Big blow-down CPU coolers seem to be making a comeback, at least if these new models from prolific heatsink maker Scythe are indicative. The brand also has a reputation for very quiet fans, so will Zipang 2 and Kabuto jostle into the monolithic lineup of tower coolers at the top of SPCR recommended coolers?
August 5, 2009 by Lawrence Lee and Mike Chin
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Product
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Kabuto CPU Cooler |
Zipang 2 CPU Cooler |
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Brand
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Scythe | |
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Street Price
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US$45~$50 | US$45~$55 |
Kabuto and Zipang 2 are Scythe’s largest down-blowing heatsink. This brand has a huge lineup of CPU coolers which seems to be expanding and changing constantly, but so many of its products fare very well in reviews, both ours and those by more pure performance oriented sites. Still, these products appear to be vying for the same market niche at the same price point — big top-down blower heatsink for the enthusiast. We decided to pair them up in a compare and contrast review.
Heatsinks with fans that blow down into the fins produce airflow
toward the motherboard and the various voltage regulation components around
the CPU socket. The additional airflow for these components can potentially increase energy efficiency
and prolong their life spans. Both AMD and Intel assume the use of down-blowing coolers in the thermal specifications of their CPUs and chipsets, and their stock heatsinks are down-blowers. This type of heatsink
sacrifices some CPU cooling performance compared to side-blowing tower designs, which work better in tandem with rear case fans to exhaust hot air
out of the system. Perhaps these big ‘uns from Scythe will reverse the trend.
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The photos above show the basic differences between the Kabuto and the Zipang 2. The total cooling surface area of the fins in each is quite similar; we’ll estimate the area later. But their different shapes and dimensions will have some impact on airflow impedance, and the size of the fans will also impact airflow and air pressure, which will have a bearing on cooling performance. Certainly, the fans will make the greatest acoustic difference, but the impedance of the fin stacks may also play a part.
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Kabuto & Zipang 2: Key Features
(from the product web pages) |
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Kabuto
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Zipang 2
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Our Comment
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| Top Mount Fan The Slip Stream 120 mm PWM fan mounted on top of the cooler is suited both to transport the heat of the CPU cooler away and to cool down sensitive components of the mainboard. |
Scythe Kaze Maru 140mm Fan By applying an original Scythe Kaze Maru fan, wider area of the components on the motherboard can be cooled compared to 120 mm fans while keeping low noise and high cooling ability for the CPU. |
120 vs 140mm. According to the specs below, the latter is quieter but pushes a bit less air. |
| M.A.P.S. (Multiple Pass-Through Airflow Structure) A completely new fin structure, where the airflow generated by the Scythe Slip Stream 120 mm PWM fan can be used perfectly. |
M.A.P.S. (Multiple Airflow Pass-Through Structure) The heatsink has been optimized to fully utilize the ability of the included Scythe original Kaze Maru 140 mm case fan. |
There are slits that divide the fin stack, effectively splitting them into multiple sections. This reduces resistance to airflow. This feature was first seen by SPCR in Scythe Mugen-2. |
| 4-Way Mounting By orientating the fixing holes of the mounting clips in a square, users can mount the heatsink in four different ways. |
Versatile Tool-Free Multiplatform System Newly developed & patented mounting mechanism “VTMS” allows user to install Zipang 2 CPU Cooler without any tools and hassle. |
Slightly different designs, same result: Versatile mounting, compatible with all current CPU sockets. Both use pushpins for Intel 775 and 1366, and clips for AMD sockets. Zipang 2 does not allow rotation of the heatsinks on AMD boards, but it is not critical for top-down coolers. |
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Scythe Kabuto & Zipang 2: Manufacturer’s Specifications
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| Model Name: | Kabuto | Zipang 2 |
| Model #: | SCKBT-1000 | SCZP-2000 |
| Manufacturer: | Scythe Co., Ltd. Japan | |
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Heatsink
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| Dimension: | 124 x 133 x 132 mm 4.88 x 5.24 x 5.20 inch (W x D x H, w/ fan) |
145 x 149 x 106 mm / 5.71 x 5.87 x 4.17 inch (W x D x H, w/ fan) |
| Weight: | 730 g (SPCR measured, with fan) | |
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Fan
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| Dimension: | Scythe Slip Stream PWM | Scythe Kaze Maru |
| Dimension: | 120 x 120 x 25 mm | 140 x 140 x 25 mm |
| Weight: | 115 g | n/a |
| Speed: | 300 ~ 1,300 rpm (regulated via PWM) | 1,000 rpm (±10%) |
| Noise Level: | 0 – 26.5 dBA | 0 – 22.74 dBA |
| Air Flow: | 0 – 74.25 CFM 0 – 126 m³/h |
0 – 51.43 CFM 0 – 87 m³/h |
| Bearing: | Sleeve | |
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Compatibility
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| CPU Socket | Intel LGA1366 Intel LGA775 (T) Intel 478 AMD AM3 AMD AM2+ AMD AM2 AMD 940 AMD 754 |
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KABUTO
The Kabuto looks similar to the Scythe
Andy, which was, until a year ago, the best down-blowing heatsink to
come into our labs. The Kabuto is bigger, taller, has copper instead of aluminum
heatpipes, equipped with a quality PWM fan, and features the MAPS fin stack design. “Kabuto” is the
name of the traditional helmet worn by Samurai — it’s an apt title as the
heatsink is bulky and top-heavy.
