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ZALMAN Cooling at Computex 2023: Compound Fans, Stackable Fans, Dual Impeller AIOs

btarunr

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ZALMAN, of the cooling noise prevention system (CNPS) legacy, introduced a slew of PC cooling products at the 2023 Computex. The lineup was led by the innovative Reserator5 Z-series AIO CPU coolers, which use two sets of impellers in the pump-block. One of these is dedicated for the coolant intake, after the coolant passes through the block's micro-fin lattice, it's picked up by a second impeller, which pushes it to the radiator. The dual-impeller design also provides a degree of redundancy in case one of them fails. This ZALMAN's original design, which it has patented. This cooler comes in two models, the Reserator5 Z24 (240 mm x 120 mm radiator), and the Reserator 5 Z36 (360 mm x 120 mm radiator). The impellers turn at synchronized speeds ranging between 1,000 to 2,100 RPM, while each of the included fans do 800 to 2,000 RPM, pushing up to 77.37 CFM of airflow, at 37 dBA noise output.

The next major AIO series showcased by ZALMAN is the Alpha series, which comes in three variants—Alpha 24 (240 mm x 120 mm radiator), Alpha 28 (280 mm x 140 mm), and Alpha 36 (360 mm x 120 mm). This cooler uses a more traditional single-impeller design, although the pump-block has an interesting design that resembles a heatsink. It's topped with 7-segment LED display that puts out coolant temperature in real-time. The pump runs at speeds of up to 3,200 RPM, while each of the included fans do 500 to 1,800 RPM, pushing up to 71.1 CFM at 38 dBA. Both of ZALMAN's new AIO series support the latest CPU socket types, including LGA1700, AM5, LGA1200, and AM4. Among the air-based CPU coolers shown were the new CNPS13X (single fin-stack with push-pull fans), and the CNPS13X Plus (dual fin-stack). The CNPS13X uses a single large aluminium fin-stack, and two 120 mm fans in push-pull mode. The CNPS13X Plus is a D-type dual-fin-stack cooler, with two included fans. Both coolers come with CPU surface temperature displays.



ZALMAN is in on cable-free fan multi-units for radiators, and has taken two distinct approaches to this market. The ZM-MF120 (1x 120 mm), ZM-MF-240 (2x 120 mm kit), and ZM-MF-360 (3x 120 mm kit) are stackable fans, where the fans can be "joined at the hip" using interlocks and contact points, which minimize cable clutter. Once stacked, you can use a vibration dampening rubber strip to give it a contiguous appearance. Each of the fans turns at speeds ranging between 1,000 to 1,500 RPM, and feature hydro bearings, although ZALMAN hasn't put out their performance figures. The ZM-EXF series is ZALMAN's second approach, which is compound fans. These are multi-units of two or three fans that are inseparable, as they share a common frame. The frame handles all the cabling among the impellers. These use hydro bearings, too, and offer speeds ranging between 1,000 to 1,500 RPM, and the company hasn't confirmed their performance.


Among the single unit fans shown were the ZM-IF120 A3, ZM-LF120 A3, ZM-SF120 A3, and ZM-RFD120A. The ZM-IF120 A3 comes in black and white, features hydraulic bearings, turns at speeds of up to 1,200 RPM, pushing 55.2 CFM of airflow, and 21 dBA noise output. The ZM-LF120 A3 features an EBR bearing, turns at speeds ranging between 800 to 1,300 RPM, pushing up to 43 CFM of airflow, and 25 dBA maximum noise output. The ZM-SF120 A3 features a wacky X-shaped frame with lighting diffusers; and comes in 120 mm and 140 mm sizes. The ZM-RFD120A turns at up to 1,500 RPM, with 34.34 CFM airflow, and 25.6 dBA noise output.

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I'm glad Zalman is still alive and kicking. :)

I just wish they still had something that's even remotely interesting or special.
 
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I'm glad Zalman is still alive and kicking. :)

I just wish they still had something that's even remotely interesting or special.
The 3 fans in 1 unit seems pretty interesting!
 
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The ZM-EXF series is ZALMAN's second approach, which is compound fans. These are multi-units of two or three fans that are inseparable, as they share a common frame. The frame handles all the cabling among the impellers. These use hydro bearings, too, and offer speeds ranging between 1,000 to 1,500 RPM, and the company hasn't confirmed their performance.
It's nice to see Zalman stepping in where Antec stopped; compound fans in both 240 and 360 format, with a proper frame that should allow for less air leakage vs Antec's Prizm Cooling Matrix. I get it's a niche use-case, but given that 120mm is a more popular standard than 140mm based fans, it should be a convenient option; moreso if sold at a reasonable price relative to a 2-3pack of Zalman's equivalent 120mm fans. It'd also be convenient for the majority of cases that have a stock 360mm intake and a 240 or 360 exhaust top.
 
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It's a shame the Lian Li Unifan does it better.
I'd have to disagree. I owned 9 of them. 4 started making noise. If I want a 3 fan setup, I'd rather have it all in one cage with one wire and not some dongle hanging off the end that can cause clearance issues. I can understand if you just don't like Zalman. I really don't much either.
 
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I'd have to disagree. I owned 9 of them. 4 started making noise. If I want a 3 fan setup, I'd rather have it all in one cage with one wire and not some dongle hanging off the end that can cause clearance issues. I can understand if you just don't like Zalman. I really don't much either.
I used to like Zalman 20-ish years ago, but they are nothing like they used to be back then, unfortunately.
 
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