Zalman CNPS9700

Zalman’s CNPS9700 is simply an enlarged version of the CNPS9500 we reviewed last year. Instead of a 92mm fan, the 9700 has a larger 110mm fan. The fan can only be replaced for the same exact one, because it has a unique mounting mechanism with no standard frame around it. With a larger fan come larger fins as well. You must be careful, because these fins are exposed, very thin and sharp, unlike the fins of other heatsinks tested. Overall however, the basic ‘Aero Flower’ shapes stays. Three heatpipes make a figure 8 with fins radiating away from them.

Because the heatpipes start on one side of the base and end at the other side, the Zalman CNPS9700 has 6 heatpipes. At the top of the base is a protrusion where mounting mechanisms are secured to.


The thick base of the 9700 has a mirror finish, something that must be expected of premium coolers. Packaged with the cooler are a universal backplate, mounting bracket, and clip, as well as a very generous sized bottle of thermal paste, and instructions. The Zalman Fanmate 2 speed controller is present on all CNPS products. Because of its long wires, it can be placed anywhere in the case, or even outside of the case for easy access.

Installation

You will need the backplate, bracket and clip, as well as two short gold screws and four long silver screws to mount this cooler on the 775 socket. First, place the backplate underneath the motherboard and the bracket on top, with the feet pointing down and fasten the two together with silver screws, sandwiching the motherboard in between.


Next, stick the 775 clip (the one with two circular holes) in between the heatpipes. Apply thermal paste and place the cooler on the socket. Very slightly screw in one side of the clip to the bracket with a gold screw, just enough to hold the clip and the bracket. Then do the same to the other side. You will need some force to do this, so make sure you apply force slowly, so nothing cracks. After both sides of the clip are secured to the bracket, tighten them all the way.

Let’s move on to testing and see how well these top of the line coolers perform!