Zalman CNPS 10X Extreme CPU Cooler Review

Installing the CNPS 10X Extreme

Zalman provides everything needed to mount the CNPS 10X Extreme up to your favorite CPU, even the upcoming Intel Core i5 socket.

The retaining system is easy to install. It consists of a base ring that mounts to the motherboard and then a top clamping ring that holds the cooler down.

The clamping ring fits around the base. It fits so that it not only holds the cooler down, but also keeps the cooler oriented properly.

Tightening the mounting screws is doable. It is a lot easier with the fan off, but getting the fan back onto the mount with cooler mounted is more annoying then mounting the cooler with it on.

With the CNPS 10X Extreme mounted to our Intel DX58SO motherboard I only noticed one issue with clearance.

With the Intel DX58SO the 4th RAM slot is blocked pretty much by every aftermarket cooler, but the concern comes in with the 3rd RAM slot. The CNPS 10X Extreme covers this slot ever so slightly, but only those with tall RAM sinks like Corsair Dominators will be affected.