 Kabuto with all the mounting clips.
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KABUTO BASE & INSTALLATION
The most critical aspect of installation is for the heatsink
to be securely mounted. The more firmly it is installed, the better the contact
between the heatsink’s base and the CPU itself. It’s also less likely to fall
off. Ease of installation is also important — a simple mounting scheme
means less time spent installing, and a reduced likelihood of screwing up.
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ZIPANG 2
Zipang is an antiquated name for Japan, meaning “Land of the Rising Sun”. The original Zipang we reviewed last year, also with a 140mm fan, fared very well, losing out by only a couple of degrees to the Scythe Andy for best top-down cooler performance. Zipang 2’s main advancement is the MAPS fin stack design.
 Zipang 2 with all the mounting hardware.
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One side view…
…the heatpipes side view.
TESTING
Before thermal testing, we took some basic physical measurements.
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Scythe Kabuto & Zipang 2:
Approximate Physical Measurements |
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| Property | Kabuto | Zipang 2 |
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Weight
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600 g 730 g with fan and clips 750 g with fan, clips and mounting hardware |
590 g 730 g with fan and clips 750 g with fan, clips and mounting hardware |
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# of fins
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53 | 68 |
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Fin thickness
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0.31 mm | 0.31 mm |
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Fin spacing
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1.94 mm | 1.94 mm |
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Approx. area of main fin stack
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6042 cm2 | 6568 cm2 |
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Vertical Clearance
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60 mm (motherboard PCB to heatsink’s bottom fin) | 44 mm (motherboard PCB to heatsink’s bottom fin) |
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Comparison: Approximate Fin Thickness & Spacing
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Heatsink
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Fin Thickness
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Fin Spacing
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Scythe Ninja 2
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0.39 mm
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3.68 mm
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Thermalright HR-01 Plus
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0.45 mm
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3.15 mm
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Noctua NH-U12P
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0.44 mm
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2.63 mm
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Noctua NH-C12P
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0.47 mm
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2.54 mm
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Thermolab Baram
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0.44 mm
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2.52 mm
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Prolimatech Megahalems
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0.50 mm
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2.00 mm
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Xigmatek HDT-S1283
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0.33 mm
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1.96 mm
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Scythe Zipang 2
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0.31 mm
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1.94 mm
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Scythe Kabuto
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0.31 mm
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1.94 mm
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Scythe Mugen-2
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0.31 mm
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1.89 mm
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Zerotherm Zen FZ120
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0.37 mm
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1.80 mm
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Zalman CNPS10X Extreme
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0.42 mm
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1.50 mm
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Thermalright Ultra-120
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0.45 mm
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1.42 mm
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Testing was done according to our
unique heatsink testing methodology, and the included fan was profiled
using our standard fan testing
methodology. A quick summary of the components, tools, and procedures
follows below.
Key Components in Heatsink Test Platform
- Intel
Pentium D 950 Presler core, C1 stepping. TDP of 95W; under our test
load, it measures 78W including losses in the VRMs. - Asus P5Q-EM motherboard.
