Scythe Mugen 2: short review

Last week I received the Mugen 2 from Scythe and I just wanted to share a few pictures and thoughts with you guys.

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030376-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030350-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030354-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030358-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030355-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030360-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030369-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030361-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030364-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030367-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030378-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030391-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030366-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030392-border.jpg

http://our-design.com/rogier/mugen2/P1030352-border.jpg

The Mugen 1 used to be my all time favorite when it comes to cpu coolers, but the release of this Mugen 2 changed my mind completely.

Beside the fact that it does in fact cool better (Like Scythe claims) this cooler has a few simple, yet genius features. The most outstanding being the universal backplate, which is used for every single socket the Mugen 2 fits on, including the amd sockets. Other than that the engineers managed to increase the coolingsurface and at the same time reduce the weight. Next to that they made the base so it can fit on any motherboard with crazy big heatsinks. I have had several coolers on my Rampage Extreme (some didn't fit at all) and I have to say that this one is by far the easiest to mount.

These are just a few thoughts I wanted to share.

My full review and test results can be read here: Google translation The original review is in Dutch and a lot of text seem to come out quite strange when translated:rofl: (Btw: use the next buttons at the bottom of the page, not the drop down menu. If you use the drop down google won't translate if for you)

Have you compared it to the old Scyhte infinity (Mugen 1) ? I have that one and I am tempted to upgrade to this one.

No I haven't because I simply don't have it. I have sent out a request to Scythe to provide one so I can compare them. But as I mentioned in my review: the Mugen 2 beats the true 120. The true 120 beats the Mugen 1. I can only conclude that the Mugen 2 is better than the first:p:

And I guess the new mounting system is better? Because I really hate those plastic pins on the current mugen, mine are quiet abit damaged.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gendo

I have had several coolers on my Rampage Extreme (some didn't fit at all) and I have to say that this one is by far the easiest to mount.

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You must have missed this comment?:p:

Will they fit the latest Gigabyte mobo's?

I'm assuming that you mean the x58 boards by that?
According to Scythe's compatibility list it fits on Gigabyte GA-EX58-Extreme.
I don't know about the other boards.
I'm guessing the list is still a work in progress as there aren't too many motherboards listed yet.

very good review

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gendo

I'm assuming that you mean the x58 boards by that?
According to Scythe's compatibility list it fits on Gigabyte GA-EX58-Extreme.
I don't know about the other boards.
I'm guessing the list is still a work in progress as there aren't too many motherboards listed yet.

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I have scythe Mugen 2 on Gigabyte UD5. You can fit in either direction, if you dont have Corsair Dominator RAM.

I had Corsair Dominator RAM only option was to keep fans blowing up.

BUT then again, you have a slight issue with Dominator(Top Cooling section ) and Heatsink touching each other. I just put a paper between the Heatsink and Dominator to avoid direct contact.

But I am very impressed with Cooling ability of it on my I7.

Has anyone tried this on a bloodrage? I plan on using corsair doms as my ram and I'm wondering if it will fit having the fans blowing left? I'd rather not have to align it blowing up.

With Dominators and any 1366 Mobo with 6 RAM slots, I dont think you will get it blow left towards out of the case.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by icecold316

With Dominators and any 1366 Mobo with 6 RAM slots, I dont think you will get it blow left towards out of the case.

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Bloodrage only has 3 slots, so I was kind of hoping there is enough space to set it up like that, but comparing pics of the bloodrage and the UD5 you have, I don't think it will work. So hopefully someone has tried this and can share.

Funny im getting one in 2 days.
Didnt know what to order so i just choosed the one that looked to be good and that just by looking at pictures =)
Seems like a good choice.

BUT looking at other reviews then they seem to be pretty much alike, The 120 and the Mugen 2.
Did the base look that flat and shiny ?? Will see if mine is like that..

Strange the cooler does not come with 4 clips for push pull fan configuration options. Looks like a winner though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ubermann

Did the base look that flat and shiny ?? Will see if mine is like that..

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Yes it was FLAT and SHINY (aka Mirror) on mine.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jason str

Strange the cooler does not come with 4 clips for push pull fan configuration options. Looks like a winner though.

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You can get an extra set of clips on Scythe's website for $1.50 if I remember right.

Zipties can also help to attach fans...

I use gluegun for every fan i need to fasten, well most everything can be set with it.
You can also build a base with it when you remove TIM and such.
No vibrations and easy to remove.
Gluegun and zippies is GODs gift to modders.

Did i mention a good set of meccano can make most good looking stands for fans and such ?
But the kids do NOT like when they see their toys inside your computer =)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ubermann

I use gluegun for every fan i need to fasten, well most everything can be set with it.
You can also build a base with it when you remove TIM and such.
No vibrations and easy to remove.
Gluegun and zippies is GODs gift to modders.

Did i mention a good set of meccano can make most good looking stands for fans and such ?
But the kids do NOT like when they see their toys inside your computer =)

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Got some pictures, My imagination sux! ;-)

mine arrives tomorrow :D

@Avan,

If everything goes according to plan I should have a Bloodrage soon. I happen to also have dominators so as soon as the Bloodrage arrives I'll let you know if they work together.

@ubermann,

The reviews you read online probably have different results because of the cpu used. It's no less than logical that coolers give different results with dual core, quad core or quad with HT. Add to that the flatness (or lack there of) some true's have and you have the perfect recipe for a few degress differences:p:

So does any one already have a retail Mugen 2 and would like to share results? I'm really curious as to how well it performs compared to other coolers.

do you think this heatsink is good for passive cooling?

It's not as good (or as big:p:) as the Orochi but it should definitely be able to keep a stock or slightly overclocked cpu at respectable temperatures. Naturally this also depends on the airflow.

Edit: On second thought: The Orochi and Z600 are probably the only 2 coolers that can beat this one when it comes to Passive cooling. (This is an assumption, don't flame if you don't agree, show me testresults if you want to prove me wrong:p:)

HR-01+ also has a shot at being good in passive...basically a TRUE meant for low airflow :cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gendo

@Avan,

If everything goes according to plan I should have a Bloodrage soon. I happen to also have dominators so as soon as the Bloodrage arrives I'll let you know if they work together.

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Thanks much! Looking forward to your results.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vapor

HR-01+ also has a shot at being good in passive...basically a TRUE meant for low airflow :cool:

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That gives it less of a chance at taking the crown if you ask me:p: From my own experience I know the true isn't that good when used passively. Not as good as the Orochi and Mugen 1 that is. I don't have experience with the Z600 so I'm not sure about that but I hear it's really good. When it comes to passive cooling it seems bigger is in fact better.

It looked all shiny and flat but it wasnt.
5-10c temp drop by lapping at prime max heat.
Started with 180grit and had to work long to get it flat.

Your Mugen 2 you mean? Weird, mine is flat as a pancake:p:

It looked really flat and i remounted it twice before i read about temp issues on E8400.
But i wanted to lap it anyway and shaved off 10c by doing it.
Put some bricks below the screws from the backside to get a bit extra force, i sure dont like when i can move the cooler after its seated!
So go figure =)
Even if it has been superflat im sure would have lapped it anyway..so no loss.
Just wierd..

(lol pancake now that some reference material for flatness, forget the razorblad)

I guess it's a Dutch expression, which seems misplaced in this context:rofl:

No we use it here also, but misplaced.
Saw this picture in my head when holding a pancake to the surface to check flatness and it didnt really feel right =)