While I commend Scythe for releasing a very solid mid-tier heatsink in the Mugen 5 Black Edition, it sadly remains firmly in the shadow of the Fuma 2, which proves to be superior in just about every way. With that said, the Mugen 5 did do quite well when a second matching fan was added, where it passed the FPU OC tests, even if just barely. This is nothing to sneeze at as many coolers are not up to that challenge. However, with another fan, you are looking at a cooler that costs around $80, and there are better options at that price point. The cooler doesn't have the muscle to pass all the OC FPU tests in the single-fan default configuration.

The cooler will likely do quite well on lower-wattage or lower-core-count CPUs, but if you are using an octa-core CPU or better, I would opt for a higher-tier cooler. Looking at performance to size, it's a decent cooler, but the price to performance is where it falls flat. Suffice it to say, the Scythe Fuma 2 is the same price with better performance and noise levels. Other stealthy options, like the Zalman CNPS10X Performa Black, are relatively similar in performance and looks but roughly $15 less.

In terms of build quality, it is damn good all-around; while I wish the packaging were a bit more robust in regards to protecting the product, the cooler arrived safe and sound with no bent fins and a flawless finish out of the box. Additionally, the cooler's visual design will appeal to those who want something less over the top or dislike ARGB lighting.

The base has a bit of a bump in the middle, as noted during the quick razor blade test, and I suspect from past testing that this is why the cooler does better on Intel than AMD. Speaking of AMD sockets, the mounting hardware could also be improved. Like many coolers, the Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition has a simple but no less annoying mounting system that requires holding the AMD backplate in place and then sliding the screw through the mounting arm and plastic spacer in order to secure the hardware to the motherboard. When it comes to the Intel side of things, the backplate just slots in, after which you slide the spacers and brackets on and then tighten down the nuts with everything staying in place. The overall build quality is good, but there is still room for improvement regarding the minor details.

In the end, the Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition is a good-looking cooler that offers adequate performance. It just remains stuck in the Fuma 2's shadow on the performance front, as well as more budget-focused designs which provide far better value. Thus, it is the build quality and looks you are paying for here, and there is nothing wrong with that, but depending on your preferences, it is something to keep in mind.