Zalman Performa

Zalman performa cooler review

The Zalman CNPS10X Performa represents Zalman's entry level cooler for the enthusiast market. Seeing that they have two more expensive models covered by the CNPS10X Extreme (Review: ), and the CNPS10X Quiet (Review: ), they also wanted to release and more affordable model for the computer user that perhaps doesn't have the extra money for the other two models. With that being said, the Zalman CNPS10X Performa is currently listed on the market for almost half the price of the Extreme model, and ~US$20 less than the Quiet version. But when you cut the cost, some other benefits fall to the side. For one, the materials are a lot lighter than the other models and the construction is not as robust. But I do have to note, they are using the same stamped metal that other premier manufacturers make their product out of and still change a pretty penny. When I say the materials are cheaper, I am saying that while comparing the Performa against Zalman's other models and not the industry average. But even though the cooler is much cheaper, will the performance difference make the cost savings worth the purchase over the higher end models or could this cooler be Zalman's diamond in the rough. Read on to find out. Let's keep this as simple as possible to get the basic premise across to all of the Tweaknews readers.