A microATX board with integrated graphics and short solid-state capacitors
around the CPU socket, and a diminutive northbridge heatsink for maximum compatibility. - Intel
X25-M 80GB 2.5″ solid-state drive. - 1GB
of Corsair XMS2 DDR2 memory. 2 x 512MB PC2-8500. - FSP Zen 300W
fanless power supply. - Arctic Silver
Lumière: Special fast-curing thermal interface material, designed
specifically for test labs. - Nexus 120 fan (part of our standard testing methodology; used when
possible with heatsinks that fit 120x25mm fans)
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Nexus 120mm fan measurements
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Voltage
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Noise
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RPM
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12V
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16 dBA@1m
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1100 RPM
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9V
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13 dBA@1m
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890 RPM
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7V
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12 dBA@1m
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720 RPM
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5V
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11 dBA@1m
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530 RPM
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Measurement and Analysis Tools
- Seasonic
Power Angel for measuring AC power at the wall to ensure that the
heat output remains consistent. - Custom-built, four-channel variable DC power supply, used to regulate
the fan speed during the test. - PC-based spectrum analyzer:
SpectraPlus with ACO Pacific mic and M-Audio digital
audio interfaces. - Anechoic chamber
with ambient level of 11 dBA or lower - Various other tools for testing fans, as documented in our
standard fan testing methodology. - SpeedFan, used to monitor the on-chip thermal sensor. This sensor is not
calibrated, so results are not universally applicable. - CPUBurn
P6, used to stress the CPU heavily, generating more heat than most
real applications. Two instances are used to ensure that both cores are stressed. - Throttlewatch
2.01, used to monitor the throttling feature of the CPU to determine
when overheating occurs.
Load testing was accomplished using CPUBurn to stress the processor, and the
graph function in SpeedFan was used to make sure that the load temperature was
stable for at least ten minutes. The stock fan was tested at various voltages
to represent a good cross-section of its airflow and noise performance.
KABUTO TEST RESULTS
Stock Fan Testing
The stock fan on the Kabuto is the same PWM model that shipped with the Mugen-2,
a PWM version of the 1200 RPM SY1225SL12M from the acclaimed Slip Stream series.
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Stock Fan Specifications
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| Manufacturer | Scythe | Power Rating | 2.16 W |
| Model Number | SY1225SL12LM-P | Airflow Rating | 74.25 CFM |
| Bearing Type | Sleeve | RPM Rating | 1200 |
| Frame Size | 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Noise Rating | 26.5 dBA |
| Hub Size | 1.41″ (35.9 mm) | Header Type | 4-pin PWM |
| Weight | 110 grams | Starting Voltage | ~5V |
| The data in the blue cells is provided by the manufacturer; we measured the data cited in the green cells |
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The fan that shipped with the Kabuto was slightly louder than one that came
with the Mugen-2, particularly in regards to bearing noise — it was not
as smooth. This is probably a result of variance or possible damage during shipping.
When we placed the Mugen-2’s fan on the Kabuto, it tested the same as previously,
so it was definitely the fan itself that was slightly “off” —
the heatsink it was mounted on did not affect our measurements.
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Fan Measurements
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Voltage
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Mugen 2 Stock Fan
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Kabuto Stock Fan
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SPL@1m
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Speed
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SPL@1m
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Speed
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12V
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24 dBA
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1340 RPM
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26 dBA
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1320 RPM
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10V
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15 dBA
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1020 RPM
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17 dBA
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1020 RPM
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9V
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12 dBA
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790 RPM
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13 dBA
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810 RPM
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8V
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11 dBA
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500 RPM
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11 dBA
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560 RPM
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Kabuto Fan Subjective Impressions:
@ 12V: The fan produces mostly turbulent noise with a bit of a low-pitched
drone.@ 10V: At this level, the noise drops significantly from 26 dBA@1m
to 17 dBA@1m. The acoustics are excellent with only a small amount of benign
turbulence, and slight buzz..@ 9V: The fan sounds fairly smooth, with some noise emanating from
the bearing at close proximity.@ 8V: Inaudible at one meter’s distance.
