Zalman CNPS17X CPU Cooler

Zalman was kind enough to also provide us with the Zalman CNPS17X for this build. While we will dive into some detail, you may read our full review of the cooler here. The cooler comes in a full-color box with an image of the unit on front.


Out of the box, it quickly becomes apparent that the CNPS17X comes with a dual fin stack utilizing copper fins in the center. These fins are not flat to increase surface area and airflow. On the underside is a very clean base through which the five U-shaped heatpipes run.


The frameless 140 mm fan comes in its own little box within the retail package, and Zalman includes screws to mount the fan to the support structure, as well as clips to secure it to the heatsink.


As the fan itself has no frame since it only comes with the X-shaped support beam, you have to attach it to a circular base so that it may be clipped onto the cooler. The fan itself sports Zalman's patented dual-blade design and comes with a PWM connector alongside a 5 V ARGB plug.


The mounting gear is in its own box and includes both modern AMD and Intel brackets. Once again, Zalman has included a 5 V cable adapter for Gigabyte boards with a yellow warning sticker. On top of that, you will find a retail-packaged 1.5 g syringe of ZM-STC8 thermal paste.


Lastly, you will find a well-documented manual to aid with the installation.


Once installed, you can see how the 140 mm fan extends beyond the heatsink, but clocking in at just 160 mm total height, it should fit into most mid-tower cases out there.