Scythe and ASUS TUF Gaming have collaborated on a special edition of the Mugen 6 CPU cooler, launching initially in Taiwan on . The new cooler features co-branding with ASUS’s TUF Gaming series, incorporating aesthetic changes and minor functional improvements while maintaining a competitive price point.
Aesthetic and Functional Refinements
The Mugen 6 ASUS TUF ALLIANCE edition builds upon Scythe’s existing Dual Fan ARGB design. The most immediately noticeable change is the application of TUF Gaming’s signature military-themed patterns and logos across the cooler’s surfaces. Both black and white color schemes are available. Beyond the visual overhaul, Scythe has implemented anti-vibration pads on the Wonder Tornado 120 mm ARGB fans, a detail aimed at reducing noise and improving stability, particularly with modern PWM fan control profiles. The aluminum fin-stack on the heatsink has also received a new coating, intended to enhance durability and maintain a consistent appearance over time.
Notably, Scythe has opted to omit its own branding from the heatsink and fans themselves, a somewhat unusual decision for a co-branded product. The company has indicated that its logo may appear on the final retail packaging, but this remains unconfirmed.
Pricing and Availability
The revamped Mugen 6 is currently available in Taiwan at a price of NT$1790, which translates to approximately $57.10 USD. This pricing positions the cooler as an attractive option for users seeking a high-performance, aesthetically-aligned cooling solution without a significant premium. The initial launch is limited to the Taiwanese market, with no immediate plans for international availability announced.
Technical Details and Improvements
The core specifications of the Mugen 6 remain largely unchanged from the original Dual Fan ARGB model. The key updates center around the user experience and visual integration with TUF Gaming builds. The addition of anti-vibration pads to the Wonder Tornado fans addresses a common concern with high-performance coolers – resonance and noise. Modern CPU coolers often operate at higher fan speeds, making vibration damping increasingly important for a quiet computing experience.
The new coating applied to the aluminum fin-stack is intended to improve the cooler’s long-term appearance and resistance to wear. While the specific composition of the coating wasn’t detailed, it suggests a focus on durability and maintaining a premium aesthetic.
Context and Implications
Scythe is a well-established Japanese manufacturer of PC cooling solutions, known for its focus on performance and value. ASUS TUF Gaming is a popular brand within the PC gaming community, recognized for its durable and reliable components. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies, offering a cooling solution that appeals to enthusiasts building TUF Gaming-themed systems.
The absence of Scythe branding on the cooler itself is a curious design choice. While it emphasizes the ASUS TUF Gaming aesthetic, it potentially diminishes Scythe’s brand recognition. The final retail packaging will be crucial in addressing this, ensuring that Scythe’s contribution to the product is clearly acknowledged.
The Mugen 6 TUF ALLIANCE edition represents a trend towards greater aesthetic customization within the PC hardware market. Manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the importance of visual appeal, particularly for gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize the overall look of their builds. The success of this collaboration will likely influence future co-branding efforts within the industry.
Source: TechPowerUp
