Zalman VF700-Cu

Introduction

Our sample was provided by MadMoxx. Thank you.

From the manufacturer Zalman:

Dimensions	91(L) x 126.4(W) x 30(H)mm
Weight	180g
Base Material	Pure Copper
Bearing Type	2-Ball
Speed	1,350 ~ 2,650rpm ± 10%
Noise Level	18.5 ~ 28.5dB ± 10%
Compatible with	All cards that have mounting holes: ATI Radeon 9.... Series, ATI Radeon X... Series NVIDIA Geforce4 MX Series,NVIDIA Geforce FX 5200,NVIDIA Geforce FX 5500,NVIDIA Geforce FX 5600(FX 5700),NVIDIA Geforce4 Ti 4... Series, NVIDIA Geforce FX 5700(Ultra) Series, NVIDIA Geforce FX 5800 Series, NVIDIA Geforce FX 5900 Series, NVIDIA Geforce FX 5950 Series, NVIDIA Geforce 6600 Series, NVIDIA Geforce 6800 LE Series, NVIDIA Geforce 6800 Series, NVIDIA Geforce 6800 GT Series, NVIDIA Geforce 6800 Ultra Series NVIDIA Geforce 6800 Ultra

Since this cooler is largely the same as the Zalman VF700-AlCu, this review will be very similar to our VF-700-AlCu Review.

The only difference between those products is that the Cu has only copper fins, while the AlCu has a mix of both copper and aluminum fins.

Packaging

Box contents:

• Front Heatsink Assembly
• Eight VGA Ramsinks
• Brace Plate
• Instruction Manual
• One bag of assembly parts: Two Nipples (A), Two Nipples (B), Four Bolts (A), Four Bolts (B), Six rubber Rings
• Thermal Paste
• Zalman Sticker
• Fan power connector

The base finish is very flat and reflective, minor marks from production are visible. The 'knife test' shows very little light shining through.

Installation

The installation process is very easy now, compared to previous products. Looks like Zalman has listened to the complaints. There are still very similar looking components which are easy to confuse. However, if you read the manual before starting the assembly, and make sure you understand exactly where all parts are going, you should be fine.

The cooler uses no heatpipes which means it can be running in any possible up/down configuration. The only important thing is that hot air can somehow get away from the cooler, preferably through a case exhaust on the backside.



Oops! Something does not look right here. The heatsink base does not make contact with the core. After trying to remount it three times I came to the conclusion that something else must be wrong.



On the left, the nipple is outside the metal case and on the right, it is inside. Looks like someone in Zalman's factory was in a hurry...

The fix is to unscrew three of the tiny screws (leave one in place so that the whole unit won't come apart). Now you can lift off the casing top and move the metal tab a bit in.



Now everything looks good.



The included ramsinks are rather small, there is still plenty space left under the cooler. On the backside there is even more space, so I wonder why Zalman chose to use such small ramsinks. A reason is probably cost, since the same ramsinks are already sold with the ZM-80D.


(image re-used from VF700 AlCu Review)