In this round of testing we compared the CNPS3000 to other standard heatsinks and especially the CNPS3100. The difference between the two copper versions of the 3000-series is about 5 degrees. The all-aluminum CNPS2005 comes in about a degree or two less than the CNPS3000.

Overall though the CNPS3000 placed roughly center in our list of comparison heatsinks. Other heatsinks which came in ahead of the CNPS3000 include the Thermoengine, Blizzard S370-L, GlobalWin WBK 38 (a very loud cooling solution however), and the ThermalTake Volcano II (by just a scratch).

The performance of the CNPS3000 on the large copper die template was somewhat curious as it was just about dead-on with the results on the small copper die template test. Of all the heatsinks we tested the Zalman offered one of the quietest solutions of all.

All in all the CNPS3000 is an average performer, so it would really be more worthwhile to shell out the extra $5 and get the CNPS3100. Now lets take a look at the rise above ambient temperature results.

Again, the CNPS3000 placed about dead-center in the list of comparisons. A 27.5 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 from the Thermoengine however.

Conclusions:

Previously we've looked at the larger copper CNPS3100 and the very lightweight CNPS2005. In looking at the CNPS3000, the comparisons are more with these models than with heatsinks like the Blizzard or Thermoengine.

The price differences between the CNPS3100 and the CNPS3000 are quite small, and the performance gains with the CNPS3100 big enough to justify the upgrade. Comparatively the performance gains between the all-aluminum CNPS2005 and the CNPS3000 are slight while the price differences rather large.

While the CNPS3000 manages to perform very well, coming in about dead center in our list of reference heatsinks, anyone considering this heatsink would really be better off spending the extra $5 and upgrading to the CNPS3100.