Zalman CNPS 9900 DF review - Introduction

If there is one thing Zalman is know for it's their cooling solutions for CPUs. And although over the years they business model changed a lot with several products, their heatpipe coolers are definitely still going strong. The one that everybody remembers and still is going strong where the initial CNPS (Computer Noise Prevention System) CPU cooler, the copper somewhat rounded "butterfly" based coolers. That model has been the biggest success of all their coolers. Anno 2012 Zalman is still using that  concept, though changed and styled different. 

As such Zalman decided to reintroduce the CNPS 9900 with a DF model, an updated model hinting to that older design yet now with two fans. The minute you'll see it you know you are looking at high-performance cooling (within the air based cooling segment of course). "DF" stands for dual-fan, a concept using two fans in push-pull configuration. The "push" fan is merged in the first copper fin stack, while the "pull" fan is located between the two fin stacks.

Once you peek at the cooler you'll notice that the CNPS9900DF is based on a nickel-plated copper base, from which four nickel-plated copper heat pipes pass. The surface area for heat dissipation is 6,800 cm². Measuring 140 (L) x 100 (W) x 154 (H) mm, the CNPS9900DF weighs in at 850 g. The 120 mm "push" fan spins at 1000 RPM, while the 140 mm "pull" fan spins at speeds between 900 to 1400 RPM.

Both fans use fluid-dynamic bearings, and the total noise output of the cooler is said to stay within 27 dBA, according to Zalman. The Zalman CNPS9900DF is priced at roughly US $89

The Zalman CNPS 9900 DF comes with Zalman’s heat transfer solution by utilizing ‘composite heatpipe’ technology allowing a Q-Max of roughly 250~300W, along with a bigger design Zalman claims this cooler to be offering quiet operation and broad compatibility for Intel 2011/1156/1155/1366/775 and AMD AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM1/FM2.

The product measures 140(L) x 100(W) x 154(H)mm and weighs 850 grams. It has that rather abnormal silhouette, with two circular fin arrays, on one side you'll spot a fan, but also in-between it. Fans with an 900to 1400 RPM (rotations per minute) and a sound output of 27dBA.

Aesthetics wise the CNPS 9900 DF got a little TLC as well, the base plate, the heatpipes and the fins themselves come with a nice black nickel plating.

Again, Intel LGA 2011, LHA 775, LGA 1155/1156, LGA 1366 CPUs are supported, as well as socket 754, 939, AM, AM2+ and AM3+ and FM1 and 2 chips from AMD. So today we put that CNPS 9900 DF to the test. Have a look at it and then let's head onwards to the next page shall we?