facebook rss twitter

Review: LGA 775 CPU Cooler Mega Test

by Matt Davey on 1 June 2007, 14:45

Tags: Gigabyte (TPE:2376), Thermalright, Zaward, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), Zalman (090120.KQ), Akasa, Cooler Master, Thermaltake (3540.TWO), OCZ (NASDAQ:OCZ), Scythe, SilverstoneTek, Arctic, Tuniq, Noctua, TITAN Technology

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qairv

Add to My Vault: x

--- Thermal Performance, Conclusion and Certification

Thermal Performance

At idle, the Zalman 9700 managed to cool the CPU to 42 degrees, just like the Tuniq Tower 120.

Across a number of measures, the cooling of the two was very similar, though the 9700 took the lead slightly in the power readings and pulled off a six degree improvement compared to the Tuniq on the motherboard.



Under load, however, the CPU reading for the Zalman was one degree warmer than for the Tuniq Tower 120, but that still resulted in a highly-creditable fourth place. Comparing other load-figures between the two, things move first one way, then the other, to give near-equality.

Conclusion

Well, Zalman has managed to improve on the much-loved 9500. The nail-varnish-style thermal paste was a pleasure to use and, rather than making life harder, the increased size of the fan makes attaching the front screw just a little bit easier.

Zalman has the knack of coming up with innovative designs then executing them well. The 9700 is no exception. Matters are helped further by clear instructions and the availability on the company's web site of Flash-based demos. The Zalman 9700 is a well-rounded package that offers everything that the enthusiast could need.

Certification

HEXUS Labs :: Extreme
Zalman 9700