The next diagram shows the noise level of each cooler measured according to our traditional method (the subjectively comfortable level of 36dBA is marked with a dash line; the ambient noise from the system case, without the CPU cooler, was about 34dBA):

Alas, the Thermaltake V1 is not a very quiet cooler even at its min fan speed of 1370rpm (although it is only as loud as 36.9dBA in the most important mode) because the rumble of its fan is perfectly audible against the quiet system case. The subjective limit of 36dBA is only exceeded by 0.9dBA but it is enough for the cooler to get not exactly loud, yet irritating with its rumble. The Zalman CNPS8700 LED has much better noise characteristics.

So, I’ve checked out the new coolers’ performance and noise level. It’s time to sum up the results.

Conclusion

The conclusion is obvious here. The arrival of the Zalman CNPS8700 LED and the Thermaltake V1 makes two new good air coolers available for overclockers. The former is intended for compact system cases and for people who prefer quiet coolers, yet it doesn’t limit the overclockability of the CPU much. The latter has a somewhat higher performance (on dual-core CPUs) as well as an original exterior which is going to please owners of transparent system cases and modders. The only problem was the inability of the Thermaltake V1 to cope with an overclocked quad-core CPU (perhaps it even means total incompatibility of this cooler with such CPUs from Intel) whereas the Zalman CNPS8700 LED successfully cooled our Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 running at 3.3GHz.

Anyway, I’m sure if these coolers begin to sell at their recommended price, both of them will attract buyers and will live a long and happy life in overclockers’ PCs. Still, the choice is yours, especially as there is a very broad selection of air coolers in this price category.