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Introduction and Features

Introduction

(Courtesy of Zalman)

Modern processors perform millions of calculations, which in turn create massive amounts of heat that needs to be dealt with so the CPU can run stable and work for long periods of time. Since its inception, CPUs have always had some type of device for dissipating heat. The science concerned with the relationship between heat and mechanical energy or work is called thermodynamics. Elementary thermodynamics tells us that all of the power that goes into any device will end up as heat. So, if we relate this to the properties of how a processor works, we learn that having an adequate heat dissipation element is critical to keeping our CPUs cool and running smoothly.

There are a variety of vendors who develop new and creative heatsinks to meet the needs of today's demanding CPUs. A couple of my personal favorite vendors are Thermalright, Thermaltake, and Zalman to name a few. Today, we have one of Zalman's newest universal heatsink offerings called the CNPS10X Extreme. This heatsinks tops out at 920 grams and uses multiple layers of aluminum fins and five heatpipes to quickly cool and stabilize a variety of CPU socket types including LGA 1156, 1366, 775, AM3, and AM2+. It also supports several legacy socket types including  AMD's 754, 939, and 940.

One interesting feature on the CNPS10X Extreme is it's three-speed fan controller that can be mounted to the top of the heatsink or moved to the outside of the case using a fan controller extension cord. Having an external controller for adjusting fan speeds isn't new at all, but this particular fan controller can be used in a variety of ways, which makes it unique.

Features

Powerful Cooling Performance 
Optimally designed aluminum fins disperse heat away from the CPU via 5 heatpipes, while the high capacity 120mm fan quickly cools the heatsink for stable operation of high performance CPUs.

PWM Fan with Auto/Manual Control 
Includes PWM Mate, the world’s first RPM controllable PWM fan speed controller, with the options of 3-Speed Auto or Manual Control Modes.PWM Mate can be installed on the case’s exterior by connecting with the included Extension Cable.

(Courtesy of Zalman)

Ultra Quiet 120mm Blue LED Fan 
Switching noise eliminated 120mm fan incorporated for ultra quiet operation and Blue LEDs for cool aesthetics.

Black-Pearl Nickel Plating 
The entire heatsink of CNPS10X Extreme is “Black-Pearl” Nickel Plated for long-term corrosion resistance, while the deep “Black-Pearl” tone along with the high intensity Blue LEDs reinforce its powerful aesthetics.

(Courtesy of Zalman)

High Performance Super Thermal Grease ZM-STG2 
The included all new high performance thermal grease ZM-STG2 maximizes heat transfer from the CPU to the base of CNPS10X Extreme for intensified cooling performance.

Versatile Compatibility 
CNPS10X Extreme accommodates a broad range of sockets including Intel LGA1156/1366/775 and AMD AM3/AM2+/AM2/754/939/940.

Next Page - Specifications and Packaging

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