Yes, the installation for the CNPS8700LED wasn't a pleasant one, but my Zalman CNPS8700LED is quite quiet and it cools my processor down to 34C at a 2.58 GHz overclock (from 2.2 GHz stock).
This is about a year late but it is worth noting that in an open system (No Case) the position of the fan makes little difference. The Noctua NH-U12F testing is valid.