Zalman CNPS10X Extreme Heatsink Review

It's easy to overlook the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme for just another CPU cooler, instead of the flexiblelow noise and high performance tower heatsink it is. Most heatsinks often fall into one category or the other, not both... at least not very well.

Zalman's CNPS10X Extreme fulfills both roles pretty well care of a cleverly integrated PWM fan speed controller in the top part of the fan shroud. Do nothing and the CNPS10X Extreme's 120mm fan will fall under BIOS control, automatically scaling fan speed from 1000RPM to 2150RPM as needed. Set the fan speed controller and the heatsink operates in one of three fan-duty modes, or responds to the turn of a dial to the exact fan velocity you want.

At full tilt the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme delivers performance cooling results on both Intel and AMD test platforms, as you'll see a little later in Frostytech's review. As a low noise heatsink the CNPS10X Extreme is pretty quiet (~36dBA), while still maintaining good cooling results. The CNPS10X Extreme heatsink stands 161mm tall, putting out of reach for some slim line cases, but its 130x100mm footprint is a pretty compact.

Constructed from five 6mm diameter copper heatpipes, a copper base plate and aluminum fins, the entire heatsink has been dark nickel plated for appearance sake and weighs in at a hefty 920grams. That's heavier than you'd expect just by glancing at it, but thankfully the retention brackets install easily and without the need to rip apart the PC. Zalman's CNPS10X Extreme heatsink is compatible with Intel socket 775/1156/1366 and AMD socket 754/939/AM2/AM3 processors. It's priced around $70.

Zalman CNPS10X Extreme Heatsink

HEATSINK SPECSHEET Manufacturer: Zalman Model No.: CNPS10X Extreme Materials: Dark nickel plated aluminum fins, copper heatpipes, copper baseblock Fan Mfg: Zalman ZF1125BTH Fan Spec: 1000-2150RPM, 12V, 0.4A Fan Dim: 25x120x120mm Heatsink & Fan Dim: 161x131x100mm Weight: 920 grams Includes: Multi-socket mounting hardware, thermal compound, fan speed controller, instructions. Compatible with Sockets: AMD - 754/939/940/AM2/AM2+/AM3 Intel - 775/1156/1366 Est. Pricing: $70USD ($70CDN)

By far the most unique aspect of the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme heatsink is the integrated PWM fan speed controller. It allows direct user control over the heatsink's noise output at the touch of a button. The controller comes docked at the top of the fan shroud, or can be slid out remotely located up to 80cm away via a supplied extension wire.

The integrated PWM fan speed controller uses an LED light to indicate what setting it's on: quiet duty (blue LED), medium duty (purple LED), high duty (red LED) and a manual setting (green LED) where fan speed can be fine tuned with the little wheel directly.

A bit of double sided tape is supplied with the heatsink so the controller can be stuck to the side of a case (within 80cm of the heatsink) if you want to adjust fan speeds constantly. Incidently, the round bit is not the button, it's the paddle next to it that acts as the button.

Mounting Method and Hardware

Zalman's CNPS10X Extreme heatsink can be used with socket 775/1156/1366 Intel processors, and the full range of AMD chips - socket 754/939/940/AM2/AM2+/AM3 inclusive. Every major CPU variation is covered by this one heatsink, good for those planning a transition to Core i7 in the coming months, for example.

Installation is pretty straightforward, although there are some clearance issues to be aware of. Generally speaking, the CNPS10X Extreme will fit any modern motherboard. If you're concerned about fit, the CNPS10X Extreme requires about 70mm space from the center of the CPU above and below, back and front. Zalman note that at least 165mm space above the CPU itself is needed, although the heatsink Frostytech tested is only 161mm tall.

The AMD mounting clip makes use of the stock plastic AMD heatsink retention frame. A stainless steel clip fits over the central nub on the heatsink's base cap, and without tools locks into the existing retention tabs. The heatsink should always be oriented with airflow exhausting towards the rear of the PC case if possible.

Both Intel socket 1366 and 775/1156 processors make use of a special plastic frame which is attached onto the motherboard prior to the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme installation. No tools are required for the LGA775/1156 frame, and the motherboard can stay in place. For Core i7 LGA1366 processors you'll need to remove the board to screw the bracket in from the rear. Thereafter a steel bracket locks onto the base of the CNPS10X Extreme and applies correct clamping force with spring tensioned machine screws. The system firmly holds the 920gram heatsink in place, without making it difficult to swap out processors in the future.

