Scythe Mugen MAX CPU Cooler Review

Scythe is widely known in the PC enthusiast crowd for their CPU coolers, specifically their Mugen line of high-performance air coolers. Scythe is back with a brand new CPU cooler in their Mugen MAX. The Mugen MAX has been redesigned with a new heatsink that should increase performance and they have moved the CPU block to increase compatibility with memory modules. Scythe says that the Mugen MAX belongs in the “XL” CPU cooler market and with dimensions of 145 x 86 x 161 mm it is one of the larger CPU coolers we have seen this year. On top of its size the Mugen MAX features six nickel-plated copper heatpipes and Scythe’s own GlideStream 140 mm cooling fan. Can this cooler compete with some of the other larger CPU coolers that we have tested this year? Read on as we find out!

Special thanks to Scythe for providing us with the Mugen Max CPU Cooler to review.

Specifcations
Model Name: Mugen MAX CPU Cooler
Model Number: SCMGD-1000
Compatibility:
Intel:
Socket LGA775
Socket LGA1150
Socket LGA1155
Socket LGA1156
Socket LGA1366
Socket LGA2011 (Square ILM)
AMD:
Socket AM2
Socket AM2+
Socket AM3
Socket AM3+
Socket FM1
Socket FM2
Socket FM2+
Overall Dimensions: 145 x 86 x 161 mm / 5.71 x 3.39 x 6.34 in (w/o fan)
Weight: 720 g / 25.40 oz (heatsink only)
Accessory: 2x mounting plate (Intel), 2xmounting plate (AMD), 1x mounting bar, 4x screw for mounting plates, 8x stud nuts, 2x mounting screws, 1x spacer (socket 775), 4x spacer, 1x wrench, 4x fan clips, back plate, thermal grease, installation manual
Baseplate Material: Nickel-plated copper

Fan Specifications
Model Name: GlideStream 140 PWM
Modell-No.: SY1425HB12M-P
Fan Size: 140 x 140 x 25 mm / 5.51 x 5.51 x 0.98 in
Noise Level: 13 ~ 30.7 dBA
Air Flow: 63,5 ~ 165m³/h / 37.37 ~ 97.18 CFM
Fan Speed: 500 rpm (± 300) ~ 1.300 rpm (±10%) (PWM-regulated)
Static Pressure: 0.15 ~ 1.02 mmH2O / 1,47 ~ 10,0 Pa
Bearing Type: Sleeve Bearing

Packaging
The Mugen MAX comes in Scythe’s typical retail packaging that has a photo of the cooler on the front and lets us know that the cooler is LGA1150 ready.

Scythe Mugen MAX

The back of the box actually lists the warranty in a few different languages. Some of the main features of the cooler are listed on one side of the retail box, while specifications and an overview of the cooler with dimensions is on the other.

Scythe Mugen MAX

Opening the box up and getting everything out we have the Mugen MAX heatsink, 140 mm GlideStream cooling fan, mounting hardware for Intel and AMD, thermal paste, fan clips and instructions.

Scythe Mugen MAX

For a full unboxing and overview of the Mugen MAX be sure to check out the video below.

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