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Review: LGA1156 cooler shootout: Arctic Cooling, Corsair, Scythe and Zalman go head-to-head

by James Smith on 18 December 2009, 17:11 3.3

Tags: Corsair Hydro H50, ARCTIC COOLING Freezer XTREME Rev. 2, Scythe Kabuto, Zalman CNPS10X Flex, Zalman (090120.KQ), Corsair, Scythe, Arctic

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qaveh

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Zalman CNPS10X Flex - Initial inspection

Apart from the obvious black band which runs through the middle fins, and of course the ability to mount two fans, there are one or two other differences between this and the heatsink used for the CNPS10X Quiet and Extreme.

As well as having 53 fins vs. the CNPS Quiet's 45, they're also spaced differently at 2mm, as opposed to 2.5mm on the CNPS Quiet.

All five of the U-shaped heatpipes are clearly visible in this shot.

No shortage of fins here.

Like the Corsair H50, the branding should be clearly visible if your case has a side-panel window.

It's not just for show, however, as the black cap mounted on top helps protect the fragile ends of the five heatpipes.

Like the Scythe Kabuto, it's a shame Zalman decided not to pre-apply some T.I.M. to the heatsink before shipping.

However, the CPU contact patch looks to have a noticeably better finish than on the Scythe.

The four screws in the copper base are used to attach the CPU clips during installation.

In addition to the essentials, Zalman also supply a case badge for bragging rights when your mates come round.