what I will tell you is there is no definitive answer!!
Even the reviewers cant make up there minds!!
With that said....
It would appear that if you want a totally silent Heatrsink; this one has noise issues at least according to one reputable reviewer!!
If you want a solid performing heatsink this one will fill the bill!
But then others will argue that you can get just as good a heatsink such as the Thermalright XP90 copper or the si120 or the xp120 for less money!!
Or even the Scythe Ninja!!!
As well as possibly being quiter!
Then again one reviewer stated-- It's safe to say that the Zalman 9500 is the most efficient of all heatsinks that use a 92mm fan.
The Zalman 9500 provides excellent cooling performance, close to the best that we've tested, the Scythe Ninja, and matches the Thermalright XP-120. It provides this performance even when airflow is reduced by undervolting the fan with the included Fanmate, a feature for which we've long applauded Zalman.
However, similar performance could be achieved at a lower noise level with the two heatsinks mentioned above by using a quiet Nexus 120mm fan. By contrast, the fan in the 9500 is a step backwards even from its predecessor, the Zalman 7000, which sounded nicer (if only slightly quieter) at the same voltage.
So as of now its a crapshoot!!
Some will say the 9500 has been stomped into the ground!
Others like me will tell you its all a matter of personnal preferences!!
You cannot go wrong with any of the heatsinks that I included in this response!!
Good Luck!!
just my 2 cookies worth!!