Cooling Results
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Scythe Kabuto w/ stock fan
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Fan Voltage
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SPL@1m
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Temp
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°C Rise
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°C/W
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12V
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26 dBA
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35°C
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11
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0.14
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10V
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17 dBA
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38°C
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14
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0.18
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9V
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13 dBA
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41°C
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17
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0.22
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8V
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11 dBA
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46°C
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22
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0.28
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Scythe Kabuto w/ reference 120mm fan
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12V
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16 dBA
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37°C
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13
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0.17
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9V
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13 dBA
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39°C
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15
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0.19
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7V
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12 dBA
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43°C
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19
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0.24
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5V
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11 dBA
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50°C
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26
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0.33
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| Load Temp: CPUBurn for ~10 mins. °C Rise: Temperature rise above ambient (24°C) at load. °C/W: based on the amount of heat dissipated by the CPU (measured 78W); lower is better. |
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The Scythe Kabuto performed extremely well for a top-down cooler, which are
typically perform poorer than vertically-oriented heatsinks. At 12V the CPU
temperature was 11°C above ambient, putting it in league with some of today’s
top heatsinks, though the noise level was much too high at 26 dBA. At 10V, the
fan was considerably quieter and performance suffered by only 3°C. At 9V,
it measured only 13 dBA which is effectively inaudible at one meter in most
environments. Cooling was reduced by another 3°C — the sweet spot for
the Kabuto is between 10V and 9V. At 8V, the fan was completely inaudible in
our anechoic chamber. The CPU temperature increased by an additional 5°C.
When paired with our reference Nexus fan, cooling efficiency was slightly better
(2°C) at the 13 dBA level. At 11 dBA however performance was in Scythe’s
favor, with a 4°C advantage.
ZIPANG 2 TEST RESULTS
Stock Fan Testing
The stock fan on the Zipang 2 is different from the one supplied with the original Zipang. Instead of the usual square boxy frame, the Kaze Maru 140mm fan uses a circular frame, presumably to reduce its footprint and weight. As a result, the mounting holes have the same spacing as on a typical 120mm box fan. The SY1425SL12ML does not appears among Scythe’s other retail Kaze Maru fans, and differs from the 1,200 rpm SY1425SL12M retail model in that its speed is slightly lower at 1,000 rpm.
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Stock Fan Specifications
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| Manufacturer | Scythe | Power Rating | 2.16W |
| Model Number | SY1425SL12ML | Airflow Rating | 51.43 CFM |
| Bearing Type | Sleeve | RPM Rating | 1000 |
| Size | 140 x 140 x 25 mm | Noise Rating | 22.74 dBA |
| Hub Size | 1.94″ (49 mm) | Header Type | 3-pin |
| Weight | 140 grams | Starting Voltage | ~2.5V (250 rpm) |
| The data in the blue cells is provided by the manufacturer; we measured the data cited in the green cells |
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This fan proved to be one of the quietest ever tested. We believe it is quieter than the original Zipaing fan, but since that unit was tested outside the anechoic chamber and is no longer in our possession, we cannot be certain. We can compare it with the 120mm fan on the Kabuto, however.
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Fan Measurements
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Zipang 2 140mm Fan
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Kabuto 120mm Fan
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SPL@1m
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Speed
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SPL@1m
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Speed
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–
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–
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24 dBA
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1340 RPM
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19 dBA
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980 RPM
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17 dBA
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1020 RPM
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14 dBA
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800 RPM
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13 dBA
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790 RPM
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12 dBA
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680 RPM
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–
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–
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<11dBA
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520 RPM
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11 dBA
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500 RPM
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At ~1,000 rpm, the Kabuto’s 120mm fan measured slightly lower, but at ~800 rpm, the two fans were about the same. Keep in mind that at the same rpm, the larger 140mm fan always pushes a bit more air.
Zipang 2 Fan Subjective Impressions:
@ 12V – 980 rpm: Mostly turbulence noise with minor complexities.
@ 9V – 800 rpm: The noise drops significantly
to 14dBA@1m, which is essentially inaudible. The acoustics are excellent, with no obvious tonalities, ticking or buzzing.@ 7V – 680 rpm: Audible only from extremely close up.
@ 5V – 520 rpm: Inaudible.
Cooling Results
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Scythe Zipang 2 w/ stock fan
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Fan Voltage
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SPL@1m
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Temp
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°C Rise
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°C/W
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12V
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19 dBA
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35°C
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13
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0.17
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9V
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14 dBA
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37°C
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15
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0.19
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7V
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12 dBA
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40°C
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18
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0.23
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5V
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<11 dBA
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49°C
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27
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0.35
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| Load Temp: CPUBurn for ~10 mins. °C Rise: Temperature rise above ambient (23°C) at load. °C/W: based on the amount of heat dissipated by the CPU (measured 78W); lower is better. |
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The Zipang 2 performed very well, a degree or two behind the Kabuto at each cooler’s highest fan speeds. With the Zipang 2 fan at full speed, the CPU
temperature was 13°C above ambient, just 2°C behind the Kabuto but much quieter at 19 vs 26 dBA@1m for the Kobuto. At 9V, the fan was already just about inaudible, and the performance dropped by only 2°C. Even at 7V, at a mere 12 dBA@1m, it performed well, with only an 18°C rise in temperature.
