14 DAY TRIAL // Cooling solution specialist Scythe celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special model of Ninja CPU cooler. The anniversary Ninja models feature full copper heatsink fins, among some other small improvements.
The all-copper heatsink makes the cooler much more attractive as it is easier to spot out, even when covered by the included 120-millimeter SY1225SL12L fan that spins at 8000 RPM. Moreover, the active cooler is part of a new line of fans, nicknamed SlipStream. The CPU cooler comes bundled with all the mounting hardware except for a screwdriver to crack the CPU case open: a syringe of silver-based thermal compound, the required metal clips to attach the fan to the copper heatsink, and the installation instructions.
There is no obvious form or architecture change as compared to the original Scythe Ninja cooler. However, although it even features the same number of fins, the new material has surely added some significant burden on the CPU's shoulders. If the second version of the Ninja cooler would weigh only 640 grams, the copper edition slightly beats up the 1 kilogram threshold, let alone the fan.
One of the most annoying feature of the Scythe Ninja is that the copper fins are so thin that they can cut flesh like a blade while fastening the cooler over the processor, so taking extra care while touching it might spare you a few nicks. However, the copper fins are thicker than the razor-sharp ones in the regular edition, which means that they are also harder to bend.
The cooler is crossed by 6 U-shape copper heatpipes that originate from the base. The base is perfectly finished and reflects objects just like a mirror. The exquisite finish improves the heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler's base.
Installing the cooler is not so simple as it may seem. The device uses a backplate, so users will have to take the motherboard out of the case, but once this is accomplished, the rest of the installation process will go smoothly. The cooler is compatible with Intel's Socket 470 and Socket T / LGA 775, as well as AMD's Socket 754, 939, 940 and AM2.
