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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 ambience, 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.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Ninja 2 is basically the equivalent of the Ninja
Copper, which it is poised to replace. The Copper version seems
to have been discontinued — it is no longer available at most retailers.
Ninja 2 is a very good heatsink, but isn't quite elite (e.g. top 5). Where it excels
is with very limited airflow; for instance, as a
passive cooler in a system with heavily undervolted fans. It you plan to
actively cool it, they include a fan from the Slip Stream line. While we
weren't able to test this fan personally, it likely has the same excellent acoustic
properties as the other Slip Streams.
Unfortunately, Scythe has decided to stick to their guns for mounting,
insisting that the stock mounting systems are adequate, even with tall
and heavy heatsinks like the Ninja line. While the push-pin system is not ideal, we had gotten
used to it... now the Ninja 2 comes along and makes it even worse. Previously,
LGA775 installation could be done without removing the motherboard — this is impossible with the Ninja 2, unless you also happen to be able to turn
water into wine and stone into bread. With convenience no longer a factor, implementing
a more secure mounting system should be a no-brainer. Scythe instead offers a "CPU
Cooler Stabilizer" kit with a back-plate as an accessory that we've seen advertised for nearly $20 at some web shops. In contrast, Thermalright offers a perfectly nice bolt-through kit for $7.
So is it worth your hard-earned money? For moderate to high airflow systems,
it's questionable. Some smaller, cheaper heatsinks can
do a better job, such as the Xigmatek
HDT-S1283 (and its clones), and the Zerotherm
Zen FZ120. As a very low airflow or passive CPU cooler, the Thermalright
HR-01 Plus and Noctua NH-U12P
are excellent choices, but they are more expensive. That's where the Ninja 2,
with its lower price tag and included fan, has a clear advantage. Ultimately
however, the question is whether the money you save is worth the agony
associated with the way it mounts.
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Scythe Ninja 2
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PROS
* Very good performance, especially with low airflow
* Slip Stream fan included |
CONS
* Enormous
* Poor mounting system |
Our thanks to Scythe
for the Scythe Ninja 2 heatsink sample.
* * *
Articles of Related Interest
Zalman 9300AT: Not me too, but me again
Noctua
NH-U12P Tower Cooler
Zerotherm
Zen FZ120 CPU Cooler
Noctua
NH-C12P: A Top-Down Cooler Rises Up
Thermalright
HR-01 Plus: 2nd Gen Killer Tower Cooler
Ninja Copper: Scythe's 5th
Year Celebration
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Discuss this article in the SPCR forums.
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