Zalman CNPS11X Extreme CPU Cooler Review

Conclusions

The Zalman CNPS11X Extreme was made to be a lighweight high-end CPU cooler. However, there is a contradiction between those two statements because an air cooler must be heavy to be powerful. So, the CNPS11X Extreme didn’t show the same performance level as the huge top-shelf coolers with which we are comparing it.

In general, this cooler is a good one. It looks nice, mainly when turned on, with the blue LEDs in the fan. The installation procedure is sturdy and relatively simple (it uses the same system found on other high-end coolers from Zalman, like the Zalman CNPS9900 MAX). When it comes to noise, the CNPS11X Extreme is not really quiet, but it’s not as loud as the real high-end coolers. The price tag is high for the performance it offers.

In short, the Zalman CNPS11X Extreme has more style than performance, thus receiving the Hardware Secrets Bronze Award.