Zalman has developed a reputation for marketing quiet, efficient cooling products. The Fatal1ty FS-C77 isn't one of them. It is, however a damn fine cooler, and since Zalman doesn't market the Fatal1ty as a quiet solution, one can't really fault it for being somewhat loud. The 120mm fan spinning at 2400RPM moves a lot of air and the sound it produces is more like a low roar that the high-pitched whine associated with smaller, high-speed fans. Its performance is outstanding and it is very impressive looking as well. Widely available at online retailers for $60-$70 US, the FS-C77 is a bit pricey, but not really out of line considering its performance. The manual is great, installation is easy and the quality of all components is superb. The cooler also moves a lot of air around the Northbridge, video card and memory area, a welcome side benefit. Motherboard fitment can be an issue, especially for some late-model boards that haven't made the compatibility list yet, but Zalman has done an excellent job of providing the consumer with the information needed to determine fitment issues. All in all, the Fatal1ty FS-C77 is an excellent product that hits its target audience dead center. Any gamer looking to build a new rig or upgrade the cooling on an existing one could do a hell of a lot worse than the Fatal1ty from Zalman.
Pros:
- Excellent cooling
- Cools surrounding motherboard components
- Wide processor socket support
- Unique finish
- Great manual
- Good availability
- Ease of installation
Cons:
- Motherboard compatibility
- A bit pricey
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