Introduction

Scythe got their start back in 2002 and has since then quickly expanded, becoming a well-known manufacturer of PC-cooling products. They offer not only unique coolers, but fans and accessories which have earned them a dedicated following. Their firm commitment to quality likely has something to do with that too. Any PC enthusiast who has been around for at least a decade has at the very least heard of Scythe, which is likely due to their much beloved Gentle Typhoon fans. These fans were an enthusiast favorite for water cooling systems and really helped push Scythe into the minds of PC gamers the world over. Add to that their push to constantly update their current designs and you have a company that, while not flashy, has created their own niche in the market.


In today's review, I take a look at Scythe's Ninja 5. This update to the long-running Ninja series will certainly get a few inquiring looks. If not for its huge size and dual 120 mm fans, then maybe because said fans top out at just 800 RPM. Offering what should be a nearly silent operation, this update includes more than a few quality of life changes, such as the improved mounting system and cut away fins for better memory compatibility. In general, the Ninja 5 is shaping up to be a worthwhile successor to the Ninja 4, but before rolling out the red carpet, let's take a more in-depth look at Scythe's latest design and what it brings to the table.

Packaging

The behemoth that is Scythe's Ninja 5 comes in a small box when you take the cooler's size into account, measuring in at just 17.7 cm long, 21.5 cm wide, and 23.4 cm tall with the flap. A quick look at the front shows a simplified graphic of a ninja in the name along with a photo of the cooler. Socket compatibility is also shown on the front and includes LGA 2066 and AM4. The left side details the specifications for the heatsink and fans.


Warranty information is detailed on the back of the box in various languages, while the right side details the Ninja 5's features, including its H.P.M.S III (hyper precision mounting system III), high memory compatibility, etc.


Finally, the top of the box simply shows a close-up of the cooler's top plate and product name.

Contents

Opening the box, you will be greeted by another smaller box that contains the mounting hardware. Below it, the heatsink is encased in foam with the fans placed on either side in cardboard compartments. Overall, the packaging is vivid with its red and black coloring, but otherwise sparse in regards to protection. That is to say that while the heatsink is well protected, the fans don't see much love.


When it comes to the mounting hardware, Scythe uses a very simple design, which is good considering it works quite well. All the hardware necessary for every socket is included; that is, except for a backplate for AMD since Scythe repurposes the standard AMD backplate.

Common parts supplied for mounting include:

• 4x Spacers
• 4x Bolt nuts
• 4x Fan clips
• 4x Stud nuts
• 4x Screws for AMD
• 2x Mounting plates
• 2x 120 mm fans
• 1x Y-cable
• 1x Backplate
• 1x LGA775 spacer
• 1x Tube of thermal paste
• 1x Heatsink
• 1x Screwdriver
• 1x Installation manual