This heatsink will be tested on FrostyTech's Intel LGA775 and K8 version of the Mk.II synthetic thermal temperature test platform, and compared against a hundred reference LGA775 and K8 heatsinks. The whole test methodology is outlined in detail here if you'd like to know what equipment is used, and the parameters under which the tests are conducted.

360° View - Zalman CNPS10X Extreme Heatsink Information on Frostytech's test methodology is available here.
A single 120mm fan ships with the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme heatsink. The PWM fan rotates at 1000-2150RPM, power is supplied by a 4-pin PWM motherboard fan header via the integrated fan speed controller. Five 6mm copper heatpipes are packed closely at the base, rising up to the full 110mm height of the aluminum fin section. Mounting brackets fit over the nub of the cast aluminum base cap, or onto either edge.
The nickel plated aluminum fins measure 0.3mm thick and spaced 1.5mm apart, there is 37mm clearance at the base for adjacent motherboard components. The copper base block measures 6mm thick, the entire base 10mm. With the 120mm PWM fan removed you can see the unique bracket Zalman have incorporated into the CNPS10X Extreme design for the specially made ZF1125BTH fan that slots in place.
The nickel plated copper base of the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme heatsink measures 40x38mm in size, and is a minimum 3mm thick. The surface is highly polished, and all heatpipes are soldered in place to decrease thermal joint resistance. At left is the top of the heatsink, the PWM fan speed controller immediately visible dead center.

Base Finish and Flatness

Flipping a heatsink over to inspect the business end is often a simple indicator of overall cooler quality. More practically speaking, a heatsink is in many ways only as effective as the contact it makes with the processor - the flatter and smoother the better. Base finish is one of the criteria that Frostytech measure in the course of evaluating heatsinks, and it involves two distinct aspects. Surface Finish is the first; calculated with the aid of Surface Roughness Comparator that has a cross section of common machine surface finishes and their numerical surface roughness equivalents in microinches. The second is Surface Flatness. This is tested with an engineers straight edge or proven flat surface, in two axis.

The base of the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme heatsink is perfectly flat in both axis. The copper base itself has a glossy nickel plated surface finish which is perfectly smooth. Surface roughness is at or better than ~8 microinches, which is excellent.

Next up, sound level measurements and then AMD and Intel thermal test results!

Sound Level Measurements: Which Heatsink is Quietest?

Listening to the actual noise a heatsink makes allows you to hear what pure numbers alone cannot get across. To further emphasize FrostyTech's reliance on cold hard facts when evaluating a heatsink, we also take noise level measurements with a sound level meter.

