Scythe Minebea Cooling Fans
The Fans In Detail
Published: 17th April 2007 | Source: Scythe | Price: |
Scythe Minebea Range
The first thing that you'll probably notice is that the Scythe Minebea range comes with the moniker - 'Equipped with Silent IC'. Well what is 'Silent IC, I hear you ask...?
According to the Scythe website, 'Silent IC' is:
| These case fans come with special designed IC for PC usage and this successfully reduces the typical switching noise from a case fan. |
So essentially, the inclusion of Silent IC's could be explained simply as Scythe using pulse-width-modulation (PWM) on their cooling fans when performing at low noise levels by eliminating the power-switching noise of the fan. If you would like to know more about PWM, fell free to take a read here.
Secondly, you'll notice from the previous images that I've included, Scythe have gone with an high/middle/low naming scheme for their 120/92 and 80mm fans respectively. This feature is certainly very handy to have when looking for fans to suit the application; performance and silence connoisseurs have been catered for.
Another particular area of interest is that Scythe/Minebea have opted for 2 ball bearings instead of a fluid filled bearing that some manufacturers are opting for more recently. It will be interesting to see in the performance part of the review, as to whether this could be detrimental to the products performance, as part of the Minebea range is targetted at the silent PC enthusiast.
Anyway let's head over the page to see how both the Minebea fans and Mini-Kaze shape up performance-wise.
I have taken the liberty to show some comparisons between the blade structure of the Scythe Minebea and the recently reviewed Noctua 120mm and 80mm cooling fans. Both of the fans I have included here as a comparison, are similarly matched in RPM. The first thing that stands out is that Scythe has opted for a 9 bladed fan, which should stand it in good stead for increased CFM. Secondly, you'll notice that the Scythe's fins are noticably more cupped than Noctua's version.
Scythe Mini-Kaze
Low noise could be considered the standard feature of this fan, along with the versatile 2-pin to 3-pin connector that ensures the fan can be put to a multitude of uses. Idea for replacing the default fan attached to chipset, external HDD case or graphics card, this mini fan may well be idea to repace the generally noisy 40mm fans in your system.
Unfortunately I don't have another 40mm fan here to illustrate any differences between the Scythe Mini-Kaze and another brand. But, it's pretty much a regular 40mm regardless.
Scythe Mini-Kaze
Low noise could be considered the standard feature of this fan, along with the versatile 2-pin to 3-pin connector that ensures the fan can be put to a multitude of uses. Idea for replacing the default fan attached to chipset, external HDD case or graphics card, this mini fan may well be idea to repace the generally noisy 40mm fans in your system.
Unfortunately I don't have another 40mm fan here to illustrate any differences between the Scythe Mini-Kaze and another brand. But, it's pretty much a regular 40mm regardless.
Anyway let's head over the page to see how both the Minebea fans and Mini-Kaze shape up performance-wise.
Most Recent Comments
Awesome detailed review Peevs. Looks like they're a winner
Thanks Kemp I'm glad you liked it.
OOOOOOoooooooo
nice review, well done.
if i get a much bigger case for me next build, i'll consider these fans instead of the thinner S-Flex.
nice review, well done.
if i get a much bigger case for me next build, i'll consider these fans instead of the thinner S-Flex.
Very sweet fans, great review Matt as usual!!! Looks like I know which fans I'll be using for my next build. 
I bet those Ultra 3000's in push/pull around a triple 120mm rad would be amazing.
I bet those Ultra 3000's in push/pull around a triple 120mm rad would be amazing.Thanks weihk and Fraggles.
@ FragTek: Yeah those Ultra 3000 would work perfectly in a push/pull config. Just make sure you run them at 7v though aight
@ FragTek: Yeah those Ultra 3000 would work perfectly in a push/pull config. Just make sure you run them at 7v though aight
Nice review Matt....i fancy 3 of the 2000rpm Kazes for my pa120.3.
Thanks Mullet. Yeah the Ultra 2000's will get you rocking
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='PV5150'
Thanks weihk and Fraggles.
@ FragTek: Yeah those Ultra 3000 would work perfectly in a push/pull config. Just make sure you run them at 7v though aight |
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Scythe Ultra Kaze