Noctua vs. Zalman

BChico

Platinum Member
May 27, 2000
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Putting together a new system with a Core i7 920.

Using a P183, so size shouldn't be an issue.

Thoughts on the Noctua NH-U12P SE2 vs. ZALMAN CNPS9900 NT?

I'm not planning on a heavy OC for the time being, but don't want to use the stock HSF.

Also, looking for something that is easy to install. Don't like to feeling of breaking the motherboard when installing these things.
 

LOUISSSSS

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 2005
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i've owned zalman, tuniq, actic cooling, asus, swiftech, EK, and many other cooling brands and my recent Noctua purchase is a tier above all of them with their quality. The quality of the heatsink is impressive, its something u can just touch and know that its a step above.

the packaging is also on another level, from the included screwdriver, protective packaging (my cooler was triple boxed from the manf) all the way down to the huge TIM syringe fan adapters, all the way down to the booklet instruction manual.
 

MisterDonut

Senior member
Dec 8, 2009
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Scythe Mugen 2 is probably one of the best in its price range. For $35, great for mild-moderate OC's.
 

BChico

Platinum Member
May 27, 2000
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I am fine with spending a little more.

That's a pretty good review for the Noctua. The other thing I like about it is that you can change the fans as oppoes to the Zalman built-in.
 

klocwerk

Senior member
Oct 23, 2003
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The Noctua beats out the Zalman on every cooling review I've seen, and is very quiet.
I'd definitely go Noctua.
 

BChico

Platinum Member
May 27, 2000
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Did you guys use the thermal paste that came with the Noctua? Seems like it actually got pretty decent reviews and 1C isn't going to make or break me.

Did you use the single line or double line application on the heat sink?