Zalman NC2000(B) Review: Pictures, Statistics and more

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Sorry if there are any mistakes and/or suggestions. Please notify me as this is my first review(now revised).

All pictures taken by X2P (me)

Reason for Purchase:

Since I have bought my Vostro 1500 (specs below), I have always wanted extra cooling. Especially after noticing several times plastics melting 1/2 a foot away. I have tried other cooling methods such as a notebook stand, book, an air cleaner (Worked great, temps were around 10 C while gaming but made laptop shut down), then a industrial green house fan (laptop had trouble staying on the fan (not flying) and the noise and vibration were ridiculous). So I went in search for something new and came upon the Zalman NC2000B on NBR and bought it.

Specifications:

Computer used: Vostro 1500

Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 1.8Ghz (Not Undervolted)
4GB Corsair Value Select PC5300 SODIMM 667Hz
Nvidia 8600m GT 256mb DDR2 (Stock Clocks)
Windows XP Home SP2
9Cell Battery (Installed durring test)

Notebook Cooler used: Zalman NC2000B

Price 56$ Cdn or 57$ USD (prices may vary)

Dimensions 318(L) x 400(W) x 42.5(H) mm
Weight 1,460g
Base Material Pure Aluminum, ABS
Noise 18.0 - 25.5 dBA ± 10 % (I would say less)
Input Voltage 5V (Connects with Notebook USB Port)
Color Black

Fan
Type Dual Centrifugal
Fan Quantity Two
Individual Fan Size 6cm Diameter or 3Cm Radius
Bearing Type Hypro Bearing
RPM 1,100 ~ 1,500rpm ± 10 %


Review:

The packaging was impressive as it was similar to a laptop. Inside the cooler was held by two Styrofoam holders on each side and encased in a Styrofoam film sleeve.

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To carry on first impressions were that it was stable, strong, and durable but also cold(it always seems to hold a cold feel to it). (Actually dropped it from about 4 feet above when I took it out of sleeve (not purposely)) The Vostro 1500 which is a 15.4” Wide screen note book fits quite comfortably on the cooler as seen in the pictures below. There is about 1.5 cm on the left and right of the notebook and 1-2 cm in front and behind the notebook.

On the top
There are 928 high capacity vent holes evenly distribute the flow of cold air to cool the entire notebook.

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On the sides
On either side there is a USB port, either can be used to connect the cooler with the computer. When testing the spare port I would have to say there is noticeable lag. Using my Logitech G5 via the spare USB port I noticed a slight decrease in speed and when testing Flash memory transfer rate dropped by 1-4mb/s. The blue light is quite bright but not annoying due to the top overhanging and the speed dial is smooth and functions well. One flaw that may annoy some users is that if you turn your ear towards the right side where the light and power dial is located you will hear a noise such as a CPU at work. (The closer you get the louder it will be)

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On the bottom
The Cooler has risers which will let you raise it between 7 and 9 degrees. The risers are firm and have no trouble with traction. There is also a cable storage compartment which is intended for the cable included for power. I found it quite disappointing as it took me a good 40 minutes to actually fit the cable into the compartment. As visible in the picture there are two fans but next to them there are two marks that appear to be replaceable with fans but are not which there is no need for.

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Portability
I find the Zalman NC2000(B) alot more portable then people think. I recently went from Vancouver Canada to Tokyo Japan. A 10 hour flight with 3 hours of taxing at each airport. It also included a 2 hour Car ride, 3 Hour bus ride, and around 5 hours of walking with the Zalman. I had the Zalman stowed away in my Dakine Mission backpack which is not a laptop bag. My laptop as well as many other things were jammed in there as well with no problems regarding space. In that time the Zalman took no damage and caused no damage to anything in the bag with it. Furthermore it was very light and unnoticeable. It may be good to point out I am just over 6 ft 3 so a smaller person may feel it a bit more. Overall I would say it is portable enough that it has convienced me that I would be able to bring it on my 2 hour commute each way daily to University, which involves no sitting >.< ( Japanese trains and buses are fuller then anything imaginable).

It is important to note, airport security may not be very fond of the cooler. My experience ended with my bags emptied and me being heavily searched and scanned.

NC2000(B) vs NC1000(B)

Please visit this thread for a 15.4" notebook comparasion with both coolers


Statistics

Fan power was set to maximum. It was actually quieter then the builtin Vostro 1500 fan.

Tests were done in a room with a constant 20C.

Temperatures with NC2000(B)

Time was not a factor as time progressed temperatures were able to sustain a low temperature and average GPU temperature regardless of time.

GPU idle 44 C
CPU idle 30C-32.6C
HD idle 28 C

GPU load 54C-70C avg 67C
CPU load 51C-54C
HD load 30C


Temperatures on solid Table

Time was a large factor. As time progressed the temperatures went up steadily and the average GPU temperature also went up.

