CONCLUSION

   It so happened that the same time we tested the NH-L9i Chromax.Black by Noctua we also tested the Big Shuriken 3 by Scythe and so if you saw both coolers next to each other you’d see that the name of the latter is well justified. Because of its size however (not the largest low-profile CPU cooler in the market but also far from the smallest one also) and the high-speed 120mm fan used the Big Shuriken 3 produces cooling efficiency levels not many low-profile models can. On top of that its slim 120mm fan is no more audible than the 90mm fan used with the NH-L9i something which I expect will matter quite a bit for people who are looking to equip their HTPC system with a new CPU cooler.

   At the time of this review the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 CPU Cooler (SCBSK-3000) retails for USD46.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 48Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which is just about right for what you’re getting. Yes, there are better low-profile CPU cooler models in the market currently like the Shadow Rock LP model by be quiet! but they are also larger and so if size is an issue for you the Big Shuriken 3 could be your way out and that’s why we strongly recommend checking it out.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Cooling Efficiency
- Low Profile (69mm)
- Zero Interference (Mainboard Components / RAM)
- Noise Levels

CONS

- Overall Size (Compared To Other Low Profile Models)