Cross Bones Gaming

Welcome to Cross Bones Gaming

Zalman CNPS9500 LED

This Massive CPU cooler packs quite a punch when it comes to keeping a CPU nice and cool. I tried it out on two similar CPU’s to get a real feel for the 9500’s performance. My test set up is an Epox EP-9NPA Ultra Nforce 4 mother board, with 2x1 Gigabyte Patriot Extreme performance DDR400, Sapphire X1950 Pro Ultimate PCIx16 Graphics Card, and a Hiper 580w Power Supply Unit (PSU). In this set up I have tested two CPU’s an AMD Athlon 3500+ 939 pin and an AMD Athlon 4000+ 939 pin. The Zalman Fan Mate2 that comes with the cooler allows for plugging the cooler into the motherboards CPU fan connector while also controlling the fans speed.

I was not surprised to discover to different results with each processor. First the 3500+ which runs at 2.2 GHz stock speed. When I installed the 9500 the CPU immediately lost 2 degrees Celsius dropping from 34C to 32C at idle and under full load temps never topped 45C a difference of 3C from the stock cooler. This was done with the 9500 at its slowest fan speed. I then over clocked the 3500+ to 2.4 GHz to discover the idle temp only increased to 34C right back to where it was with the stock cooler at stock speed. At full load the over clocked 3500+ was running 47C at full load at the 9500’s slowest fan speed. When the fan was increased to maximum speed the temp dropped 2C to 45C, not bad.

The AMD 4000+ was never run with the stock cooler, I installed the Zalman right away. The 4000+ runs at 2.4 GHz stock and idles at 38C with the slowest fan speed set on the 9500. It only kicks up slightly to 42C under full load without increasing the fan speed. I then over clocked the 4000+ to 2.6 GHz and noticed an increase in heat at idle to 42-44C with the Zalman 9500 fan at low speed. Under full load the processor really heats up to 52C. With the fan cranked on the 9500 temps drop to 40C at idle and 47C under full load.

In conclusion I really like the Zalman 9500 CPU cooler. It is a very cool looking solid copper cooler that is will designed and almost silent at its slowest fan speed. Even with the fan cranked up all the way the cooler is not loud enough to drive me to wear headphone while typing this review. This is a great cooler for power users who love to over clock and case modders, and casual gamers who want a cool looking CPU cooler. Get one I think you will be pleased, I am. By. Thad

a.k.a. kungfuhero

The Antec 900 - Review

It would seem that the Antec 900 is one of the most advertised cases on the market today. One cannot open Maximum PC, PC Gamer, PC Magazine or any computer magazine for that matter without seeing at least one advertisement for the 900.

The 900 is a sweet looking case that boasts 3 120 mm fans and one monster 200mm fan at the top of the case. The 900 is also well equipped with 2 removable drive trays each capable of holding up to three 3.5” drives each tucked away behind one of the 2 front mounted 120mm blue LED fans. The case also has quick mounts for 2 more 120mm fans, one on the cases left side and the other on the middle drive bay. This makes it possible to surround 3 drives in 2 120mm fans. Each of the cases 4 standard fans has a 3 way speed control which allows for very quite operation. However each of these speed switches is on a very short wire forcing you to open the case every time you change fan speeds.

The inside of the case is interesting as the roof mounted 200mm fan makes putting the PSU at the top impossible, and having it at the bottom just seems odd. Even with an eye appealing power supply like the Hiper Type-R Series modular power supply, it still looks different. The PSU at the bottom leaves plenty of room to put whatever you can imagine in without difficulty. The 900 has a channel of sorts to the right of the mother board with 2 built in wire buckles for excellent cable management. Even a long video card like the Radeon X1950 Pro had plenty of room to stretch out in the 900, the six pin power connector on the back of the card with in without trouble.

The Antec 900 retails for about $150 but is well worth the money for the massive amount of air flow that comes standard. Other features include a change tray behind the top mounted USB, Fire wire, and audio ports, pre-cut holes for water cooling tubes should one choose to go that route, a top to bottom side widow with mesh vet, and thump screws throughout.

This is a great case which I recommend and will most likely use it again if the concept is willing.

Thad a.k.a. kungfuhero