GPU idle 58C
CPU idle 40C-43.2C
HD idle 31C

GPU load 70C-82C avg 72C-80C depending on time
CPU load 65C-70C depending on time
HD load 35C-44C depending on time

Housekeeping

Keeping a cooler clean is quite important. Most members here blow out their vents/fans on their notebook or at least should and mainting your Zalman is just as important. There is actually a very easy way of cleaning the NC2000 although may be time consuming. My method will not void your warranty.

You will need roughly 35 Qtips and a can of compressed air You will have to use about 22 of those Qtips on the top. Start with one Qtip and just stick it into a vent. Do a quick rub around the vent and use the same Qtip vent to vent until it is basically worn out. Do this for all vents and your vents should not be white any longer.

For the actual fans first used compressed air to blow out any larger dust bunnies. From there use a Qtip to hold the fan you would like to clean first so that it will not rotate and point the compressed air at every fan blade. After doing so and getting the bulk of the dust removed to both of the fans clean up the rest of the dust with the remaining Qtips.

Doing this will possibly extend the life of your investment aswell as keep it running better and quieter.

Conclusion

The Zalman NC2000(B) is sleek, sharp and effective. The idle temperatures with the cooler are GPU 14C cooler, CPU between 13.2C and 10C cooler, and HD 3C cooler. While under load ALL components were able to stay within a good range for a lengthy time using the cooler AND hold it. Without every component was having trouble not holding a higher temperature. GPU avg. between 5C and 13C, CPU between 19C and 9C, and the HD up to 14C. All components would have gone higher if testing had continued.

Pros
Stylish
Surprisingly light
Efficient/Does the job
Durable
Nice tilt
Nice packaging
Portability

Cons
Cable fitting in the compartment
Spare USB port lag
The sound by the light

Would I recommend it to a friend?

In a heartbeat.


Mods (Added for readers reference):

There are a lot of users who are out there wanting to mod their Zalman coolers. Currently there is only one mod I would deam "safe" for the Zalman. Modding the Zalman can often result in ruining its engineered airflow, therefore chucking many mods out the window.

This mod by Gophn will concentrate the airflow making the cooler slightly more effective regardless if you have the NC2000 or 1000. Enjoy

 

Nice review w/ photos and all.

How big are the fans on it?

Im a little sceptical about the temps you achieved with the cooler. Did you take these temps when the notebook was on operating temperature? Also did you do the solid table first or the cooler first?

 

great review. im seriously considering this now for my moms hp with a p4. we got a targus pad @ best buy and that thing broke in like a month. thanks man.

 

The fans I will measure later (gotta stop buy at a dollar store and buy a ruler )

As for temps I did testing in a room with a constant 20C I ran first without cooler then let it cool for 2hours ( turned off) then tossed it on the cooler.

 

Thanks for the review, im waiting for my Clevo to arrive, but i was thinking of getting this cooler.
Now i will.
What sound do you refer to as the one close to the light?
A fan sound or a static electrical one?

 

Actually flipfire I should add I did a third test a redo of with the cooler since I did not believe the first ones but after redoing it no change.

Martorell it is electrical. I would say usually inaudible as long as you do not search for it .. I was very very picky while reviewing. ( been drooling over the cooler for 2 months since I cant get it in Japan... gotta love visiting home (Canada))

 

OK, im still geting it then, im living in London atm, but moving to Goa, India after the summer, so a cooler becomes a necessity no matter how well the Laptop handles its own heat, a 32C temp every day and night cant be good thing for a powerful laptop like this.

 

Good review and my interest is definitely piqued in this cooler model.

Where in Canada did you buy, X2P? I live in Canada and unfortunately Newegg won't ship this way. I see that there's a few places selling it online but I've never dealt with any of them so am a bit wary of ordering.

 

I live in BC but they do ship anywhere in Canada and America pm me and Ill give you more details... they told me they don't really want people to do what I did to get the price low but It works, and its what they should do.

 

Nice review.

I wish they offered it with a AC power adopter option besides the USB.

 

Here you go

 

That is awesome!!!

I have been holding off on buying a notebook cooler because I wanted one that didn't run off of the USB power.

Thanks.

 

No problem, just type in USB to AC power into google and tons of hits. Also may want/need a USB extension cable.

 

guys...i think i just found another use for my ipod wall charger....funny how i've never thought of that before.

 

hahaha Could you post if you notice any difference (If you have the NC2000) wall vs usb

Thanks

 

i dont have the NC2000, nor will i, as i ordered an NZXT Cryo LX laptop cooler to replace the one i currently have (targus chill mat - complete crap in my opinion, plus its too short and the fans arent directly beneath either of my intake ports) but, to test the theory and see if would work while plugged in to the ipod wall charger, i plugged it in, and it worked...but not as well as it does plugged into the laptop. you'll want to get an ac to usb adapter that meets the voltage and amperage specifications of the cooler.

 

Thanks diablo

 

not a problem *eyes the scale icon* how 'bout some rep?

 

whats the actually differences from the NC-1000??

 

I dont own a NC1000(B) but I can tell you basics.

