Review on Zalman Performa Performance Powerful Included by Ian Iknokinok

My roommate recently built a new 5800x computer and I still had my Wraith Prism that I used to build my computer last year. I settled on the NH-D15, so I gave it my Wriath Prism for free to see if it could cool its monstrous processor. It didn't happen so I found it and risked it. I'll start with the cons of what we've gathered so far, but PLEASE read everything. The attachment system isn't bad, but the instructions are incredibly difficult to follow. I've built a lot of PCs, and looking at the competition, Zalman definitely has room to grow in that regard. If you're new to PC building, be prepared to get confused. There's not as much detail here as there is with my NH-D15 in the instructions, and a lot is left out - make sure you look at the socket you have, which is listed in tiny text in the corner. Also, there definitely won't be very future-proof compatibility, and I don't expect to be able to move it in different builds if you want something that will last you for the next 2 decades like I expect from Noctua. You'll need to put the included rubber pad on top to keep the metal backplate from touching the motherboard, which is definitely not a good solution for moving things, but works great if you don't plan on remodeling your computer. While the fan is a bit finicky, the way the fan is attached to the cooler makes it quite easy to bend the fans. I did it right away but I was able to bend it with my fingernail so there was no damage. I can only say about the negative points. Now for the good. The mounting system isn't that bad; I really want to give them credit for doing a good thing in making sure the spring loaded screws that you use to screw a real cooler onto the motherboard can't be over tightened which is amazing to see. My Noctua cooler doesn't work like this. In terms of size, for the SAME PRICE AS THE HYPER 212 EVO ($45 for an Evo and that was at the time of writing) you get about 33% more surface area due to a larger fan, same RAM compatibility, and same heatsink also about 40% thicker. All of this means it's bigger, but the cooling potential is much higher in comparison without being as annoying as my NH-D15. The lower part, which connects to the processor's IHS, was also impressively flat. 10X better than the giant channels in the stock AMD cooler they replaced. So finally thermals. You were good. Really good. I didn't use the thermal paste that came with it, but I swabbed it and it was quite thick, so I think it could be used if you don't want to spend other money. Both tests were performed with the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut. Prime95 with an AMD Wraith Prism cooler on the 5800x hit 90 degrees in less than a minute. Basically instantaneous thermal throttling. Salman? Cools up to 70 degrees, constantly accelerates to the maximum. I'm afraid to say it, but I think that while the Zalman is MUCH smaller, much cheaper, and quieter than my NH-D15, it can actually match (or exceed) it in performance because of the power draw of the 5800x and 3900x very similar when overclocked to maximum. The CPU fan has never been heard of over one of the case fans although I haven't tested it 100% because I don't think it will ever reach that. my conclusion? If you're building a mid-range gaming PC or even considering buying another tower cooler, I literally can't recommend it enough. I got it for free and I can still end up buying one for myself as it's a lot smaller (albeit still shaky) compared to my NH-D15 and it's absolutely my new way of recommending coolers to friends. I will be keeping an eye on this brand and you should too. I can't comment on how good the customer support is, but if you're 50/50 thinking about which cooler to get for your new build, trust me when I say this is the one for you.