Heatpipes run dry, I had this problem with similar heatsink, produced probably in same factory. Remove heatsink and shake it for minute. You proved the cooler in tower position. Check it in desktop position too, by turning tower case on the desk with touch of the side wall. Performance should be much better.

Orientation matters. it alwas has.

Looks like another champion. With a more compact size....and size does matter.

BTW, just a comment:

When SpeedFan gives a core temp [Tj()] it is a relative temperature. Nobody knows what the Tj Max of any CPU and Intel isn't telling. SpeedFan is guessing at 100C Tj Max and it is prob close but don't think it is absolute or exactly correct. Tcase should be absolute and closer to being correct.

On the bench, I substituted a 120x38mm Panaflo 12U at 2750 rpm for the stock Scythe 138mm fan running at 930 rpm. The board is an Intel D845HV with a hot Prescott 3.0 GHz P4-530 at stock voltage and clocking.

With the Panaflo, there is a significant breeze on the VRM and NB components. I can leave my finger on the VRM caps and MOSFETS and they are only warm. The NB is even cooler to the touch. This is not the case at all with the stock Zipang fan. The VRM zones run -10C cooler with the Panaflo

I put a Zalman variable resistor fan control in series with the Panaflo fan. At full speed, Red to Ground is 10.5v. The Zalman drops 1.6v.

12.1v
Zone 1 = 29C
Zone 2 = 28C
Processor = 44C

10.5v
Zone 1 = 32C
Zone 2 = 29C
Processor = 45C

8.5v
Zone 1 = 33C
Zone 2 = 32C
Processor = 47C

7.0v
Zone 1 = 36C
Zone 2 = 34C
Processor = 50C


Dialing down the voltage to 8.5 and lower makes the fan very quiet. The breeze is significantly reduced. The MOSFETS are hot, and the VRM caps are very warm.

The Zipang wing width appears to be a marketing after thought. The top fins have a second step that accepts standard 120mm fans. The heat pipes are oriented for the 120mm fan footprint, and the extra wide fins are apparently wasted. It appears to be size just for the sake of size.

Scaled back from 145mm to 124mm wide would let the unit accept a standard 120mm fan without the wasted wing spread. IMO, the unit would be just as effective, and somewhat easier to install. My retailer tells me the Evercool line of 140mm fluid bearing fans, such as EC-14025H12E, will be available in June.

IMO, the Zipang is a top quality product if you give it a better fan. VRM cooling is vital, and more air flow is needed to do the job. I have several Zipang, and most are going onto GA-P35-DS3 boards. I like them better than everything else I've seen so far.