FrostyTech Heatsink Noise Level Measurements Noise level Decibel measurements of each heatsinks' fan in operation are taken with the aid of a sound level meter and sound isolating enclosure. The values may be higher than the mfgr's listed specs, but are directly comparable to one another. Measurements are made on the dB (A) scale, lower values are best. Information on Frostytech's test methodology isavailable here.
Manufacturer:	Model No.:	Fan* Speed:	Noise Level (dBA):	CPU** Platform
Scythe	Orochi SCORC-1000		27.8 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Zipang		33.1 dB	Intel/AMD
3Rsystem	Iceage 80 Prima Mini		35.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5750 Silent		35.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS10X Extreme	high	36.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Verax	Helado		36.3 dB	Intel/AMD
Silverstone	NT07-775	high	36.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 7311 Silent		36.5 dB	AMD
Intel	Stock Core 2 Duo		36.7 dB	Intel
Scythe	Mine Rev.B		36.8 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Zipang 2		37.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 7222 Light		37.7 dB	AMD
Scythe	Infinity SCINF-1000		37.8 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Katana II		37.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5610 Plus Silent		38.0 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Shuriken	high	38.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Andy Samuri Master SCASM-1000		38.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Evercool	HPJ-12025 Transformer 4		38.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5710 Plus Silent		39.3 dB	Intel/AMD
Akasa	Nero AK967	high	39.3 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Big Shuriken	high	39.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Kama Cross		40.0 dB	Intel/AMD
Noctua	NH-C12P	high	40.4 dB	Intel/AMD
EKL	GroB Clock'ner		40.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Noctua	NH-U12P	high	40.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 7321 Silent E		41.0 dB	AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5063 Cu Silent E		41.0 dB	Intel
Glacialtech	Igloo 7312 Silent E		41.1 dB	AMD
Asus	Triton 85	high	41.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Asus	Triton 77	high	41.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolink	Silentator	high	41.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Intel	Stock Core 2 Duo E4400		41.6 dB	Intel
Scythe	Ninja Mini		41.7 dB	Intel/AMD
OCZ	Vendetta 2	high	41.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Noctua	NH-U9B	high	41.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Gigabyte	NeonCooler 8-BL		42.0 dB	AMD
AMA	Serac 770		42.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 7223 Light E		42.3 dB	AMD
Glacialtech	UFO V51 Silent		42.4 dB	Intel/AMD
EKL	GroB Clock'ner Blue Ed.	high	42.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Arctic Cooling	Freezer 64 LP		42.6 dB	AMD
Xigmatek	S1284 Achilles	high	42.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Asus	Silent Square EVO	high	42.8 dB	Intel/AMD
OCZ	Gladiator Max	high	42.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Nexus	HOC-9000	high	43.0 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	KAMA Angle	high	43.3 dB	Intel/AMD
Auras	SMF-660		43.4 dB	Intel
Glacialtech	Igloo 5710 Silent		43.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Tuniq	Tower 120 Extreme	high	43.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolermaster	Hyper48		43.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Auras	LPT-709		43.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Arctic Cooling	Alpine64		43.9 dB	AMD
Thermaltake	ISGC-300	high	44.0 dB	Intel/AMD
Arctic Cooling	Alpine 7 Pro	high	44.1 dB	Intel
Xigmatek	HDT-S1284EE	high	44.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Asus	Triton 79 Amazing		44.3 dB	Intel/AMD
Akasa	Blue Aurora AK966BL	high	44.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermalright	Ultra 120 Extreme		44.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Akasa	Revo (horizontal)	high	44.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermalright	SI-128SE		44.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Dynatron	A22		44.5 dB	AMD
Asus	Lionsquare	high	44.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5610 Silent		44.7 dB	Intel
Zerotherm	Nirvana NV 120 PWM	high	44.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Asus	Arctic Square	high	44.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS7000B-CU	high	44.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS7000A-Cu	high	45.2 dB	AMD
Zalman	CNPS7000-Cu	high	45.2 dB	AMD
Akasa	AK-860SF		45.2 dB	AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5062 Cu Light		45.2 dB	Intel
Thermaltake	ISGC-400	high	45.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Noctua	NH-U12		45.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Ajigo	MF043-044		45.4 dB	AMD
Thermaltake	ISGC-100	high	45.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Kingwin	XT-1264	high	45.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Silverstone	NT07-AM2	high	45.6 dB	AMD
Corsair	Hydro H50	high	45.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Spire	SP741B3		45.6 dB	AMD
Coolermaster	Hyper 212		45.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Shogun	high	45.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Rosewill	RCX-Z2-EX	high	45.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Mugen		46.0 dB	Intel/AMD
