Is the Zalman CPNS7000B-CU Cooler risky?

[MadMax]

I'm familiar with computer hardware, and I've built a couple computers before, but always with retail CPU's. I'm looking to upgrade, and am interested in the Athlon 64, 3500+ Winchester core. I want to get an OEM CPU with the Zalman cooler for low noise and good overclocks.

Sounds great, right? Until I went to Zalman's website and read this:

3. The maximum weight for a cooler is specified as 450g for Intel Socket 478/775 and AMD Socket 754/939/940, and 300g for AMD Socket 462 CPU. Special care should be taken when moving a computer equipped with a cooler which exceeds the relevant weight limit. Zalman Tech is not responsible for any damage that occurs when moving a computer.

450g Max? But the 7000B-CU weighs in at 755g! Would I be risking the new CPU if I tried to install this thing? It doesn't look hard to install, and I saw the large brace that fits on the underside of the MB to hold it in place. But it made me think of getting the ALCU model instead, as it weighs only 438g.

Bottom line is, should I get the lighter, "safer", (and cheaper), ALCU model instead? Or am I just worrying about nothing? Will the solid copper CU model actually give me higher overclocks?


MadMax

 

[JBT]

I've got a CU 7000B its certianly not going to snap the two VERY large screws that hold it. Zalman wouldn't have made the thing if it was that risky.

I have no idea how much better the CU version cools than the ALCU but I would assume it does cool a little bit better, probably not enough to reach hghier OC's but it probably atleast lowers temps.

 

[Algere]

Heard that weight figure was meant for OEMs to anticipate the (mis)handling a PC would endure during shipment. IMO as long as you don't drop/shake your case around alot with it installed, you'll be fine.

 

[DaveSimmons]

The -ALCU models offer 99% of the cooling of the -CU with a lot less weight. Unless you want bragging rights for squeezing out an extra 1 MHz of overclocking there is no reason to buy the -CU models.

 

[Arcanedeath]

I'd suggest getting the ALCU instead, it cools within 1 or 2 degrees of the CU version and tends to cost less and doesn't weight as much either.

 

[Auric]

Google for comparative reviews. Frostytech, perhaps. Cu absorbs heat more readily than Al, while Al dissipates heat more readily than Cu. So, Cu can perform better with adequate airflow but may perform worse without (i.e. passive or low-speed fan). Anyhoo, if you think the 7000 is a beast check out the 7700!

p.s. I, for one, opted for the AlCu

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

I just finished assembling the very same setup (3500 Winnie w/ 7000B-CU, 'bout a week ago) and that was my very first time assembling a complete system. It didn't give me any problems. Yeah, it is heavy, but as long as you don't do anything stupid, you shouldn't have trouble with it.

 

[imported_Computer MAn]

Originally posted by: Arcanedeath
I'd suggest getting the ALCU instead, it cools within 1 or 2 degrees of the CU version and tends to cost less and doesn't weight as much either.

 

[batmanuel]

Keep in mind that with the CPNS7000 models, there is a mounting plate that attaches to the back of the motherboard when you are mounting the cooler on a S754/930/940 processor. You screw the HSF unit to the mounting plate and it bears the weight of the cooler, so there is no danger of the socket or motherboard being damaged.

I think the warning on Zalman's website is for the more traditional HSF units that they sell which don't use such a mounting plate. With the older socket A processors it was not uncommon for a heavy heatsink to break the plastic mounting tabs on the CPU socket, which is why Zalman uses the mounting holes around the CPU socket instead of the tabs to mount the CPNS7000 models on socket A processors.

 

[footbal07]

i have been using a 7000 alcu for almost a year now and have moved my case numerous times without problems. i would definately get the alcu as there is marginal difference between the two and the alcu is significantly lighter. also if your board/components have clearance, get the 7700 with the 120mm fan. it pushes more air and is quieter.

 

[gobucks]

i'd grab a 7700-AlCu personally, but that's just me. I have the VF700-AlCu VGA cooler and it's great, I imagine the 7000/7700 are just as nice. And if they can manage to make the VF700 safe for a graphics card, I'm sure they can make a CPU cooler that won't damage a CPU. As for the Cu versus AlCu, Auric is right - Cu sucks up more heat, Al dissipates it faster, so the AlCu blend is actually pretty good. With good ventilation, the Cu might be around 1-2C cooler, not anything big. I'd rather save money and have a cooler that only ways 2/3 of the Cu version.