Scythe Mugen Max Review

Scythe Mugen Max Introduction:

Scythe have been around since 2002.  You may be most familiar with their cooling fans, but they also have an impressive line of fan controlers and CPU coolers. Now, I have to admit that I was only familiar with their fans, so the coolers are new to me.

The word Mugen is of Japanese origin meaning dream, fantasy, or infinite. The Mugen Max is the latest in the Mugen series that consists of several previous models; the Mugen 4 and Mugen 3 still being available. The progression that brings us today's Max, which is more refined, more efficient, and easier to install, began around 2007 with the release of the first Mugen. Fast forward to today and we have the Mugen Max with 6 large heat pipes and a 140mm GlideStream PWM fan. There doesn't seem to be an official price release, but it seems to be around $50; however, I have seen it close to $100 too — which is quite a range. There is a lot of worthy competition at both ends of price range. Let's take a closer look and see how the Mugen Max handles the heat.

Scythe Mugen Max Closer Look:

On the front of the box there is a large 3/4 view of the cooler from sort of a ground level up, giving it somewhat of a larger-than-life appearance. The Scythe logo along with the bold, colorful MUGEN MAX text and model number (SCMGD-1000) let you know exactly what is in the box. And there is a graphic letting you know that this cooler is Intel LGA 1150 ready. Across the top is another shot of the cooler, this time with the fan in view and a socket compatibility list, and a note that the installation guide and thermal paste are included.

The side panel has some nice photos and descriptions of the various features and the other (orange) panel shows the dimensional information and specifications in six languages.

The rear of the box has the warranty terms and safety reminders. It is interesting to see such detailed safety information. Of course there is nothing wrong with that — I have just never seen it posted in that manner.

When you open the box, there is a thin, open-cell foam pad on top, and as soon as you move it out of the way you see why it is there. It protects the highly polished top cover. Embossed on that top cover is the Scythe logo. There is a cardboard separator between the fan and the fin stack to keep them from rubbing together during shippment, and from some light scuff marks on the cardboard (and no damage to the cooler or fan), I would say that it does the job.

Opening the main hardware box and you are greeted by all the mounting hardware you need for the installation — including the base plate and base mounts for Intel and AMD installations, mounting screws, fan clips, and even a small wrench.

The instruction set is printed on the front and back of a single sheet and is quite thorough. The illustrations are clear and easy to follow.