Synthetic Test Results:

In this round of testing we compared the CNPS2005 to other heatsinks without 80mm fans, and with the CNPS3100. As you can clearly see by the results of our tests on the synthetic temperature test platform, the all-aluminium CNPS2005 performed about 6 degrees less than the copper-based CNPS3100. Overall it placed roughly center in our list of comparison heatsinks. It is to be expected because the CNPS2005 is aluminum (and very light by the way) while its brother is much heavier and copper-based. Heatsinks which performed better than the ultra-quiet and very light weight CNPS2005 include the GlobalWin WBK 38 (a very loud cooling solution), Blizzard, and the ThermalTake Volcano II.

The performance of the CNPS2005 on the large copper die template was only a few degrees less than that of the CNPS3100 which was a bit surprising to see. The Zalman's had some of the quietest fans of all the heatsinks we looked at, and also one of the most unique mounting methods.

All in all the CNPS2005 is an average performer, but obviously can not out perform the copper-based CNPS3100. Now lets take a look at the rise above ambient temperature results.

Again, the CNPS2005 placed about dead-center in the list of comparisons. A 27.8 degree Celsius rise above ambient room temperature is acceptable and even manages to out perform the venerable SuperOrb by several degrees. The Blizzard ekes out the number one spot however. Note that the CNPS2005 appears to perform slightly better with the large copper die templates than the CNPS3100...

Conclusions:

In our first review of Zalman's very unique line of Fan Heatsinks it was obvious that the company has developed a very competitive cooling platform. The Zalman's have one strength that no other heatsinks really try to offer these days and that is the sound factor. Many heatsinks are designed so that performance increases are had by strapping on larger, or more powerful fans. The disadvantage of this tactic is the increase in noise output by the heatsink.

While designing primarily for the low sound generation goal, Zalman have also managed to manufacture a heatsink which can perform quite well. This is not a heatsink for overclocked computers - the CNPS3100 would be better suited there - so long as your case will allow the mounting of the fan over the processor.

The CNPS2005 is a good heatsink design with average performance charachteristics and is suited for environments where computer noise may be a concern. At about $24USD, it comes equipped with a 80mm fan, and a small amount of thermal compound. If you're looking for a quiet cooling solution, look towards the Zalman CNPS2005, if you need more performance, look towards the CNPS3100.