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TEST RESULTS
Stock Fan Testing
The stock fan is a PWM version of the SY1225SL12M from the acclaimed Slip Stream
series. We've been waiting a long time for Scythe to begin shipping their heatsinks
with PWM fans and it looks like they're finally starting to make the transition.
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Stock Fan Specifications
|
| Manufacturer |
Scythe |
Power Rating |
2.16 W |
| Model |
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 green cells is provided by the manufacturer;
we measured the data cited in the blue cells
|
Like many other PWM fans, the fan speeds drop off very quickly when the voltage
is decreased. We typically test fans at 12V, 9V, 7V, and 5V, but this particular
fan becomes inaudible in our anechoic chamber at only 8V, so we adjusted our
levels appropriately. The fan speeds at 12V, 10V, 9V, and 8V differ by 200-300
RPM, offering a broad range for testing.
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Fan Measurements
|
|
Voltage
|
Noise Level
|
Speed
|
|
12V
|
24 dBA
|
1340 RPM
|
|
10V
|
15 dBA
|
1020 RPM
|
|
9V
|
12 dBA
|
790 RPM
|
|
8V
|
11 dBA
|
500 RPM
|
Fan @ 12V: The fan produces mostly turbulent noise with a bit of a low-pitched
drone.
Fan @ 10V: At this level, the noise drops significantly from 24 dBA@1m
to 15 dBA@1m. The acoustics are excellent with only a small amount of benign
turbulence.
Fan @ 9V: The fan sounds smooth as silk, with almost no bearing noise.
At 9V the noise characteristics rival that of the Nexus fan.
Fan @ 8V: Inaudible at one meter's distance.
Overall the fan is excellent just like previous Slip Streams. As far as stock
fans go, it is one of the best acoustically.
Cooling Results
|
Scythe Mugen-2 w/ stock fan
|
|
Fan Voltage
|
SPL@1m
|
Temp
|
°C Rise
|
°C/W
|
|
12V
|
24 dBA
|
33°C
|
12
|
0.15
|
|
10V
|
15 dBA
|
35°C
|
14
|
0.18
|
|
9V
|
12 dBA
|
38°C
|
17
|
0.22
|
|
8V
|
11 dBA
|
45°C
|
24
|
0.31
|
|
Scythe Mugen-2 w/ reference 120mm fan
|
|
12V
|
16 dBA
|
36°C
|
15
|
0.19
|
|
9V
|
13 dBA
|
38°C
|
17
|
0.22
|
|
7V
|
12 dBA
|
40°C
|
19
|
0.24
|
|
5V
|
11 dBA
|
44°C
|
23
|
0.29
|
Load Temp: CPUBurn for ~10 mins.
°C Rise: Temperature rise above ambient (21°C) at load.
°C/W: based on the amount of heat dissipated by the CPU (measured
78W); lower is better. |
The Scythe Mugen-2 performed very well, though suffered noticeably when the
fan speed was lowered to about 500 RPM. At 12V the CPU temperature was 12°C
above ambient, putting it in league with some of today's top heatsinks. The
temperature increased by 2°C at 10V but was accompanied by a sizable decrease
in noise — it is fairly quiet and unobtrusive at this level. At 9V, performance
degraded by an additional 3°C, and then another 7°C at 8V. The noise
the fan generates between 9V and 8V (800~500 RPM) is inaudible unless the environment is almost
completely silent.
The stock fan fared well against our reference Nexus fan, an admirable feat.
At similar noise levels, the two fans performed within 2°C of one another.
There is really no reason whatsoever to consider replacing the included fan.
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