NC2000 is a largened NC1000. It is built mainly for notebooks up to 20" but fits a 15.4" better then the NC1000. With the NC1000 a 15.4" will tend to hang over the edges making the fit tight . The NC2000 also has 249 more holes, there is a usb port on both sides instead of 2 being on the right,and has a blue light opposed to the red one fixed on the NC1000. The bottom of the NC1000 is lacking the compartment for the cable. The size is bigger but the NC2000 weights only 265g more then the NC1000. Price wise the NC2000 set me back only a mer extra 5$ vs the NC1000.

The rundown.
Basically if you have anything over the standard 15" the go with the NC2000 as it fits better. Also if you are picky about style or matching your computer, the NC2000 would probably be better as most notebooks do not come with bright red LEDs.

Should I add this to the review?

 

flipfire

the size of each fan is roughly 2 inches ( quest for the ruler failed) , sorry for late reply.

 

Why do they say it fits up to 20" laptops when a 17" just barely fits?

 

Im guessing its dual 6cm fans installed then. You might wanna add this info on your review.

 

I would say It would fit with a little over hang and only the front 2/3 being hit by the fans. Yet the other 1/3 will still be cooled a bit since the metal of the NC2000(B) constantly cool (kinda cold). I would say it is at minimum usable probably more.

SORRY ABOUT SIZING MY BAD! Fixed previous post and added on main page

 

Thanks Diameter is 6cm while radius is 3cm. Review updated with this information. Also currently adding NC1000 vs Nc2000 specs.

MAKE THAT ADDED!

 

The box says it fits up to 20''.

 

Previous posts have been edited already

 

I love my Zalman 2000...it's perfect for my Sager 5793. I do not have any noise coming from around the light area. i would highly recommend it!

 

nice to hear notebookneophyte

 

Has anyone tried this or the NC1000 on a m1530 with the 9-Cell battery?
does it feel "right"?

 

X2P, thank you for posting this review.

This question is to anyone, can someone who has both post a picture of the 15.4" laptop sitting on an NC1000 for comparison? I am still interested in getting the NC1000, but I keep hearing that a 15.4" laptop fits on an NC2000 a little better. I just want to see how big the difference in size/fit really is, if possible.

 

Get the exact measurements of the NC1000. Draw it up on a big piece of paper.

Place your laptop ontop of it. Now imagine and estimate where the cooling holes will go

 

If it helps the NC2000 vents hit everywhere on my vostro 1500 minus the battery.

 

That's real good. Does your battery protrude out of the back, or is it a standard size that fits perfectly into the laptop?

 

It protrudes out the back but its the whole battery that does not get hit, every important part of the laptop otherwise fits perfectly on the vents.

 

@X2P - great reaview, nice pics.

Could you please tell me what is the distance between the lower edge of the cooler and the upper vent holes line? Thanks a lot!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17114&stc=1&d=1207215581
IMG_4366.jpg

 

Those are the specs for the vents, there is 4cm from the lower edge to the begining of the vents

The width of the vents is EQUAL to the width of the Zalman NC1000's full width but the depth is the same as the NC2000.

 

UPDATE: Travel review coming next after my flight to Tokyo tommorow. Expect update to be up in 2-3 days.

 

Travel Review is up! (EDITING IN THE MORNING (REASON SPECIFIED))

 

Only just saw the pics...because for other reasons I couldn't see them before... It does look nice! Credits to you.

With regards for airport security, they are abit tight nowadays...I have actually carried my full metal NotePal (the old one) through it with out problems (london heathrow and Hong Kong). But nowadays even with my almost fully plastic NotePal Infinite I put it in my check in luggage...no problems.

 

Thanks

it was interesting since when they were scanning me with the bar they no matter where they scanned it would not stop beeping . After I got to Japan and contacted my family and told them about the incident. It turns out my late grandfather had the same issue but it had never come out in me in over 17 years of an average of 4 flights a year. I wanted to toss it into check in but I thought carry on then I could carry it on my back to see how portable it was for the review .

Update: Edited version of Portability is now up!!!

 

o man, i got the NC1000 one, and im gonna travel by end of this year. hopefully those airport security people wont think is a weapon or something..
also I got 2 laptop battery one is 6 cells and the other is 9 cells...hope they won't think is a bomb.....

 

delete this post

 

I was unlucky I believe.. but Vancouver's security has always been uptight... at times worse then america .... They killed a Polish man last year >.< no real reason

 

ye, i saw that news too
hum...if going through the x-ray scan and they will check your laptop bag for sure. just wondering will they think the battery is a bomb...wht if u explain to them hum....for real those days whos doesnt have 2 battery one as use and the other as backup....

 

Thanks a lot for the specs.
I got my NC2000 today. I had a NotePal Infinite but I returned it and ordered the Zalman... I'm happy my choice

 

good to hear hunter!

 

Can it support a 17" laptop?

 

It was made for 17"+ notebooks.

the NC1000 model is for under 17" notebooks.

 

would it be better to get the nc1000 or 2000 for a 15.4" notebook?

and are there any online shops selling the 2000? i've found the 1000 for $37