CONCLUSION

   When we first took the Mugen 5 out of its box and compared its specifications with the Mugen MAX we didn’t think it would perform on par or better compared to the second. Sure total surface is slightly increased and the 120mm fan produces higher static pressure but the 140mm fan of the Mugen MAX produces higher airflow levels so we just weren’t certain. Of course Scythe wouldn’t release a new CPU air cooler in the Mugen line if it wasn’t at all better compared to its predecessor but well you never can be 100% certain about anything. So after wrapping up all our tests we can say with certainty that the Mugen 5 is just as good as the Mugen MAX and even just a tad better without producing higher noise levels (on the contrary actually it’s less audible at load something which we didn’t expect from a smaller fan). However it goes without saying really that if you’re a “proud” Mugen MAX owner then you have no real reason to even check the Mugen 5 out.

   As I type these lines the Mugen 5 CPU Cooler by Scythe retails for just USD51.95 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 46Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price tag which is almost a direct match to what the Mugen MAX currently goes for. At the end of the day the Mugen 5 is among the best CPU air coolers currently in the market not only because of its excellent cooling efficiency (price/performance ratio) but also because of its zero clearance design and easy to install mounting hardware and those are more than enough for us to give it our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Excellent Performance
- Zero Clearance Issues with Most Mainboards
- Easy Installation (H.P.M.S II)
- Noise Levels
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Size (For Some)