The CNPS12X is a double-tower type heatsink, with as series of ring-like aluminum fin stacks attached to it to resemble Zalman's old-school coolers. Six direct contact heatpipes are embedded into the base and draw the heat away from the CPU heatspreader and into the aluminum heatsink. These provide a total air contact area of 9.6 sqaure meters and are cooled by three 120mm fans based on a Zalman design.

In their default operating mode, the fans work at speeds between 950 and 1200 RPM, and produce 25 dBA of noise. Those who want a more silent computing experience can also put the fans into a special low-speed mode that lowers the RPM to speeds between 850 and 1100, limiting the noise level to 22 dBA.
 
Zalman CNPS12X is comptible with the current AMD AM2, AM3, AM3 +, FM1 sockets as well as with Intel's LGA 775, 1366, 1156/1155 CPUs, and will also work with the upcoming LGA 2011 motherboards.

The massive 1Kg (2.2 pounds) Zalman cooler will become available in three to four weeks and its estimated retail price will be set at about $89 US or