Introduction

Bling, bright LED lights, unique fin designs, exotic metal plating and loud, high CFM fans. What do all these things have in common? They are common features that attract the masses into buying a certain cooler over another, purely based on looks alone. Every once in a while a manufacturer takes a step back and tries to improve on a more basic design and add a few extra features that aren't found on most CPU coolers on the market; taking the concept of a simple fin shape, basic use of common metals and from what I see on the internet, from previous users, really quiet fans as well. The company in question of taking this exact approach is Scythe.

Scythe is a young company that was started in 2002 in Japan. Back then they introduced the Scythe Kamakazi CPU cooler. This cooler made such a splash in Japans markets that Scythe shortly was in demand in the U.S. as well. In 2004 they brought their company to our side of the pond to meet this demand. Scythe has built quite a following from those who use their fans for various applications from use on radiators, to case fans, to replacing stock fans on other manufacturer's coolers. This following is based on Scythe fans having good airflow and a low noise level while doing so.

Today I have the pleasure of taking a look at the Mugen 2 CPU cooler from Scythe. Never personally purchasing any of Scythe's products previous to this review, I am sort of in the dark for firsthand knowledge of what their reputation is based on. What I have read in forums and seen in screenshots will be tested to our standards. Then we can see what all this "hype" is surrounding the Mugen 2 and hopefully shed some light for you and myself along the way.