Zalman CNPS 5X Performa's pin support specifications.

[arajigar]

Hi. After seeing reviews of as many cpu heatsinks as I could , I have finally decided to install on one of my systems the Zalman CNPS 5X Performa cpu heatsink, but I have one doubt before the hs arrives, what is the height of it and what's the clearance under the pin support?

If its clearance is at least 12 mm I'm saved, if not I have just bought a precious paperweight (or it's time to xtreme modding).

 

[GhislainG]

http://www.zalman.com/eng/product/Product_Read.php?Idx=450 It says the height is 134 mm, but I have no clue where you need a 12 mm clearance. You read this review? http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/zalman-cnps5x-sz-cpu-cooler-review/

 

[arajigar]

Yes, of course!, in fact is the first I have read. The clearance under the bracket is what I need. See this pic?

There you can see how it almost touches the capacitors; because my MOBO have two rows of them (3 pointing North and 6 pointing West) and because their height is 12 mm, I want to be prepared to make modifications to the bracket, build a special one from scratch or be happy because the capacitors won't touch the bracket at all.

 

[GhislainG]

What motherboard do you have? It most likely is an AMD motherboard because the retaining ring should match the clearance of the stock Intel cooler. Zalman don't provide a list of incompatible motherboards; therefore I'd presume all motherboards should be compatible.

 

[arajigar]

It's an HP dc7600's MOBO...
http://www.internationalct.net/productimage.php?product_id=1629
yes, I know, I never learn... I have had problems putting a new hs on a dc7100's MOBO and here I am again. Sorry.

 

[GhislainG]

I wouldn't expect clearance issues with that motherboard.

 

[arajigar]

Hi. I have finally installed it, but not in the cd7600 MOBO (I get rid of it and saved money). The Zalman CNPS is now installed on my dc7100 MOBO. As i have expected, some adjustments were needed to make the bracket fit on the MOBO.

First of all I have to modify the MOBO´s detachable shelf, cutting off the brackets where the Foxconn HS sat on to let the pushpins could be installed.
Then I´ve taken off some material of the bracket itself to let it not crash with the capacitors (I have used a file to get rid of 2 mm of plastic before it sits perfectly), I have highlighted the zones I have modified:

The rest of the process could be done without any problems following the instructions booklet. The only thing I have to do is cutting some of the onboard graphic chip´s heatsink, if not, the CPU HS will not sit and will cause trouble.

Thanks Ghislaing!!, I pick you answer as the right one!. I hope this help others to put a new CPU HS on their old dc7100s. 😀