Installation

To install the Zalman CNPS20X, you will first need to prepare the backplate. To do so, position the nuts into the proper track and use the plastic side clips to hold them in place. With the backplate ready, position it on the motherboard and secure it by putting the red washers on the standoffs between them and the motherboard before screwing them down.


Now, position the mounting arms on the standoffs and secure them in place. With that done, it's time to apply the thermal paste and mount the heatsink. During the mounting process, it is best to lay the case flat as the retention screws are not captive to the mounting plate. Meaning, you will need a long screwdriver and some patience as it is likely you will drop a screw and need to fish it back out.


With the heatsink mounted, it's time to attach the fans and plug everything in. Make sure to connect the ARGB lighting to the proper 3-pin motherboard header and route those cables so you don't have a mess to look at like I do here.

Overall, the installation was okay, and I would rate it a 7 on a scale of 1 (hardest) to 10 (easiest). The mounting hardware is above average in terms of design, but would be far simpler to work with had Zalman opted for captive spring-loaded screws on the mounting plate itself.