There was no point trying a Nexus 120 fan on this heatsink. The stock heatsink is as quiet or quieter and it moves more air.
COMPARABLES
The performance results of the Zipang 2 and the Kabuto are almost identical when the SPL is used as the reference. The Zipang 2’s cooling performance falls shy at the higher speed, but mainly because of the Kabuto fan’s much higher speed, which comes with a stiff noise price tag. When the fans on the two heatsinks are matched for <20 dBA noise, then the cooling performance is only marginally separated. With these smooth sounding fans, anything below ~ 15 dBA@1m as measured in our anechoic chamber is essentially inaudble; for 99% of users, no further noise reductions will be audible due to the masking effect of other noises in the environment.
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Cooling: Kabuto vs Zipang 2 w/ stock fans
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SPL
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Zipang 2
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Kabuto
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dBA@1m
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°C Rise
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°C Rise
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26
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–
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11
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19
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13
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–
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17
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–
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14
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14
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15
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–
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13
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–
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17
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12
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18
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–
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11
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27
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22
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°C rise Comparison: The Best of the Best
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Heatsink
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Nexus 120mm fan voltage / SPL @1m
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12V
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9V
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7V
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5V
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16 dBA
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13 dBA
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12 dBA
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11 dBA
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Prolimatech Megahalems
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10
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14
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17
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20
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Thermalright U120E
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12
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14
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17
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24
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Thermalright HR-01+
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13
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15
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16
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20
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Xigmatek HDT-S1283
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13
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15
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18
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22
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Scythe Kabuto
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13
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15
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19
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26
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Noctua NH-U12P
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14
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16
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17
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21
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Zalman CNPS10X Extreme
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14
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17
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21
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26
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Zerotherm Zen FZ120
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15
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16
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19
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24
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Scythe Mugen-2
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15
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17
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19
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23
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Noctua NH-C12P
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16
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18
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21
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26
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Scythe Ninja 2
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17
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18
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20
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23
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Subject Coolers with stock fans
(some cooling results extrapolated for SPL) |
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Scythe Kabuto
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14
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17
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18
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22
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Scythe Zipang 2*
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14
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17
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18
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27
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* Not tested with reference 120mm fan.
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The Kabuto is the best down-blowing heatsink we’ve tested, edging the previous top dog, the Noctua
NH-C12P. It also is the first down-blower to comfortably compete with
the best tower coolers of today. Using our reference Nexus fan, at 7V and above
it is a serious top 5 contender, almost matching the performance of the Xigmatek
HDT-S1283 and Noctua
NH-U12P.
At 5V it loses a lot of its performance probably due to its tight fin spacing.
If we were to judge it at that level alone, it falls about 5 spots tying the
Zalman CNPS10X and Noctua
NH-C12P. Fortunately the 5V level is a little unrealistic — for an average
user, the fan would be inaudible at 7V and below unless their system was only
a foot away from their head.
The Zipang 2 essentially matches the Kabuto in noise/performance with their respective stock fans at all levels under 20 dBA@1m. If it was equipped with a slightly faster fan, Zipang 2 would match the cooling performance of the Kabuto at full fan speed. It’s no surpruse, given all the similarities in design. Only the maximum fan airflow is different (in favor of the Kabuto) and the total fin area (in favor of the Zipang 2).
It’s a toss-up as to which is the better choice. Price, noise and cooling are all very similar, with a bit of a nod to the Kabuto for maximum cooling with a very hot CPU. On the other hand, the 1″ lower profile of the Zipang 2 may allow it to be used in smaller cases.
MP3 SOUND RECORDINGS
These recordings were made with a high
resolution, lab quality, digital recording system inside SPCR’s
own 11 dBA ambient anechoic chamber, then converted to LAME 128kbps
encoded MP3s. We’ve listened long and hard to ensure there is no audible degradation
from the original WAV files to these MP3s. They represent a quick snapshot of
what we heard during the review.
These recordings are intended to give you an idea of how the product sounds
in actual use — one meter is a reasonable typical distance between a computer
or computer component and your ear. The recording contains stretches of ambient
noise that you can use to judge the relative loudness of the subject. Be aware
that very quiet subjects may not be audible — if we couldn’t hear it from
one meter, chances are we couldn’t record it either!
