Scythe Big Shuriken 4 Review: Compact SFF cooling for Mini-ITX

Scythe Big Shuriken 4 Review: Compact SFF cooling for Mini-ITX

This cooler is designed for the smallest Mini-ITX SFF systems on the market, with a height of just 67mm.

To transfer heat from the CPU to the heatsink’s fins, the Big Shuriken 4 incorporates six standard-sized copper heatpipes.

The cooler does not interfere with or overhang DIMM slots. All sizes of RAM, regardless of height, are compatible with this cooler.

Scythe includes its newest 15mm (height) fan, the Kaze Flex 120 II Slim AH, with the Big Shuriken 4.

1. AMD users will first have to remove the default mounting mechanism and then place the grey standoffs around the CPU.

2. Take the mounting brackets and place them on top of the standoffs, using the included screws to secure the brackets.

3. Apply thermal paste to the CPU. If you’re unsure of the best way to do this, you can follow our thermal paste application guide .

4. Press the heatsink against the mounting bars and use a screwdriver to secure it through the holes on top of the heatsink (in red below). You’ll want a thin screwdriver for this purpose, as larger ones may not fit.

5. The last step is to attach the fan’s PWM cord to the corresponding motherboard header.

My results may differ from others because I focus on outcomes that are comparable to real-world use. This means I test CPU coolers inside a closed desktop case, which increases cooling difficulty compared to other testing methods. Many test CPU coolers outside of a case on an open test bench. Open benches have lowered ambient temperatures, which in turn makes weak coolers appear stronger than they really are. Some publications have used generic thermal plates to test cooling solutions.

That being said, I am using my standardized testing setup for this review, which features a full-size case and motherboard. As with every review, your mileage may vary, as every case and its airflow are different. However, you may notice larger differences here, as I’m not testing in a Mini-ITX case.

Key considerations

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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.

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