Scythe Shogun CPU Heatsink

Examination:

When pulling the Scythe Shogun CPU cooler out of its cardboard packaging, we were quite shocked at its immense size. Not only was this one of the largest heatsinks we've had come through Phoronix, but its weight was roughly 100 grams greater than that of the Thermalright XP-90C and 210 grams greater than Thermaltake's Beetle! With a weight of 790 grams, it is one of the heaviest to come through, but luckily it’s not that heavy where we need to take any additional precautions to reinforce the motherboard's PCB from being damaged due to the additional weight. A majority of this weight is due to the 52 aluminum fins and the Heatlanes, which improves heat transfer similar to heatpipe technology. Even with a copper base and aluminum fins, a 120mm fan is necessary. However, in just a few days we'll be trying out the Scythe Ninja, which doesn't require a fan to cool the CPU heatsink.

Unlike the Thermaltake Beetle and similar CPU heatsinks, the Scythe Shogun doesn't take a radical approach to its design. Both sides are symmetrical, allowing the fan to be mounted on either side of the heatsink. Alternatively, two 12mm fans could be used if additional fan clips were provided. For the included fan, hypro/fluid bearings are used for a longer life span and quieter performance. Furthermore, a rheostat controller is included with the Scythe Shogun to allow the fan speed to be adjusted from an available expansion slot. Extruding from the base of the heatsink, in addition to the patented heatlanes, are 19 vertical fins, which are much thicker than the horizontally positioned fins.

Flipping the heatsink over, we found various imperfections with the copper base. There were numerous scuffmarks and small scratches in the surface, even though there was a plastic film protecting the base during shipping. However, at least the base was mostly flat to the human eye and using our traditional golf ball size comparison/reflection, we see the surface still had a shine. Next to the base, are four holes that are used with the various mounting plates depending upon the socket.