The recording starts with 10 second segments of room ambiance, then the fan
at various levels. For the most realistic results, set the volume so that
the starting ambient level is just barely audible, then don’t change the volume
setting again.
- Scythe
Kabuto with stock Scythe fan at one meter
— 8V (11 dBA@1m)
— 9V (13 dBA@1m)
— 10V (17 dBA@1m)
— 12V (26 dBA@1m)
- Zalman
CNPS10X Extreme at one meter
— 6V (11~12 dBA@1m)
— 7V (12 dBA@1m)
— 7.5V (15 dBA@1m)
— 8V (27 dBA@1m)
— 9V (31 dBA@1m)
— 12V (37 dBA@1m) - Thermaltake
SpinQ at one meter
— 5V (16 dBA@1m)
— 7V (21 dBA@1m)
— 9V (27 dBA@1m)
— 12V (30 dBA@1m) - Zalman
CNPS9300 AT at one meter
— 5V on foam (18 dBA@1m)
— 5V (21 dBA@1m)
— 7V (25 dBA@1m)
— 9V (30 dBA@1m)
— 12V (37 dBA@1m) - Nexus
120mm Real Silent Case fan at one meter
— 5V (11 dBA@1m)
— 7V (12 dBA@1m)
— 9V (13 dBA@1m)
— 12V (16 dBA@1m)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Both Kabuto and Zipang 2 turned in very impressive performances. Kabuto is the first
down-blowing heatsink to displace some of the better side-blowing coolers on
our top performers list. Its cooling efficiency only becomes less than stellar
when the fan speed is reduced to ridiculously low levels. The Kabuto is also
about 13 cm tall, so it will fit in a some cases where a typical high performance 15-16cm tower
heatsink will not. Motherboard compatibility shouldn’t be an issue — if
its heatpipes get in the way of any board components, it can be rotated to avoid
interference.
It is fairly obvious why the Kabuto and the Zipang 2 are the best performing top-down airflow
heatsinks — their fans are excellent and the area of their cooling fins is enormous, greater than any others we’re aware of… except for Scythe’s own monstrosity, Orochi, which is so oversized that we’ve vowed never to review it lest skimming readers interpret the mere existence of the article as our tacit approval (even though we use one in a silent lab PC). The Kabuto is very tall,
and for the fan to work properly, it needs some clearance above, which means it really shouldn’t be considered any “shorter” than the big tower coolers — unless there is a vent in the case directly over the Kabuto’s fan. The height of the Kabuto also places the fan a fair distance above the motherboard components its airflow is supposed to help cool, and at very low speed, this design advantage
may become moot. A tower cooler, which can work more effectively in concert
with a case’s rear exhaust fan may be a better choice.
The 1″ lower height of the Zipang 2 and its virtually identical cooling performance makes it an obvious alternative when the Kabuto will not fit. However, it is slightly wider and deeper, and these dimensions need to be checked, especially where the CPU socket is very close to the edge of the motherboard.
Our real gripe about both of these heatsinks is Scythe’s typical mounting system —
bolt-thru designs are inherently superior. Bolt-and-spring mounting results in better performance
due to improved contact between the CPU and the heatsink’s base,
and makes for a more secure installation as well. We get nervous using the stock retention
mechanism for heatsinks that are heavier than about 600 grams.
The stock mounting systems’ only advantage is convenience, and with the Intel plastic push-pins, it’s really not that convenient either. (Scythe does offer optional bolt-through “stabilizer” kits for socket 775 and AMD K8/AM2 but the price is not right at over $10.)
In summary, Kabuto and Zipang 2 offer superb performance and excellent stock fans. If you believe
in the merits of top-down cooling, then their $45~$55 price-tags are more than reasonable. Even if
you don’t care about motherboard cooling, these coolers still match the performance
of many of today’s top tower heatsinks, at least on our open test bed. Well done, Scythe.
|
Scythe Kabuto
|
|
| PROS
* Superb performance |
CONS
* No bolt through mounting |
|
Scythe Zipang 2
|
|
| PROS
* Superb performance |
CONS
* No bolt through mounting |
Our thanks to Scythe
for the review samples.
Buy the Scythe Kabuto from Newegg.com
Note: Zipang 2 does not appear on Scythe’s US site and is hard to find in the US or Canada.
* * *
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