Scythe Shogun CPU Heatsink

Performance:

As the Scythe Shogun is compatible with nearly every major socket currently available, the installation instructions vary. However, the English installation guide and diagrams do an appropriate job at showing how to properly mount the heatsink. Due to the immense size and weight of the Shogun, we decided to mount it on one of our legacy systems that is notorious for being finicky when it comes to mounting CPU heatsinks, due to Abit's OTES (Outside Thermal Exhaust System).

Surprisingly, we encountered absolutely no problems when mounting this heatink on this Socket 478 system. After attaching the fixing plates to the bottom of the heatsink, and applying the thermal paste, we simply set the heatsink atop the processor and used the Socket 478 clips to keep it in place with the stock retention frame. Although OTES was clear of any gridlocks, we found the Scythe Shogun practically touching the Northbridge heatsink. However, when we threw the 120mm fan back on, the CPU heatsink still fit and the active Chipset heatsink was free to spin. Like all of our recent CPU cooling reviews, we allowed the system to idle for 30 minutes followed by stressing the system with CPUBurn-In v1.00 for the same amount of time. LM_Sensors in conjunction with GKrellM 2.2.4 monitored the CPU temperature. During testing, our room temperature was a warm 31°C. In our testing, the rheostat fan controller on the Shogun was maxed to its full potential. For comparison purposes, we also tested the Speeze CopperSnake III.

Conclusion:

When testing both heatsinks in our hot summer Michigan weather, we were quite surprised to see how far the Scythe Shogun pulled ahead its competition, the Speeze CopperSnake III. However, the use of all the aluminum fans with a large surface area, the use of patented Heatlane technology, and a copper base all attributed to this winning combination. Keep in mind however, the Speeze CopperSnake is a small sized heatsink although it packs a punch. With Scythe's near universal socket compatibility and superb specifications, this is definitely a heatsink computer enthusiasts should keep in mind when making any cooling upgrades.

Pros:

· Near universal socket compatibility
· Easy installation
· Everything needed for installation is included
· Respectable performance
· Fairly quiet
· Rheostat controller

Cons:

· Heatsink base wasn't the best
· No Socket A compatibility