Zalman VF950

Testing

Methodology

Testing a GPU cooler involves taking the temperature of the graphics processor while at idle, and at full load.

For “Idle” state, we leave the pc at the desktop with no applications running. After 30 minutes the temperature is taken. For load, we ran 3dMark06 for 30 minutes and then recorded the results the second time round.

All temperatures are in degrees C and were taken using ATI TOOL 0.26.

The PC used to test this cooler was as follows:

We compared the Zalman’s VF-950 GPU Cooler to our Zotac’s stock passive heatsink.

All testing is with the cooler plugged directly into the motherboard through the Zalman Fan Mate 2.

Results

Summary

Performance

Considering the Zalman VF-950 is not meant to be a passive cooler, it surprisingly did a good job of pretending to be one. It managed to beat the stock Zotac’s cooler on idle and was 3 degrees off at load. Given the tiny size of the Zalman compared to the Zotac, these results are outstanding.

With the fan is actually spinning, the temperature reduction it certainly clear. Furthermore, when we compare the high and low fan speed temperatures with each other, there’s little in it at all – 3 degrees max. This is good for the consumer as it means you can happily keep the fan running at low and not even worry about the temperatures.

Noise

At low speed the Zalman VF-950 is completely inaudible. I’ve been used to a passive system for nearly a year now and I can’t notice any difference in terms of noise when the fan is set to its lowest speed.

At high however, it sounds as though my computer is about to take off. It’s just too loud to be able to keep at this fan setting. If you’re a headset user, this may not be a problem for you though.

Cost

The Zalman VF-950 sells for £30. For the extra drop in temperature, which was very significant for me and the low noise level of this gr
phics card cooler, I’d definitely say the price was worth it.

Coolers