ThermalRight Ultra Extreme vs Zalman CNPS9700 LED

1/2Baked_Alaskan

I'm Currently running an Intel E6420 @ 3.2 Ghz on my EVGA 680i and would like to upgrade to an 1333Mhz FSB Processor. I currently am using the Zalman, and don't think it would be adequate for the New Wolfedales. Should I get the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme?

**Jason** · Posted: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:34:45 Post Subject:

I thought I responded to this thread?!? WTF

What Zalman do you have? It might be fine. But, the Ultra-120 series does kick some Censored

1/2Baked_Alaskan · Posted: Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:26:31 Post Subject: TRUE120 v Zalman CNPS 9700LED

Well I decided to keep the Zalman in the SLI Box, and built a new Gamer using the TRUE120.
The Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme, is one Massive Heatsink, in fact I had to Mod my Ultra XBlaster Midtower Case just to get it into the Case. I then had to take a File and Shave some of the Heatpipe Termination Nubs down so I could get the Side Panel back on.
Dang that was one tight fit. I cannot stress the importance of Measuring your Case before attempting this upgrade.

Old Gaming Rig:
EVGA 680I A1 (P31 BIOS) (Tim Mod AS5, AS Ceramique VRM)
Intel E6420 @ 3.2 Mhz (400 x 8, 32c idle, 49c Load)
Zalman CNPS9700 LED
Corsair 4 Gigs XMS800
MSI T2D768 8800 Ultra OC (Core 660 Mem 2200, Shaders @ default)
250 Gig Seagate 7200.10 S-ATA 3
Creative Xfi Extreme
MSI 20x DVD+/- RW
OCZ GameXtreme 700/800 PSU
NZXT Guardian Black Midtower Black
Samsung 926bw 22" 2 ms LCD (1680 x 1050 res)

New Gamers Box:
Asus P5K-E
Intel E6850 (22 idle, 36c Load)
True 120 w 2 120 Fans in a Push/Pull
OCZ DDR2 8500 Platinum
Asus EN 9600GT 512
Ultra X-Blaster Midtower w 2 120mm Fans
CoolerMaster Real Power Pro750
Sceptre 20.1 LCD (1680X1050 res)

Digerati · Rated NC-17 Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 111

Dude, the Zalman is more than fine. I think it isn't really worth upgrading, but it's kinda late. Did you compare temps? Also, how'd you hook up two fans? Zipties?

timberwolf · Rated R Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 52

Yeah, Zalman would have been fine since the Wolfdales are supposed to run cooler than the Conroes.

Though it wasn't a complete waste. You should be able to hit higher overclocks now.

CoolZone · Rated PG-13 Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 48

I guess there isn't a better cooler than the TR Ultra Extreme 120,but I really do not like that this cooler cannot be mounted vertically on motherboards like DFI X38,DFI X48 because of its size

1/2Baked_Alaskan · Posted: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:23:14 Post Subject:

timberwolf · Rated R Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 52

So you bent one of the fins a little so that you can screw the fan in? Could you possibly show us a picture of what you did?

I have the non-extreme version of the Ultra-120 and I was thinking of putting a second fan on.

bobletman · Rated PG-13 Joined: 22 Nov 2007 Posts: 40

Stay with the zalman its one of the best air coolers you can get.

Digerati · Rated NC-17 Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 111

Yes, please show us some pics. I'd like to see how you did that.