Zalman ZM-CS1 Socket 775 Bracket Review

I have always loved Zalman’s coolers. The CNPS line have been some of the top-performing and quietest air coolers for the past few years, so they are installed in every single one of my computers… at least until I got a Core 2 Duo.

My loyalty has swayed between Intel and AMD as the two companies have updated their products attempting to out-do each other. AMD is scrappy and has been able to steal the upper-hand several times: their latest marketshare is over twenty percent! Intel decided to do a no-holds-barred smackdown on AMD and released the Core 2 Duo processors.

If you haven’t heard, the new Intel chips are more efficient clock-per-clock than AMD chips, have a more intelligent and flexible design, and do not use as much electricity and thus produce less heat (the relatively inexpensive E6600 processor is roughly equivilent to an X2 5500+). This all means that Intel’s Core 2 chips are faster and cooler, and are now at a price that rivals AMD’s X2 line.

Since I try to have a pulse on the heartbeat of technology, I decided to finally upgrade my X2 3800+ with Intel’s shiny new Core 2 Duo E6600. The only problem was: most Socket 775 heatsinks suck. My favoriate heatsink of all time is the Zalman CNPS-7000, and it comes with lots of hardware to mount this massive beast on virtually any processor made within the last 5 years – but no socket 775 support…

That is, until now.

Zalman’s ZM-CS1 is a kit that allows the excellent CNPS coolers to be mounted on socket 775 motherboards. The kit includes an aluminum mounting ring (anodized blue), and all the screws and nipples (get your mind out of the gutter) to securely mount the ring. The ring is also designed to accommodate the socket’s lever when you upgrade or do maintenance on your PC.

Contents	Specifications
1. One Clip Support 2. Nine Clip Support installation bolts 3. Two Cooler installation bolts 4. Four Nipples 5. One set of Washers 6. Thermal Grease	Dimensions: 81 (L) X 85 (W) X 14.4 (H) mm Weight: 38g Base Material: Anodized Aluminum, Brass Compatible Products: CNPS7000 series (CNPS7000/7000A/7000B)

Traditional S775 involves using plastic pins through the motherboard which are then made taught by pressing a push-pin down the center of each mounting pin, and then twist-locking into place. Installing a traditional 775 coler was always a trial-and-error procedure because I could never tell how secure the mounting was, and had to tug on the heatsink to make sure it was secure. I have even had tall coolers fall off after being transported to LAN parties. Intel’s default Socket 775 mounting method seems like a step backwards because :

1. today’s heavy heatsinks could warp the motherboard if not properly reinforced.
2. the plastic pushpins tend to bend or break upon installation.
3. the locking mechanism of each pin is flaky.
4. heavy or tall coolers produce torque which can pull the plastic pins out of their sockets.

Zalman has improved on Intel’s default socket775 mounting method by mounting a set of brass standoffs through the motherboard mounting holes. This method requires access to the underside of the motherboard, which means it must be removed from your case before installation.

Installation is straightforward and simple. Screws are pushed through the four holes of the motherboard’s underside and secured with a brass nipple (make sure to buffer the metal parts with the included non-conductive paper washer). The aluminum ring is then placed on top of the four brass standoffs and secured into place (it is a tight fit, too, so there is no sliding). Your Zalman heatsink can then be mounted to the alunimun ring.

Notes

1. Make sure the indent on the inner side of the Clip Support is positioned correctly.
2. The Washers must be in place when installing the Nipples.
3. Install CNPS7000(A/B) using the bolts included with this package.

Once installed, the XM-CS1 provides one of the sturdiest mounting methods, and there is lots of room around the processor for airflow. The heatsink is mounted directly to metal, which is screwed to metal. There is no way your heatsink is going to fall of or warp the motherboard. Not only can you use one of the best air coolers for your Core 2 Duo processor, but it now mounted using one of the most secure methods in the world.

Download the Zalman ZM-CS1 installation manual here

	REPORT CARD : Zalman ZM-CS1 Clip Support for Socket 775 category rating comments Quality 5 The anodized aluminum brace is very sturdy and ensures your motherboard will not warp. On top of that, it looks good. The brass standoffs ensure your heatsink is mounted tightly. Innovation 5 Still one of the sturdiest heatsink installation methods. The clip support is extremely well designed, compensating for the Socket 775 clip lever and provides ample room for multiple installations. Performance 5 There is no way your Zalman heatsink is going anywhere: it’s not going to fall off! Installation 4 Unfortunately, the motherboard must be removed to install the brass standoffs. Once installed however, the ZM-CS1 secures your heatsink like no other method. Value 5 At the most, this kit will cost you $5, and is worth every penny. It would have been nice if Zalman included this with their heatsinks rather than making you buy an optional kit… FINAL VERDICT: 5 out of 5 stars