Arctic Cooling	Alpine 11 Pro	high	46.1 dB	Intel/AMD
DeepCool	Ice Blade Pro	high	46.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Arctic Cooling	Freezer 7LP	high	46.1 dB	Intel
Asus	Silent Knight 2	high	46.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Arctic Cooling	Alpine 64 Pro	high	46.4 dB	AMD
Xigmatek	Thors Hammer S126384		46.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermalright	MST-977SLE		46.5 dB	Intel
Dynatron	Genius	high	47.2 dB	Intel/AMD
3Rsystem	Iceage 90		47.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	F101 PWM	high	47.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Intel	Stock Pentium D	high	47.5 dB	Intel
nPowertek	TTIC NPH-1000		47.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Kama SCKK1000		47.5 dB	AMD
Zerotherm	FZ120	high	47.6 dB	Intel/AMD
nPowerTek	Hurricane NPH-105 (NB fan)	high	47.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolermaster	Hyper Z600		47.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Akasa	AK-975CU	high	47.7 dB	Intel
3Rsystem	Iceage 120	high	47.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS8700 LED	high	48.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Akasa	AK-965	high	48.1 dB	Intel
Akasa	AK-876	high	48.2 dB	AMD
Thermolab	TLI-U Nano Silencer		48.0 dB	Intel
Apack	CF900	high	48.3 dB	Intel
Apack	CF800	high	48.4 dB	Intel
Gelid	Silent Spirit	high	48.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5058 Light E		48.5 dB	Intel
LS Cable	SHS-T700		48.5 dB	Intel
Thermaltake	ISGC-200	high	48.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Auras	CTC-868 (closed)		48.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermalfly	I75DUH		48.7 dB	Intel
Coolage	Frozen Orb F0-Z924AL	high	48.9 dB	Intel
Spire	SP601B3		48.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolermaster	Hyper N520		49.0 dB	Intel/AMD
ECT	Prometeia Mach2 GT		49.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Cooler Master	Hyper Z600 Black Label	high	49.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Apack	Zerotherm Nirvana 120		49.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermaltake	DuOrb		49.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Xigmatek	DK-S1283	high	49.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolermaster	GeminII S	high	49.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Asus	Triton 75		49.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermaltake	Silentboost K8		49.7 dB	AMD
Zalman	CNPS7700-Cu LED	high	49.8 dB	Intel/AMD
3Rsystem	iceage 120 Boss II	high	49.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolermaster	Hyper 212 Plus	high	50.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermolab	BARAM (core contact fan)	high	50.1 dB	Intel/AMD
nPowertek	NPH-775-1		50.1 dB	Intel
Xigmatek	HDT-S963	high	50.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Sunbeamtech	Core-Contact Freezer 92mm Ed.	high	50.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Evercool	Buffalo HPEA-10025		50.2 dB	AMD
Zalman	CNPS9500 LED	high	50.3 dB	Intel/AMD
Xigmatek	HDT-S1283	high	50.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Gigabyte	3D-Rocket		50.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS7700-Cu	high	50.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Cooljag	JYC 8A03A	high	50.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Evercool	HPK-10025EA		50.6 dB	Intel
Thermaltake	SpinQ	high	50.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS7500-Cu LED	high	50.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Arctic Cooling	Freezer 64 Pro		50.9 dB	AMD
Sunbeamtech	Core-Contact Freezer	high	51.3 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5063 Light E		51.5 dB	Intel
Evercool	K802-715		51.5 dB	AMD
Alpha Novatech	PRE9060M92P	high	51.5 dB	Intel
Evercool	Transformer 6	high	51.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Tuniq	Tower 120	high	51.6 dB	Intel/AMD
OCZ	Tempest		51.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Scythe	Samurai SCSM1000	high	51.6 dB	AMD
Apack	Zerotherm BTF80		51.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermolab	TLI-S Micro Silencer		52.0 dB	Intel
Apack	Zerotherm BTF90		52.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Cooljag	Falcon 92-AL	high	52.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Auras	LPT-700		52.2 dB	Intel
Auras	SLC-747	high	52.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS9700NT	high	52.2 dB	Intel/AMD
nPowertek	NPH K8-1		52.2 dB	AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5750 PWM	high	52.3 dB	Intel/AMD
DeepCool	Killer Whale Premium	high	52.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolermaster	V8	high	52.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Zaward	Gyre ZCJ010	high	52.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Xigmatek	HDT-S983	high	52.7 dB	Intel/AMD
OCZ	Vendetta	high	52.8 dB	Intel/AMD
Cooljag	Falcon 92-Cu	high	52.8 dB	Intel/AMD
SilenX	iXtrema IXC-120HA2	high	52.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolage	X120TF		53.0 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermolab	BARAM		53.0 dB	Intel/AMD
DeepCool	IceWing 5 Pro	high	53.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS9500 AM2	high	53.2 dB	AMD
Zalman	CNPS9500 AT		53.3 dB	Intel
Zerotherm	Core 92	high	53.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5057 E		53.4 dB	Intel
