Scythe Ultra Kaze 120mm Fans

Introduction

Published: 8th December 2007 | Source: Scythe-EU | Price: US$12.00 | Author: Matthew Fogg

Introduction

Scythe are a name synonymous with aftermarket cooling enhancement products. I would like to wager that there aren't too many PC enthusiasts who hadn't at least seen, owned or heard about this well known Japanese based company's products. But who are Scythe, and what do they do?

Scythe Co., Ltd., began its operation and business in November, 2002 as a distributor and manufacture of PC parts & gaming devices for “DIY PC Experts!”. Scythe’s first venture was to manufacture a super powerful YET super quiet CPU cooler (Scythe Kamakaze CPU cooler), and with the great success of this Kamakaze CPU cooler, Scythe became recognized as the leading CPU cooler supplier in Japan’s Akihabara Electric Town. Shortly there after, due to popular demand, Scythe began exporting products all over the world.

Today I have been given the opportunity of reviewing Scythe's latest product: the Scythe Ultra Kaze 120mm Fan/s. Only recently released, the fans promise more air flow and an increase in static pressure which should make these the perfect candidates for heat sink and radiator cooling duties.

The Scythe Ultra Kaze range of 120mm fans are available in 3 different flavours: 1000 RPM, 2000 RPM and 3000 RPM versions.

Will these be the next 'must have' item on the air cooling and water-cooling enthusiasts shopping list? Well follow with me as we seek to answer that very question. Let's make a start by looking at the Ultra Kaze' specifications.

Specifications

The specifications for the Scythe Ultra Kaze range have been taken directly from the Scythe-EU Product Page

Model name:
Kaze 120mm (1000rpm/2000rpm/3000rpm)

Model:
DFS123812L-1000 (1000rpm Version) DFS123812L-1000 (1000rpm version)
DFS123812L-2000 (2000rpm Version) DFS123812L-2000 (2000rpm version)
DFS123812H-3000 (3000rpm Version) DFS123812H-3000 (3000rpm version)

Manufacturer: Scythe Co., Ltd. Japan Scythe Co., Ltd.. Japan

Measurements: 120 x 120 x 38mm (HxBxT) 120 x 120 x 38mm (HxWxD)

Specifications:
19,81dBA / 44,44CFM / DC12V / 0,25A (1000rpm Version) 19.81 dBA / 44.44 CFM / DC12V / 0.25 A (1000rpm version)
32,91dBA / 87,63CFM / DC12V / 0,25A (2000rpm Version) 32.91 dBA / 87.63 CFM / DC12V / 0.25 A (2000rpm version)
45,90dBA / 133,60CFM / DC12V / 0,60A (3000rpm Version) 45.90 dBA / 133.60 CFM / DC12V / 0.60 A (3000rpm version)

Weight: 225g

Connection: 3-pin (4-pin adapter is attached)

Cable length: 30cm

Storage: Bearings

MTBF: 30,000 hours

The Scythe Ultra Kaze' range certainly looks very good on paper. However, the MTBF estimation is extremely low even for a bearing fan. Scythe's Minebea range of cooling fans utilised bearings and had a MTBF of some 160,000 hours. Big difference!

Anyway let's head over the page to see what all the fuss is about...

Most Recent Comments

08-12-2007, 11:06:18

PV5150

Scythe recently released a line of cooling fans marketed as being able to provide higher static pressure - the Scythe Ultra Kaze. Well being Overclock3D we decided to test the hell out of them to see if they really can deliver....

[IMG]http://www.overclock3d.net/gfx/articles/2007/12/02105417241s.jpg[/IMG]

Scythe Ultra Kaze

08-12-2007, 11:22:40

Kempez

Awesome detailed review Peevs. Looks like they're a winner

08-12-2007, 13:09:05

PV5150

Thanks Kemp I'm glad you liked it.

08-12-2007, 14:08:50

weihk

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.

08-12-2007, 15:30:31

FragTek

Very sweet fans, great review Matt as usual!!! Looks like I know which fans I'll be using for my next build. :D I bet those Ultra 3000's in push/pull around a triple 120mm rad would be amazing.

08-12-2007, 15:57:18

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 ;)

09-12-2007, 13:01:11

Mullet

Nice review Matt....i fancy 3 of the 2000rpm Kazes for my pa120.3.

09-12-2007, 13:33:57

PV5150

Thanks Mullet. Yeah the Ultra 2000's will get you rocking ;)

09-12-2007, 14:29:03

FragTek

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 ;)

U know me peevs, I'd be tryin to run em all at about 18v :rocker: