CNPS9500 AM2 Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler
The CNPS9500 AM2 cooler is the latest addition to Zalman’s CNPS9500 series of Ultra Quiet CPU Coolers. The original CNPS9500 LED supports both Intel 478/775 and AMD K8 platforms while the CNPS9500 AT supports only Intel LGA775 processors. While all three coolers share the same dimensions, weight and all copper construction, the new CNPS9500 AM2 cooler comes sporting a dark-chrome, Titanium-look finish. The other notable difference between the three CNPS9500 coolers is the AM2 and LED versions have 3-pin fan connectors and use the included Zalman Fan Mate 2 controller for manually adjusting the fan speed. The AT version however comes with a 4-pin fan header to allow the motherboard to automatically control the fan’s rpm according to the CPU temperature.
The Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 heatsink fan (HSF) comes securely packaged in a colorfully printed, see-thru box. The package contains everything needed for easy installation. (The new ZM-STG1 super thermal grease is sold separately.)
- Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 heatsink fan
- Mounting clip
- Mounting clip lever
- Thermal grease
- Fan Mate 2 fan speed controller and cable
- Double-sided tape (for mounting Fan Mate 2)
- Printed User’s Manual
CNPS9500 Am2 Specifications (from the Zalman website)
At first glance, you might assume the CNPS9500 AM2 was made from aluminum or possibly Nickel plated but the new cooler is all copper and just finished with a Titanium-look coating that has become very popular these days. The heatsink was built with a combination of thin fins (0.2mm) and air-tunnel design to help smooth the airflow and minimize noise.
(Courtesy Zalman)
The integrated, variable speed 92mm fan blows air in thru the cooler and comes with green LED lights to highlight the collaboration between Zalman and nVIDIA. The AM2/K8 mounting clip allows positioning the cooler to work with the direction of airflow in your particular case. As you can see in the following pictures, the lighted fan hub produces a nice subtle lighting effect.
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One of the CNPS9500’s unique features is the patented heat pipe design. Close inspection reveals that there are actually three, upside down, U-shaped heat pipes, which have been formed into a figure-8 shape. All six ends fit snugly inside the base where they pick up heat.
(click to enlarge) (click to enlarge)
The base of the CNPS9500 cooler appears very flat and has been polished to a mirror-like finish!
The Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 supports AMD Sempron, Athlon 64/64 X2/64 FX, and Opteron processors in socket AM2/754/939/940. The mounting clip attaches to the two center lugs of an AM2/K8 style retention frame.
Included with both the CNPS9500 AM2 CPU cooler and the VF900-Cu LED VGA cooler is a Zalman Fan Mate 2 fan speed controller. It comes with a 30′ long cable that can be split in two lengthways, to allow mounting the controller in most any convenient location of your choice. The Fan Mate 2 is designed for a maximum load of 6 watts and provides an adjustable DC output of between 5-11 VDC.
(Courtesy Zalman)
