Article by: Joe Anderson (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited By: Nathan Glentworth (Owner / Head Editor)
Product was submitted by: Rosewill
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PRODUCT PICTORIAL AND WALKTHROUGH
With the packing materials removed, the ZAIO is relatively Spartan when it comes to accessories. The Intel mounting clips are pre-installed and support 775, 1155, 1156 and 1366 sockets. AMD users will have to remove the brackets to use the crossbar clip that supports AM2/AM2+/AM3 sockets using the OEM retention bracket. The 92mm fan is attached to an adapter shroud that clips to the cooler, and the fantail is fully sleeved in a black mesh material, terminating in a 4-pin connector to support the PWM functionality. No 4-pin headers on your board? No worries, the connector will work with 3-pin headers as well, but PWM functionality will be unavailable. Rosewill also includes a packet of generic thermal compound.
Three 6mm copper heatpipes interface with a solid copper base to wick the heat away from the processor. While the base lacks the highly polished finish we see on some coolers, it’s flat and should prove to be perfectly serviceable for the intended purpose. Pushpins attach the cooler to Intel motherboards and are adjustable for the supported sockets.
The three copper heatpipes are staggered as they interface with the 45 aluminum fin array. The fins have an interesting profile on the leading (fan side,) edge but are otherwise pretty unremarkable.
The fin array is relatively open to take advantage of lower speed and pressure fans, promising good cooling with quiet operation. The fit and finish of the cooler is excellent and the sturdy base should provide a very stable and robust mount. The two slots machined into the top of the base will accept the AMD mounting solution. As you can see, there is ample clearance to accommodate any motherboard components surrounding the socket.
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