mode I wanted to see how far I could go, within my budget of course, without regard to the noise. Now that I'm in "quiet" mode will I do the same? Right now I'm doing pretty good compared to the "hair dryer" days with multiple 80mm fans. Anything else would be like trimming away the last little bits of fat after the bulk of it is long gone. Sure, I could face it like a challenge to get an absolutely quiet machine, but eventually I need to actually use my pc for work.
Anyone remember those PSs from Flower that had like 4 80mm fans? The last I looked, I bought some with one 120mm fan.
Bigger IS better.

 

[Auric]

Indeeed. I've always been into the lowest-noise within reasonable effort and cost.