Problem With New Zalman CPU-Cooler - Help!

[Mr.Nosmo]

I just upgraded from Intel's i7-980X Boxed Cooler to a Zalman CNPS-Preforma Cooler, but only got better temps on Core 2 & 3. At full load (4.2GHz) it looks like this:
Core0: 78C
Core1: 80C
Core2: 72C
Core3: 72C
Core4: 78C
Core5: 78C

Why do I only get 6-8C better temp's on Core 2 & 3? I have tried to remove the cooler and the thermal paste looks like it's distributed fine all over the surface.....

[pcaddict]

There is notihng wrong with anything.. Thats pretty normal if some cores have higher temp..

[Mr.Nosmo]

OK, but why was all my 6 cores around 80C at full load with the Boxed cooler and with new cooler 2 of the cores is reduced with 8C, but not the other 4 cores?

[rintamarotta]

Its due shape of innter and outer surfaces of heatspreader and shape of cooler base, heat spreaders are not evenly flat and internally cores dont touch it equally and not all places of heatspreader touch coolers base equally, thats where those temp differences come from.

Also the mounting pressure effects this.

[OCBalmang]

Umm that is pretty hot for a zalman.. and uneven , i hate to say it but i think you went a little sloppy mounting that cooler, i use the 9900NT located in my signature, my temps sometimes spread a bit, but not that bad... running at 4 cores 4.2GHZ never that hott mine goes maybe 70-73 at 4.2 with prime95 +7 more with linx. i would get some rubbing alcohol and clean your cpu than remount it make sure you did a slow and good job.

that and the cooler you have chosen is the cheap path dont cheap out on air cooling if you choose that path go for something 69-90$

Here's mine and it cost 20$$ more im sure i could find change around my house to get another 20$ this will have way better temps http://ncix.com/products/?sku=45205&...=ZALMAN%20TECH