To install the Kamikaze, we need to remove the existing brackets around the motherboard. Before doing that, you will also need to remove the AMD bracket around the heatsink. The unit ships with the AMD socket designed brackets installed. Just unscrew the tiny screws on each side and it pops right out.
You will need to remove the stock Intel P4 retention bracket from your motherboard. This is a royal pain if you already have your system up and running. Good thing we're testing this on a brand new motherboard.
Once the brackets are installed, place the heatsink in the middle over the CPU. Slip the metal piece that is on the heatsink itself into position with the screw holes on the bracket.
Give it a few twist, but do not over tighten. If you see your motherboard bending and creaking, it's time to stop.
Our test bed for this review:
We're just going to test the temperatures at max and min fan speeds using the included expansion slot controller. Overclocking was out of the question for two reason. The 3.0C is basically at the top of the overclocking ceiling, you can't squeeze too much out of it on air cooling. Second reason being that this unit is designed to reduce noise, not to go on a bezerk bus speed rampage.
The temperatures were checked through the BIOS as well as through an external temperature probe near the CPU slug. Full load is achieved running numerous desktop apps like Photoshop, Firefox, etc. Also playing a few rounds of Tiger Woods Golf and Far Cry.
|
Scythe Kamikaze |
Fan Speed Low |
Fan Speed High |
| Ambient Temp. ~ 27C |
Idle |
Full Load |
Idle |
Full Load |
| |
44.8C |
48.2C |
42.2C |
46.5C |
The temps are not too surprising, not really mind blowing but it does the job. Most remarkable is the low fan speed. At that setting, noise is at an utmost minimum, which is great for the silent PC fanatic.
Overall, the price is right on this unit at about $35 USD. Add to the fact the ability to adjust speed/noise and you have quite a bargain here. Is it just me or does this unit remind me of the large Alpha units from a while back? Anyway...
Thanks to the QuietPC for the test sample. They have a ton of silent PC items to gobble up, give them a holler if you need anything.
