Zalman introduced the new 9700 series this year. The new design looks like a copper flower with numerous copper fins. This CPU cooler promises a performance improvement over the 8700 series and less noise. We are curious to see how well this cooler performs compared to its own brother the CPNS8700. Zalman offers two variations of the same product, the CNPS9700 LED and the CNPS9700 NT. Both of them are identical in physical structure and in design, while their main differences are the fan connector and the color of the heatsinks.

CNPS9700NT

The NT version has a nickel-plated silver finish and comes with a 4-pin PWM fan. The fan speed is automatically controlled by the motherboard's BIOS. The LED version has a standard copper finish and it's supplied with a 3-pin fan and a controller to allow the user to adjust the fan speed manually.

CNPS9700LED

Today we will review the CNPS9700 LED. The cooler is compatible with all the major socket types. There are major restrictions compared to the low height CPNS8700 series.

- Features

• Compatible with all single and dual core CPUs for Intel’s Socket 775 and AMD’s Socket
  AM2/754/939/940.
• 100% copper heatsink with aerodynamically optimized “tunnel” design for maximum cooling
  efficiency.
• Innovative and patented, curved heatpipe design for a heat transfer capacity of up to six heatpipes with the use of just three.
• 0.2mm ultra-slim fins for minimized weight and reduced airflow resistance.
• Ultra quiet CNPS 110mm LED fan.
• Does not generate noise or vibration in Silent Mode.
• Adjustable fan speed controller (FAN MATE 2) included.
• Super Thermal Grease (ZM-STG1) included.

- Full Specifications

- Retail package

The retail package of Zalman CNPS9700LED is "slim" compared to other packages. The big transparent window allows you to check how the cooler looks before buy. There are several logos at the top left indicating that this cooler has won several awards:

After opening the package, we can finally see the contents:

Here is whats included:

1. One (1) CNPS9700
   One (1) Thermal Grease (ZM-STG1)
   One (1) Fan Speed Controller (FAN MATE 2)
   One (1) FAN MATE 2 Cable
   One (1) Double-sided Tape (For attaching FAN MATE 2)
   One (1) User’s Manual
2. Components for Intel Socket 775
   One (1) Clip (S-Type)
   Four (4) Bolts (for installing the cooler)
   Four (4) Clip Support Fixing Bolts for Socket 775
   One (1) Clip Support for Socket 775
   One (1) Backplate for Socket 775
3. Components for AMD Sockets AM2/754/939/940
   One (1) Clip for AMD Sockets
   One (1) Clip Lever for AMD Sockets

The cooler looks very impressive. The material is pure copper and the flower design with the ultra thin fins does look unique. Take care when handling the cooler, since the fins are sharp and you may cut yourself. The cooler is full-height (142mm) but that shouldn't give you any headaches when installing it, even inside a small case.

At the base there are six heatpipes and you can notice the mirror finish and the build quality.

- Installation

Zalman offers an installation video at the product's homepage that you should view before buying it. The whole installation procedure is simpler than the CNPS 8700 series. First you have to install the backplate and the mounting bracket. So far so good.

There is a case that the mounting bracket is not compatible with your motherboard, so you'll need to rotate it by 90 degrees, this is mentioned in the printed manual. The next step, and probably the most time consuming is to slide the mounting clip in the cooler, center it on the ridge on top of the cooler, and slide a little handle on to the end of the clip. Then you have to screw the mounting clip to secure the whole structure.

Here is a close up of the mounting clip.

Finally, its time to see how the cooler looks inside the case. Very low height

And plenty of empty space around the CPU area.

During its operation, this cooler will glow in an electric blue color, good if you are a modder.

- Ratings

Retail package
Design
Motherboard compatibility
Installation time
Copper Base quality