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The CNPS9500 AM2 CPU cooler comes wrapped in a very pretty package. The box almost jumps off the shelf and begs you to buy it. Lately Zalman has been doing some marketing deals to give their coolers some backing, such as their Fatal1ty edition coolers, and in this case, the NVIDIA "Recommended" branding.  We're not too enthused by this type of thing but sure enough some users will be swayed.  Regardless of the "NVIDIA Recommended" branding on the box, we'll find out soon enough how well this baby performs ;).

The CNPS9500 comes with everything you'll need to get this cooler running quickly. Here's a brief list of what they included.

• CNPS9500 AM2 CPU cooler
• Zalman Zinc Oxide Thermal Grease
• FAN MATE 2 Fan Speed Controller
• Cable for FAN MATE 2 Speed Controller
• Double-sided tape to attach FAN MATE 2 speed controller
• One retention clip
• One retention lever
• User Manual
• Zalman Case Badge

The package is quite complete with thorough attention to detail. The user manual is incredibly informative. Zalman has included mounting instructions, dimensions, Thermal Grease application, and speed controller wiring in this manual. It is very easy to follow, well written, and the pictures are crisp and clear.

I did have two small reservations in regards to some aspects of this cooler though. First, the included Zinc Oxide Thermal Paste. This is a type of generic Thermal Paste. It does have acceptable thermal transfer properties, but nothing near that of the higher-end Thermal Pastes. Any real enthusiast will probably shrug when they see this little tube, opting to reach for some Arctic Silver instead.

My second concern is in regards to the FAN MATE 2 fan speed controller. It's not the controller itself that I have a problem with, but rather the mounting method. Zalman indicates in their manual that this controller is intended to be attached to the side of a users case with that small strip of double-sided tape they supply. Then, the wiring runs back into the case through an open PCI slot. The first reason why I don't particularly like this method. With the majority of PC cases, most users wouldn't care. But, if one were to have some PC case with a custom, big bucks paint job, taping something to a case would be taboo.

Above: Compare the fan speed controllers on the top and right that install in your case front or an empty rear expansion slot, to the FAN MATE (left).

I would have much further preferred to see a PCI slot shield with the speed controller dial mounted to it. This was the case with the Coolink fans we used with the Noctua CPU cooler recently reviewed. The speed control dial is somewhat out of the way with this method, but at least it's not taped to the side of a case. And, if your a decent case modder, one could always adapt a drive bay cover to hold the speed controllers. Those little dials would be right at your finger tips. And that is the case with the Thermaltake TWV (Total Watts Viewer). This handy speed controller mounts right in a free 5 1/4" drive bay. Once in place, you have two fan speed controls right at your finger tips. You even have a handy display to inform you of how many watts of power your drawing.

And on added note, Zalmans mounting instructions suggest that users run the FAN MATE 2 controller wiring through an open PCI slot. This might not seem like a big deal, but I would personally prefer to have no missing PCI shields on the back of my system. This is simply for the sake of dust and appearance. Zalman should probably bring their design up to spec with what other manufacturers are doing and put together a more aesthetic and user friendly solution. Quite simply, let's keep it clean.

Aside from those couple small little short comings, I like what I am seeing so far. The CNPS9500 AM2 from Zalman looks pretty impressive already. Let's hope it gets even better from here.