DeepCool	Killer Whale	high	53.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Jetart	JAX801		53.5 dB	AMD
Apack	Zerotherm BTF92 OC Ed	high	53.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolermaster	Hyper TX2		53.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermalright	Ultra 120		53.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermolab	BADA	high	54.0 dB	Intel/AMD
nPowerTek	NPH-Big K8		54.0 dB	AMD
Dynatron	Evo-11	high	54.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Rosewill	RCX-Z1	high	54.1 dB	AMD
Vantec	VAF-1225 Aeroflow FX 120	high	54.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolermaster	Hyper6	high	54.7 dB	AMD
nPowertek	NPH-775-115HC		55.0 dB	Intel
Xigmatek	AIO-S80DP	high	55.0 dB	Intel/AMD
Verax	Quattro 1	high	55.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS9300AT	high	55.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Arctic Cooling	Silencer 64 Ultra TC	high	55.5 dB	AMD
Evercool	Magic Cooler		55.5 dB	AMD
Cooljag	OAK-H2	high	55.6 dB	Intel
Cooljag	OAK-H	high	55.7 dB	Intel
Coolermaster	Hyper TX3	high	56.0 dB	Intel/AMD
Coolage	Frozen Orb 2924HDC	high	56.0 dB	Intel/AMD
Gigabyte	Volar GH-PSV21-FB	high	56.1 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermalright	Ultra-90	high	56.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Titan	Cool Idol TTC-NK75TZ	high	56.3 dB	Intel/AMD
Akasa	AK-960E		56.3 dB	Intel
Dynatron	SK-V24		56.4 dB	AMD
Thermaltake	MaxOrb EX	high	56.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS9700 LED	high	56.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	FS-C77		56.5 dB	Intel/AMD
AVC	Black Samurai	high	56.7 dB	Intel/AMD
nPowertek	NPH-775-140HC	high	56.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Gigabyte	3D Rocket-Pro	high	56.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Vantec	Mach1	high	56.9 dB	AMD
Xigmatek	HDT-SD964	high	57.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermaltake	MaxOrb	high	57.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS8000	high	57.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS9900 LED	high	57.5 dB	Intel/AMD
EKL	V8	high	57.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Sunon	Waturbo		57.5 dB	Intel
Antazone	AS-C1000		57.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Spire	Thermax II (SP67951)	high	57.8 dB	Intel/AMD
Vantec	VAF-9225 Aeroflow FX92	high	57.9 dB	Intel/AMD
Zalman	CNPS10X Extreme	high	58.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Noctua	NH-U9		58.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Titan	TTC-NK85TZ	high	58.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Rosewill	RCX-Z3	high	58.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermalright	SLK-948U		58.8 dB	AMD
Alpha	PAL-8150		58.9 dB	AMD
Enzotech	Ultra-X	high	59.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Akasa	AK-920	high	59.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Akasa	AK-873	high	59.2 dB	AMD
Coolermaster	Aquagate Mini R80	high	59.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Glacialtech	Igloo 5610 PWM	high	59.5 dB	Intel
Thermaltake	V1	high	59.6 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermaltake	BigTyp 14Pro	high	59.7 dB	Intel/AMD
AVC	Z7U3301001	high	59.9 dB	AMD
Rosewill	RCX-Z2		59.9 dB	Intel
CoolIT	Domino ALC	high	60.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Spire	Fourier IV SP607B3-C		60.2 dB	Intel/AMD
Akasa	AK-922 (EVObue)	high	60.3 dB	Intel/AMD
Ajigo	MF064-074	high	60.3 dB	AMD
Thermalfly	F1-IACSHA	high	60.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Cooljag	SFO-Q	high	60.6 dB	AMD
Cooljag	SFO-H	high	60.6 dB	AMD
Akasa	AK-961		60.7 dB	Intel
Thermaltake	Jungle512	high	60.8 dB	Intel
Intel	FCLGA4-S Reference (P mode)	high	61.1 dB	Intel
Ibuypower	IBP-Z001	high	61.7 dB	Intel/AMD
Gigabyte	3D Cooler-Pro	high	62.5 dB	Intel/AMD
Gigabyte	3D Cooler-Ultra	high	63.0 dB	Intel/AMD
AVC	Z7U7414001 (stock AM2)	high	63.0 dB	AMD
Titan	TTC-K8ATB/825/SC		63.1 dB	AMD
Evercool	PT02-9232CP		63.3 dB	Intel
CoolJag	SFO-D(18SC)		64.0 dB	AMD
nPowertek	SF 775-2	high	64.6 dB	Intel
Gigabyte	GH-PCU23-VE	high	65.6 dB	Intel/AMD
ASUS	Starice	high	67.4 dB	Intel/AMD
Thermaltake	Polo 735	high	68.0 dB	AMD
Thermaltake	Venus 12	high	68.1 dB	AMD
Thermalfly	I75DUB	high	68.5 db	Intel
Gigabyte	G-Power Pro	high	71.9 dB	Intel/AMD
			Noise Level (dBA)
*Unless noted, for reference heatsinks with variable-speed fans only the 'high speed' (12V) fan noise measurement is included in the comparison sheet; more detailed results for the low fan speed (~5V) tests reside in each specific heatsink review. ** 'AMD' denotes compatibility with socket 754/939/940 & AM2 processors where applicable. 'Intel' denotes compatibility with socket 775 platform.

With its 120mm PWM fan spinning at 2150RPM, the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme heatsink produces a loud 58.2dBA noise. On PWM compliant Intel/AMD motherboards the BIOS will automatically scale down fan speed to as low as 1000RPM depending on the current thermal loads, so on average it will run quieter. At the reduced speed of 1000RPM, the CNPS10X Extreme heatsink outputs just 36.2 dBA noise.

The integrated fan speed controller allows for a range of intermediate settings between these two points, so it's not very difficult to pick a noise level setting that accommodates your PC environment.

Next up are the AMD synthetic thermal test results and then it's onto Intel!