Zalman CNPS10X FLEX High Performance CPU Heatsink

Zalman’s flexible version of the CNPS10X - just add your own 120mm fan(s)!

Introducing Zalman’s third and final cooler to sport the CNPS10X moniker, the CNPS10X FLEX. The FLEX (or flexible) version is supplied without fans. This gives you the flexibility to use any 120mm fan(s) you see fit. Also with the FLEX it is possible to install up to two 120mm fans unlike the EXTREME and QUIET versions which only can accommodate a single 120mm fan, giving you the potential to have either an extremely quiet CPU cooling solution or one that provides powerful cooling.

CNPS10X FLEX High Performance CPU Heatsink

The CNPS10X FLEX - Dual fan support

The heatsink is has been specially designed to accommodate one or two 120mm fans, giving you the flexibility to choose any 120mm fan of your liking. Also supplied are some anti-vibration pads that help reduce the noise of the fan.

The CNPS10X FLEX - Powerful Cooling Performance

Optimally designed aluminium fins disperse heat away from the CPU via five U-shaped heatpipes, while the 120mm fan(s) quickly cools the heatsink for stable operation of high performance CPUs.

The CNPS10X FLEX - Universal CPU compatibility

The FLEX includes all clips and fixings to fit almost any modern processor so you can buy in confidence knowing that even if you change your CPU in the future, chances are good that you will be able to re-use your cooler. The FLEX is compatible with Intel LGA1155/6, 1366, 775 and AMD AM3, AM2+, AM2, 754, 939 and 940. All single, dual and quad core processors are supported.

The CNPS10X FLEX - 180mm Wide Case Compatibility

For optimum case compatibility the heatsinks height is set to 151mm, ensuring compatibility with 180mm width cases.

The CNPS10X FLEX - Best-performing thermal grease ZM-STG2 included

No CPU cooler can perform at its best unless it makes good thermal contact with the processor it is protecting. Included with the CNPS10X is a syringe of Zalman’s newly-developed ZM-STG2 high performance super thermal grease, good for at least three applications.

CNPS10X QUIET vs CNPS10X EXTREME vs CNPS10X FLEX

Similarities - The physical size of the coolers are similar, with the FLEX version being slightly smaller. They are all manufactured from the same materials, have five U-shaped heatpipes as well as being compatible with the same CPU sockets. They are also supplied with Zalman’s ZM-STG2 Thermal Compound.

Differences - Immediately the first difference you will notice is finish of the coolers. The EXTREME features a “black pearl” nickel plating finish, while the QUIET and FLEX are more au naturale, except for the distinctive blue or black band which runs around the centre of the cooler.

The biggest, and some would say the most important difference is the fan and how it is controlled. You can read how the fan is cleverly controlled on the EXTREME version by visiting its webpage. The QUIET fan however is controlled by a FANMATE 2, this gives the user total control over how fast (or slow) the fan spins. The fan supplied with the QUIET rotates at a minimum of 700 RPM (compared to the EXTREME’s 1000 RPM) and according to Zalman is produces less then 17 db(A), in fact Zalman could not measure the noise of the cooler because it was so low, hence why they say “Unmeasurable”!

As for the black banded FLEX, this version is not supplied with a fan at all. Zalman have produced a special version of the CNPS10X heatsink that will allow for any 120mm fan to be used, in fact you can even install two fan for ultra-performance.

If it is proving difficult to choose which cooler to purchase, just ask yourself this question; Do I want ultimate cooling, ultimate flexibility or ultimate silence? Once you have the answer you will know which cooler will be suitable for you.

From left to right; CNPS10X EXTREME, CNPS10X QUIET, CNPS10X FLEX