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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 |
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
|
35°C
|
11
|
0.14
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10V
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17 dBA
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38°C
|
14
|
0.18
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9V
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13 dBA
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41°C
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17
|
0.22
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8V
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11 dBA
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46°C
|
22
|
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
|
0.17
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9V
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13 dBA
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39°C
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15
|
0.19
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7V
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12 dBA
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43°C
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19
|
0.24
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|
5V
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11 dBA
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50°C
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26
|
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. |
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.
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