Scythe Big Shuriken 3 CPU Air Cooler Review

A Closer Look

The first thing that strikes you about the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 is just how small it is. Standing at no more than 7cm tall, its profile is similar (if not smaller) than many stock coolers.

The fan itself comes out of the box physically attached to the cooler. Although this can be removed (via 4 Phillips head screws), there is no real logical purpose to do this beyond the occasional deep clean.

The underside of the cooler shows you that despite its small stature, this has a lot of radiator space. This has been designed to perfectly fit the fan and provide the best coverage possible.

As a completed unit, you’ll remark at the slimline design of the cooler. Despite this, however, Scythe has still managed to pull off some nice aesthetic touches.

One of the main key features (and attractive points) is the RAM compatibility. With its recessed design, this shouldn’t prove to have any issues regardless of how fat or chunky your memory is. In the unlikely even that clearance is an issue, you do also have the option to install this cooler the over way around. The flat edge is guaranteed to give you no problems.

Overall, at least in terms of the presentation, the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 looks a nice solid unit. This, despite its small size. Its reassuringly hefty to hold and, if we’re being honest, looks a huge step up in terms of most stock-cooler designs.

Contact Plate

The contact plate has a nice, large, flat, smooth surface which should provide excellent coverage regardless of your processor type. With, of course, the exception of TR4 chipsets.

With 5 main pipes leading away, this is more than you might expect. They are, of course, limited to only ‘leading away’ from one edge of the contact plate which may impact upon it having the best heat dissipation. With a design as slim as this, however, compromises nearly always have to be made.

Fan

As we noted earlier in the review, the fan comes pre-attached to the radiator via 4 screws. As a Kaze Flex design, we have seen these fans in the past and have never failed to be impressed.

Although it doesn’t carry any RGB features if you wish to learn more about their fans you can check out the link here!

Overall

Having taken a closer look at the key components of this cooler, the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 gives us no concerns. It looks exceptionally solid and, in addition very well designed.