X-bit labs

Scythe Andy Samurai Master and Enzotech Ultra-X Coolers vs. Overclocked CPUs (page 10)

Category: Coolers

by Sergey Lepilov

[ 03/08/2007 | 11:04 AM ]

Conclusion

From now on, two more air cooling systems can be deservedly counted among super-coolers.

The Scythe Andy Samurai Master is a very quiet, effective and easy-to-install cooler (and also the lightest one in this review). And although the numerous owners of Thermaltake’s Big Typhoon can be proud again because their cooler is no worse than the new Scythe in performance or price, I guess the new cooler from Scythe is going to find its customer, too. It’s sad it has limited compatibility with mainboards and may not be oriented properly in some system cases, but I just can’t seriously criticize the Andy Samurai Master, except for its somewhat steep price.

The main drawback of the absolute leader of today’s test, Enzotech Ultra-X, may be its unavailability. A company representative told me they were looking for distribution channels in Europe right now. Another drawback is the cooler’s limited compatibility with mainboards, and I suspect it cannot be installed on some mainboard models at all. Its fastening mechanism for the K8 platforms is wobbly, too, but this is all made up for by its unprecedented performance.

It’s now hard to imagine where the cooler manufacturers can progress further, but I hope there will be new ideas in the cooling systems field yet. Let’s just wait and see. And I personally have no fear of the next summer anymore!