Scythe Katana III (announced)

Munters · Post by **Munters** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:03 am

The Scythe Katana III Cpu cooler appeared on the Japanase Scythe site.

With dimensions of 94x108x143 and a weight of 495 g it's relatively small.
The 92mm fan (PWM controlled) is specified at 6.7 - 55 cfm (7 - 31 dBA).

It's build diagonal, tilted by about 30 degrees, so it will probably cool some parts of the motherboard too.

jhhoffma · Post by **jhhoffma** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:28 am

Some images for those the want to see...

And probably the most telling picture of all!!!

NO BOLT-THROUGH!!!

jessekopelman · Post by **jessekopelman** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 12:45 am

At the price point this one sells at (Katana 2 is < $25), why would you expect a bolt-through kit? Also, this is Scythe we are talking about, so again, why would you expect a bolt-through kit?

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 1:14 am

jessekopelman wrote:At the price point this one sells at (Katana 2 is < $25), why would you expect a bolt-through kit? Also, this is Scythe we are talking about, so again, why would you expect a bolt-through kit?

Because Mugen 2 supllied with bolt-thru kit for both AM2/+ and LGA 775... but that is slightly different price category though.

jhhoffma · Post by **jhhoffma** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 6:19 am

thejamppa wrote:
jessekopelman wrote:At the price point this one sells at (Katana 2 is < $25), why would you expect a bolt-through kit? Also, this is Scythe we are talking about, so again, why would you expect a bolt-through kit?
Because Mugen 2 supllied with bolt-thru kit for both AM2/+ and LGA 775... but that is slightly different price category though.

Exactly, though I don't really expect one, it would be nice.

jessekopelman · Post by **jessekopelman** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 2:03 pm

jhhoffma wrote: Exactly, though I don't really expect one, it would be nice.

Sure it would be nice, but your first post made a big deal of it not having one. I could see your point if it were a $50 cooler, but it will probably retail for half that.

jhhoffma · Post by **jhhoffma** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 10:38 am

Yeah, I guess, my emphasis was for the fact that we had all kinda hoped we would seen B/T kits with Scythe's lineup in the future after the Mugen came out, but your point is a good one.

maf718 · Post by **maf718** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 6:27 pm

To be fair to Scythe, I don't think it's a price issue as much as a weight issue. Can you think of any <500g coolers that come with a bolt through kit as standard?

The Mugen 2 weighs 375g more than the Katana 3, that's why it gets a bolt through kit included.

jessekopelman · Post by **jessekopelman** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 2:27 pm

Eh, if I'm a manufacturer price is my main concern. I almost have to include push-pins at this price point, including another option significantly eats into my profit margin. The weight thing is useful justification. My point is that as a consumer you should expect to get what you pay for and not overlook a very good value just because it's not a great value. To have not coming with a bolt-through kit as a primary complaint against a $25 HSF would be like complaining that a $20,000 car doesn't come with run-flat tires.

maf718 · Post by **maf718** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:35 pm

Apologies if I didn't make myself clear. The point I was trying to make was that the Katana is relatively small and light, and as such you wouldn't reasonably expect it not to use pushpins as standard. That's not a criticism, I am sure the Katana 3 is good value.

I believe Scythe's current policy is to include backplate mounting for socket775 with new coolers "coming in 2009 which are heavier than it is good for the PushPin-system". The Mugen 2 is the first example which falls into this category but the katana does not qualify.

Obviously price and cost considerations come into play too; I guess this is why the Ninja 2 comes with pushpins when it really needs a backplate. (

maybe they should re-re-re-release it to include the backplate?)

Plekto · Post by **Plekto** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:29 pm

I've used a similar weight cooler on my ex's machine for over a year now with just those push-pins. No issues at all.

xen · Post by **xen** » Mon May 25, 2009 3:28 pm

Does anyone have any experience with the new Katana3?

Is it still possible (as with the Katana 1) to choose the mounting direction on any platform? (My concern is Socket AM2)

Vibrator · Post by **Vibrator** » Sun May 31, 2009 10:39 am

It doesn't look too effective.

http://xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/di ... eeven.html

Gelid Silent Spirit appears to be a better choice