Test Set Up
We tested the Scythe Mugen MAX for sound and cooling performance using an i7 LGA2011 set up. We tested two configurations, stock with turbo and over clock with turbo.
- Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
- Processor: Intel i7-5820K
- Motherboard: Asus Rampage V Extreme Motherboard
- Graphics: PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 770
- Memory: 16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 2666Mhz
- Drives: 2 x 128GB SSDs OS RAID 0 (SanDisk SSD SATA III 128GB)
- PSU: Corsair HX1000i
- Chassis: MicroCool Banchetto 101 Chassis
Software used for load tests and temperature capture;
- HWiNFO64
- AIDA64 Extreme
We ran the AIDA64 Extreme stability test in 30 minute batches and recorded the results. We used the Core Max result as there was typically a variance across the cores of a couple of degrees. We only selected the cache, FPU and CPU tests, so no other component would generate impacting heat during the tests.
Fitting
Installing the Scythe Mugen MAX CPU Cooler wasn’t difficult. You need to remove the fan and screw the heatsink in place. There are no access issues and it doesn’t clash with the surrounding motherboard and memory. There is a hole all the way through the heatsink on one side, matching perfectly with the screw in the crossbar. A long plus head screwdriver is required. We can’t really say much more about it, it was trouble-free on our mATX Gigabyte GA-Z97M-DS3H.
BIOS Setting
We used the default PWM setting and left it alone!
Sound Level Testing
We used a standard generic digital sound level meter at 15 inches. It is important to note we used the MicroCool Banchetto 101 Chassis for testing which is an open chassis. This means you are hearing the CPU coolers fan unobstructed.
Thermal Paste
We use Arctic MX-2 for all heatsink cooler tests and in fact we use it for all builds, test or otherwise. We run the AIDA64 Extreme stability test as our burn in programme for thermal paste, which allows the paste to spread out and share the love across the mating surfaces. It is worth doing, we noted a drop in throttling after 30 minutes of burn in, and we don’t like throttling!
Results
First up, stock performance. The Intel i5-4670K was set to stock and turbo mode enabled.
Stock idle is a little higher than expected and stock load reaching 84 °C using the AIDA64 stress test.
Stock sound levels are very respectable, and to be honest, when using the cooler in reality it was whisper quiet on the stock settings, no throttling either.
Next page, overclocking and conclusion.
Scythe Mugen MAX CPU Cooler Review
Package - 8
Performance - 9.2
Price - 9.5
Consumer Experience - 9.2
9
Scythe are a brand with a large following and we can see why. Though the packaging of this cooler is a little on the budget side, the performance is excellent. It is very close to the Dark Rock Pro 3 and currently at £41.00 on the UK Amazon site, it is almost half the price, how can you argue with that? Well there are a few downsides, the packaging is a bit dated, or cheap, depending on your viewpoint, there is only one fan included and it has the smallest portion of thermal paste you have ever seen.