ZALMAN CNPS11X Extreme V-Shaped Dual Heatpipe Design w/120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler Compatible with Intel Sandy Bridge

Pros: This thing is a BEAST! I went from a Zalman CNPS9500A and saw up to 5c drop in my temps on an OC'd i5 Sandy Bridge, 4.5 ghz; high 50's - low 60's @ load and high 20's - 30's idle. It's gigantic, of course, and just barely fits into an Antec 902. Looks great, coolest looking HSF I've ever seen. The mounting is quite a departure from Zalman's old clip-style mounts. I see that has given a couple people on here fits, but really you can't mount a heat-sink this huge with a clip. The new back bracket/screw method feels a lot sturdier, and it's really not hard at all to install if you read the directions first. The trickiest part is actually screwing the screws in, but it comes with a nice long Allen wrench for that.

Cons: Well, the price is a tad ridiculous. It's def. worth the money, but spending $90 on a heat-sink is kinda hard to stomach. This thing ain't for the faint of heart, but it has allowed me to OC my i5 to a (tentatively) stable 4.8 and I couldn't do that before with acceptable temps. So for me, it was worth the spend. I can't think of a single con except the price.

Overall Review: It's huge, but most of that is in height. The V-shape means that it probably won't encroach on your memory or NB (it hasn't on mine, anyway). It's also very quiet even without the RC24P.

Pros: It may be a fantastic cooler, I wouldn't know.

Cons: I bought this because Asus had this listed as a QVL cpu cooler for the Rampage IV Extreme (LGA 2011). This is completely false. It simply does not FIT on the board. If you attempt to install this so that the airflow aims towards the back of the case you will find that the CNPS11X is too wide. The heatsinks on the R4E are too tall. If you attempt to install it so that it blows upwards you will find that the brackets that bolt the CNPS11X will tighten against the CPU retention mechanism rather than tightening as they should, preventing it from mounting properly. I am aware that Zalman does not list this as compatible with LGA 2011 however Asus does claim that it is. I foolishly took their word for it.

Overall Review: Why is there such rotten CPU cooling support for LGA 2011 at launch? It seems I am stuck with LGA 1366 options that may or may not work or one of those closed loop liquid cooling systems that I simply do not trust. I worry about those pumps failing. I was so excited to get my 3930k running today now I have to search for a new solution after already having spent weeks finding nothing but dead ends. C:\rage.exe -off

Pros: Have ASUS P8P67 Deluxe with Core i7-2600 Sandy Bridge. CPU running at critical heat levels. Added the Zalman CNPS11X Extreme and dropped CPU temperature 80 degrees as determined by ASUS BIOS. Simply awesome! Extremeply well made, professional in appearance. A premium product at a justifiable price.

Cons: Installation instructions a bit confusing, went to the Zalman website and watched their installation video and all my confusion was cleared up.

Overall Review: The absolute best CPU cooler I have ever used and I have purchased many.

Pros: this CPU heatsink will never leak fluid into your computer and cools as good as most water cooled systems....no other air cooled heatsink comes close, i've tested most of them including ultra, coolermaster and noctua

Cons: i still cannot overclock to 8 GHZ! LOL

Pros: This cooler is well made, quiet and works well. Temps for my socket 1155 Sandy Bridge 2500K atop an ASRock Z68 Pro 3 are a very respectable 32-33 degrees C at idle. The thing is actually beautiful in an industrial sort of way. It lined up almost perfectly with the front and rear case fans in my Lian Li PC-A05NA ATX Mini-Tower case to keep the air flow very good through the case. And it didn't touch the side door though it is close. Also no interference with the four 4-gig modules of G-Skill Rip Jaws.

Cons: The installation is somewhat involved (maybe time consuming would be better terminology) because the unit is designed for so many different socket configurations. As one other reviewer suggested, read the instructions once through in advance. Take your time, line up all the parts, set aside those that don't apply to your CPU. Centering the double-sided tape was the biggest challenge for me. (Old eyes and mediocre dexterity)

Overall Review: I measured beforehand to make an eductated guess that it would fit in my application and it did. I knew this thing was big but still was astounded at how large it was when I pulled it out of the box. I've used quite a few Zalman accessories (and power supplies) through the years and almost never have been disappointed. And the record is intact; this is a fine cooler.

Pros: My OCd Intel 3930K is around 30-36C on average. My computer office is right above the boiler room, so that's an accomplishment. I used the included Zalman thermal grease. The fan produces audible noise during high utilization. During low usage it's not inaudible. I sit next to servers at work all day long, Placement on an ASUS P9X79 Deluxe motherboard went well for the most part, all RAM / expansion slots are accessible. Visually attractive design, blue LED is nice compliment to my existing lights.

Cons: The installation instructions need refinement, but if you've been assembling systems for a while, you'll be fine. Just take your time and don't force it.

Overall Review: As recommended, install this cooler before you place the motherboard in your case. You'll save yourself so much trouble.

Pros: Really good cooler. My Intel 3930k generally ranges from 29-34 degrees C with this. The installation was insanely easy on my 2011 Sabertooth x79 board, with an extra set of hands to assist. Just buy the ZALMAN ZM-CS2011 Socket LGA2011 Clip Kit and you're all set. The included tool allows you to tighten the screws without removing the fan and causing potential issues. Comes with good thermal grease. Squeeze out the stuff at the front of the tube and use the fresher stuff in the middle. Does not block any DIMM slots! This cooler is perfect for anyone who wants to fill every slot with RAM on their lga2011 boards.

Cons: none

Pros: Well built.

Cons: Does not fit over thermal armor on Asus sabertooth z77