
( Brand: Zalman ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: TNN500 ), ( Model: ZALMAN TNN500 ), ( Cooling: Passive Cooling ), ( Type: Case )
The Zalman TNN500 (model number: TNN500-AT, also known as the TNN 500AF) is a high-performance andsilent HTPC (Home Theater Personal Computer) cooling solution from the renowned Korean manufacturer, Zalman. Designed specifically for silent computing, this tower cooler eliminates the need for noisy fans in HTPC systems, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maintain a quiet home theater environment.
The core of this cooling system is a large, 500mm tall, all-aluminum heatsink, which offers an impressive 4.45 square inches (281.7 square cm) of heatsink surface area. This expansive contact area ensures effective heat dissipation from the CPU, allowing it to operate at lower temperatures even under heavy loads. The heatsink has a sleek and modern design, with its elegant black finish blending seamlessly with most contemporary computer configurations.
To make this cooling system truly passive, Zalman uses a highly conductive thermal paste pre-applied on the base of the heatsink. This ensures optimal contact with the processor's integrated heat spreader and maximum heat transfer between the components and the heatsink. No additional thermal paste application is required during installation, making the process straightforward and hassle-free.
The TNN500's mounting system supports the latest Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA 775, LGA 1366, LGA 1156/1155/1151, LGA2011, AM2/AM2 /AM3/AM3 /AM4, and FM1/FM2. With its adjustable mounting arms, it can easily accommodate a wide range of motherboard sizes and layouts.
To further enhance its performance, Zalman includes two large 6mm thick copper heat pipes that run through the center of the heatsink, helping to draw heat away from the processor and transfer it to the aluminum fins for dissipation. The heatsink also features a unique fin structure consisting of over 3,400 micro fins. By increasing the overall surface area, these tiny fins significantly improve the cooling efficiency and provide quiet operation.
Best of all, the Zalman TNN500 is completely fanless. Its passive cooling technology relies purely on the natural convection created by temperature differences between the heatsink and the surrounding air. By eliminating the need for noisy fans, this cooling solution helps keep your HTPC room quiet, making the most of your home theater experience. With its superior cooling performance and silent operation, the Zalman TNN500 is an excellent addition for those who want to invest in a high-performance, passive cooling solution for their HTPC system.
The Zalman TNN500 (TNN500AF) is a popular choice for those seeking a silent and efficient cooling solution for their Home Theater PC (HTPC) or other low-power system. As with any product, it comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Let's examine both.
Pros:1. Silent Operation: With its passive cooling design, the Zalman TNN500 doesn't make any noise, making it an excellent choice for HTPCs where silence is a priority.
2. Aesthetically Pleasing: Its black anodized aluminum finish and elegant design fit perfectly in HTPC systems, especially those installed in living rooms or media centers.
3. Aluminum Heat Sink: The large aluminum heat sink efficiently dissipates heat from the CPU, making it suitable for low and medium overclocks.
4. Size: With a compact size (135mm x 90mm x 158mm), it takes up minimal space, making it an ideal choice for small form-factor systems.
5. Low Power Consumption: Passive cooling means it consumes practically no power, saving electricity and reducing your energy bill.
6. Compatibility: It can fit most standard Intel and AMD sockets (Intel LGA775, LGA1156, LGA1366, LGA2011, and AMD AM3, AM3 , FM1, and FM2)
Cons:1. Performance Limitations: Passive cooling may limit achievable overclocks compared to active cooling, and it might not be able to handle high-power CPUs effectively.
2. Installation: Mounting the cooler without a CPU can be a challenge, and users need to be careful to ensure proper alignment for successful installation.
3. Linux Compatibility: Although most modern Linux distributions support the TNN500, some users may encounter issues related to temperature readings in monitoring tools.
4. Heatsink Warranty: The warranty on the heat sink itself is relatively limited, with some potential buyers citing concerns.
5. Potential Damage during Shipping: Some users have reported receiving the product with damage to the heat sink or fins, which may result in reduced cooling performance.
Conclusion:The Zalman TNN500 (TNN500AF) offers excellent, silent cooling in a sleek, compact, and aesthetically pleasing design. It is perfect for low and medium power HTPCs or systems where noise levels need to be minimal. On the downside, its performance limitations are significant for high-performance, overclocked setups. Consider your specific use case and requirements to determine if this cooler is the right fit for your system. Ultimately, if you're seeking a simple, silent cooling solution for an HTPC or low-power system, the TNN500 is an excellent choice. If you're planning on taking your system to the extreme (high overclocks, intense usage), you might need to explore other options. This cooler is well-suited for those who prioritize silence, aesthetics, energy efficiency, and compatibility with various CPU sockets.
One section of Front the case under door show little shine from aging. Result in little pink reflection but this Should't effect overall usage of the case.