Installation
We chose to install the CNPS10X Extreme in our LGA 775 test bench. The CPU we chose for this review was Intel’s Q8400 processor and the motherboard is an ASUS Maximus II Gene. The first item to install for this setup is the top bracket that mounts to the motherboard with four screws. After the screws are secured through the back of the motherboard, users will need to push in four push pins (shown above) that will be used for the actual pins that will lock the bracket in place.
Next, we push in the actual pins themselves which secure the bracket to the motherboard.
Here’s a final shot of how the push pins should look after you secure them to the motherboard. Notice how flush they look to the top part of the bracket. This is a key component during the installation process that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Now we are ready to add some thermal paste, which will be spread in a very thin layer over the processor.
After applying the thermal paste, we move on to attaching the actual heatsink bracket that simply attaches to the top of the base of the heatsink itself. No screws are required because their are notches on the top of the base to mount the bracket.
Screw in each side of the bracket and do it using screws that are caddy-corner to each other. So, the recommended practice is screwing in 1 and 3 together and 2 and 4 together. This will ensure the base of the heatsink is flush with the processor and we get good contact with the CPU and thermal paste.
After about 10 minutes installing the heatsink, we install the heatsink and motherboard into our test bench. The photo above shows the final product.
Here’s a quick shot of the CNPS10X running quietly in our LGA 775 test system. Notice the fan’s blue LEDs as well as the fan controller’s red LED on the top of the heatsink. This red dot says the fan is working at 100 percent capacity or 2,150 RPMs.
Installation went very smoothly and didn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete. The included thermal paste was a bit clumpy for my taste, but went on pretty smooth after some persistence. The mounting brackets fit like a glove on our Maximus II Gene board and screwing in the bracket worked well with a long-necked screwdriver. I don’t think many consumers will have a difficult time installing this heatsink into any system and I’m sure it will be a step up from Intel’s traditional stock heatsink that uses push pins to secure the heatsink to the motherboard.
Here’s a quick installation movie Zalman has on their website for those who want an interactive guide instead of the usual written user manual:
Courtesy of Zalman
