Predator Orion 3000 (PO3-630) CPU Temp Issues LGA1200 - Working Solution

CR_Apollo

I was experiencing heat issues with the CPU that would also cause other devices, such as the NVMe included drive, located between the CPU and Video card, to also have high temps. CPU temps would reach 100-105 degrees under gaming and stress tests and NVMe would hit 70 plus.

The Zalman, with minor alterations to the mounting bracket included, allowed me to mount the Zalman without taking the system apart! Connecting the Zalman mounting bracket to the existing back plate posts for the heatsink included with the LGA1200 11th gen Intel chip. Because the 10th and 11th gen Intel uses LGA1200, I would suspect that the process would be the same for the 10th gen situations, but I have not tested or proven that.
For my case, with the P03-630 model with an Intel i5 11400F CPU, I have seen 50% drop in temps under extreme loads. In Heavyload software tests, once the CPU hits 75, the system kicks the fan into full gear and maintains temps in the mid 50's. I see the same results when gaming and room temperatures reach near 30 degrees. Also, having done extensive research on this cooler; Zalman 4 pin version CNPS9500AT, which also has an LED 3 pin version with external fan controller system, these heatsink and fans should cool the i7 with the same/similar results. (Because it is 100% cooper, once certain temperatures are reached, cooper releases higher heat at faster rates than Aluminum does.) Although the Zalman has 3 copper pipes, since the pipes are not disconnected at the top part of the figure 8 configuration, they have it advertised as 3 pipes with 6 pipe performances. Because there are 6 pipes along the part that touches the CPU, where the heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink takes place, and that system, plus the fins and pipes being 100% copper, it truly is like having 6 copper pipes.
In order for me to get this to fit into the current configuration without taking the whole board out, I used a drill bit that was slightly (approx. 1mm) lager than the holes for the mount bracket. At the bottom portion of the mounting bracket, I made that part of the 4 holes approximately 1mm wider from the bottom to the mid of the mount bracket post holes. This allowed for the Zalman mount bracket to fit snugly onto the existing back plate mount posts, and I fastened that with the 4 screws included with the Zalman.  Had to be careful to not go too far toward the top portion of those holes, or I would have had to use washers later, which I did not, since I was careful and took my time to not go too wide or too far. The only other part which took me a few tries, was mounting the heatsink with the two smaller screws included for that part. I did not have a very good magnetic screw driver and the small case/space with my larger hands, made that a little more difficult for me. But once I got the first screw on, it was easier to get the second on.

The US Amazon site is currently sold out of the AT version, but they do have the LED 3 pin version still. CAN sit has both still. And you can find this Zalman at other retails, such as Walmart and NewEgg, but you will be paying a lot more for it. I have seen prices as high as 150 CAN for this, since those site also advertise the LGA1200 support in their add, where Amazon does not and also does not have the right size listed in the main picture. I have included that here, too, in case you were questioning this when considering the purchase from Amazon. For the CNPS9500 versions, see true size below with the other images. I have also seen the RPM hit 3200 in my system, even though the 2650 + - 10% should be just under 3000 max. Not sure if that is a misreading based on the Acer board voltages being read, but does matter since it will only go as fast as the 12v allow, and that's compatible here!

StevenGen

CR_Apollo good on you as this is a great guide for all consumers of the PO3-6xx desktop range and especially with an alternative CPU cooler fan system like the Zalman CNPS9500AT Copper Fan Heatsink CPU Cooler which has always been a reputable name and I’ve used their CPU/GPU cooling systems, PC cases and as a matter of a fact I’m using one of their laptop coolers now and I’ve used their products for years with great success. Just as an addition as there have been a few consumers that have used the Noctua NH-U9S series CPU cooler on the PO3-6xx range of desktops with great success also, as the Noctua NH-U9S works just as well without any mounting mods. Great work as its very detailed and informative.

CR_Apollo

StevenGen said:

CR_Apollo good on you as this is a great guide for all consumers of the PO3-6xx desktop range and especially with an alternative CPU cooler fan system like the Zalman CNPS9500AT Copper Fan Heatsink CPU Cooler which has always been a reputable name and I’ve used their CPU/GPU cooling systems, PC cases and as a matter of a fact I’m using one of their laptop coolers now and I’ve used their products for years with great success. Just as an addition as there have been a few consumers that have used the Noctua NH-U9S series CPU cooler on the PO3-6xx range of desktops with great success also, as the Noctua NH-U9S works just as well without any mounting mods. Great work as its very detailed and informative.

Thanks, StevenGen. A few typos, but tried to give as much detail as possible.

Agreed, the Noctua NH-U95 is a great option, too, and a little less effort to install, which does give good temp results at keeping the CPU cool. However, it'st priced at roughly double the price of the current CAN Amazon listed price for the Zalman CNPS9500AT. And even the US Walmart price. But that's not why I bought that over the NH-U95, myself.

A few pluses with taking some extra steps/mod for the bracket to get it onto the board without full disassemble with the Zalman CNPS9500AT.... is the 100% copper, the design with the fan location which allows air to flow out the front sides, resulting in cooling other devices, and the fan speed being 1000 RMP faster than the NH-U95. But for sure the Noctua NH-U95 is a reputable CPU cooling system as well, and certainly does what is required with an easier installation process. 

Really odd that Zalman does not list the LGA1200 support for this product and only has details on the LED version right now at their site. Some of their vendors do mention the LGA1200. IE:Walmart.

Thanks again for the feedback on my post. 

CR_Apollo

StevenGen said:

CR_Apollo good on you as this is a great guide for all consumers of the PO3-6xx desktop range and especially with an alternative CPU cooler fan system like the Zalman CNPS9500AT Copper Fan Heatsink CPU Cooler which has always been a reputable name and I’ve used their CPU/GPU cooling systems, PC cases and as a matter of a fact I’m using one of their laptop coolers now and I’ve used their products for years with great success. Just as an addition as there have been a few consumers that have used the Noctua NH-U9S series CPU cooler on the PO3-6xx range of desktops with great success also, as the Noctua NH-U9S works just as well without any mounting mods. Great work as its very detailed and informative.

Thanks, StevenGen. A few typos, but tried to give as much detail as possible.

Agreed, the Noctua NH-U95 is a great option, too, and a little less effort to install that does give good temp results with keeping the CPU cool. Just priced at roughly double the price of the current CAN Amazon listed price for the Zalman CNPS9500AT. But that's not why I bought that over the NH-U95, myself.

A few pluses with taking some extra steps/mod for the bracket to get it onto the board without full disassemble with the Zalman CNPS9500AT.... is the 100% copper, the design with the fan location which allows air to flow out the front sides, resulting in cooling other devices, and the fan speed being 1000 RMP faster than the NH-U95. But for sure the Noctua NH-U95 is a reputable CPU cooling system as well, and certainly does what is required with an easier installation process. 

Really odd that Zalman does not list the LGA1200 support for this product and only has details on the LED version right now at their site. Some of their vendors do mention the LGA1200. IE: Walmart. And looks like their price just dropped.

Thanks again for the feedback on my post.