If you're planning to buy a new CPU heatsink, read this

[kalrith]

I have to say that I am immensely impressed by the Scythe Ninja heatsink. I had my P4 2.4C processor overclocked to 3.0GHz on an ASUS P4P800 Deluxe with stock voltage and cooling. The CPU, according to MBM5, would run at 29 idle and 59-61 load, with an ambient temperature of 20. I know that's too hot, but I've only been running it like that for a couple of months since I got Doom 3. I installed the new heatsink with a basic 120mm UV fan (69 CFM), and my temps went to 24 idle and 38 load! The best part is that there seems to be no difference in temperature between having the fan running at half-speed and full-speed. Just for kicks, I turned the CPU fan off, and the temperature only went up to 48 degrees while running Prime95! So, I then proceeded to up the vcore from default to 1.65v and the FSB from 250 to 280, resulting in a 3.36MHz clock speed. At the increased speed and voltage, the CPU temperature still does not exceed 41 degrees, and it ran Prime95 all last night.

So, if you're considering buying a new heatsink, definitely consider this one--especially if you appreciate a quiet (<20dB) setup.

 

[tjpark1111]

this is already well-known, but your review is very helpful and encouraging for those who are still trying to decide which HSF to get. Good stuff my friend!

 

[IdaGno]

Its weight considerably exceeds my comfort level.

 

[VERTIGGO]

with a cooler like that, how do you get fresh air directed to it? with my xp-120 i can blow fresh air straight into it and that seems the best way. do you need a duct or something?

 

[Zim]

Originally posted by: IdaGno
Its weight considerably exceeds my comfort level.

Isn't this one of the lighter of the "big heatsinks", with most of the weight at the base? Just over 1lb (665g) I believe.

I note that most reviews show that there is a sweet spot for most 120mm fans with this hsf that is at the low rpm end of the spectrum, usually around 1300rpm.

I bought one yesterday for $30 shipped from NewEgg (refurb). I'm looking forward to seeing how well it performs in my rig. Got this fan to use with it.

 

[kalrith]

Vertiggo,

I don't have a side duct or side case fan. I'm not sure how much that would help, since the top of the heatsink (pointed toward the side of the case) is solid and all of the fins are on the four sides of the heatsink. It seems that airflow across the fins would be required to cool the heatsink. My case has 2 80mm intake fans in the front bottom, one 80mm exhaust fan in the top, and 2 80mm exhaust fans in the back. The heatsink seems to benefit quite a bit from the two exhaust fans that are about four inches away and the psu intake fan, which is about two inches away from it. I have the fan on the side of the heatsink toward the front of the case blowing directly toward the exhaust fans in the back. Even with the fan on 1200rpm, I could still feel the airflow all the way by the exhaust fans. I think the exhaust fans are also what helps this heatsink run in fanless mode (which I don't do regularly, but tested nonetheless).

Zim,

That is one of the reasons why I purchase this heatsink. Overall, it weighs less than most of the large heatsinks out there. And with the majority of the weight in the base, it does not have the wrenching effect on the mounting bracket and motherboard. Also, that fan should work great with this heatsink. I read some reviews that showed negligible improvements in performance over 50cfm, so there's no need to run a hair-dryer-sounding fan in there. I personally am using this fan. I have found only a one-degree difference at load between running it at 1200rpm and 2400rpm.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

Originally posted by: kalrith
I have to say that I am immensely impressed by the Scythe Ninja heatsink. I had my P4 2.4C processor overclocked to 3.0GHz on an ASUS P4P800 Deluxe with stock voltage and cooling. The CPU, according to MBM5, would run at 29 idle and 59-61 load, with an ambient temperature of 20. I know that's too hot, but I've only been running it like that for a couple of months since I got Doom 3. I installed the new heatsink with a basic 120mm UV fan (69 CFM), and my temps went to 24 idle and 38 load! The best part is that there seems to be no difference in temperature between having the fan running at half-speed and full-speed. Just for kicks, I turned the CPU fan off, and the temperature only went up to 48 degrees while running Prime95! So, I then proceeded to up the vcore from default to 1.65v and the FSB from 250 to 280, resulting in a 3.36MHz clock speed. At the increased speed and voltage, the CPU temperature still does not exceed 41 degrees, and it ran Prime95 all last night.

So, if you're considering buying a new heatsink, definitely consider this one--especially if you appreciate a quiet (<20dB) setup.

eh....not a very good idea...?