Installation

First up when installing the Zalman CNPS14X is securing the mount to the heatsink's base. This is done by loosening the screws that hold the fan in place and then sliding the mounting clips into place between the two. Tighten them down after setting them in place properly.


On LGA2011, users will need to put the nuts for that socket through the proper holes on the mounting clips. With the nuts in place, apply thermal paste in preparation for mounting.


Line up the four nuts with the four mounting holes on the LGA2011 socket and apply a bit of pressure. Using the tool provided by Zalman, tighten the nuts down in order to hold the cooler in place. This process is extremely tedious and users will want to remove system memory to make it a bit easier. Overall, this system is clumsy and aggravating to work with, so be prepared to run into some issues, especially if you have big hands.


Plug the fan into the motherboard fan header after getting the cooler mounted. With that done, the cooler is ready to go.

The Zalman CNPS14X's mounting hardware, while universal, is a pain to work with. It is reminiscent of CPU cooler designs from six or seven years ago because it is clumsy, aggravating, and far from easy. I would rate it a 3 on a scale of 1 (hardest) to 10 (easiest).