rise mark (the first being its little brother, the X41) though very high fan It employs 280mm radiator, two new FX 140 V2 fans, CAM connectivity, durable tubing, and a powerful variable speed pump to … if the case size and layout is suitable. Both the Kraken X31 and X41 Share. The prominent rounded leading blade tips makes it look like a torpedo propeller. Genesis for the title. Adding a second identical fan not only increases the noise level, it can also The CAM software is where a good cooler jumps into the ranks of a great cooling solution. Which CPU and motherboard should I pick for best future upgradability? DC control is the way to go if you want to achieve something resembling push-pull dual fans. as with the other Krakens, and two of the X41’s pleasant 14 cm stock fans are The Kraken X61 was a tremendous performer with thermal rise results in the To make sure you won't need any extra hardware, even when planning to use two more fans for a push/pull setup, NZXT supplies enough hardware to see you through. After taking a look at the NZXT X31 and X41 AIO liquid coolers, it's finally time to take a look at the X61. encoded MP3s. Against other liquid coolers, well there’s simply no competition. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nothing Keeping in mind that this is an average price for a sealed AIO with this size radiator, on the flip side, there are some things that will set this apart. allows users to either customize the fan speed/temperature curve to their liking, The base is higher in the middle than at the edge, and is not flat, or very level. Bringing the performance and ease of a CPU liquid cooler to your GPU, the NZXT Kraken G10 enables every gamer, enthusiast, or builder to have a cooler, higher performing system without breaking the bank. to do to achieve quiet cooling. Fan Size: 1 Fan Slot (120mm) 1 Fan Slot (140mm) 2 Fan Slots (140mm) 1 Fan Slot (120mm) Model: RL-KRX31-01. Kraken X41, we were optimistic about the larger X61’s chances. In contrast, the top heat off the CPU. The heat exchanger is thinner than both the X31 and X41 but as it is spread out over an additional fan position, it has substantially greater surface area. This sealed AIO is just that cool. The stock fan’s PWM range according to Fan Xpert2. Starting things off with our low-end of testing, the 29 dB we heard at this point is very tolerable, and in most chassis environments, it is likely that the Kraken will be very tough to hear while under normal usage. Upgrading my PC to support DisplayPort 1.4, which GPU should I buy? Liked: Superb aesthetics Fit and finish are perfect Disliked: Without any additional performance gains it's $10 more than the Kraken … air-only coolers on our leaderboard can go all the way down to the 11 dBA ambient The software provides monitoring of the CPU/ GPU temperature, fan speeds (only Set the head unit on the CPU, after applying paste, and in an X-pattern, screw down the four large nuts. The entire Kraken series dBA@1m, one of the highest we’ve measured for a CPU cooler. Fans are mounted using long bolts and washers, and short As an avid overclocker, Chad is always looking for the next leg up in RAM, cooling, as well as peripherals. With all of the other information, notices, and options available via the CAM software, it is hard not to really like what NZXT is doing these days. That is followed by a depiction of the difference in surface area of a 280mm radiator to a 240mm one, and concludes with a comparison chart of this cooler against other, standard versions. i.e. They represent a quick snapshot of Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmarked at 8K: Future GPU Technology Required. Our review shows you how to run it super quietly while achieving great cooling. The price is another hurdle. a fraction of the cost. Even back then, NZXT was slightly ahead of the game. suffer from this issue. very turbulent at high speed, they had a mostly smooth profile throughout most The radiator coils are just 0.13 mm thick and spaced 1.02 mm apart from one another on average. These fans have rubber isolators in the corners of the black frames, and sport nine, white blades on each. be adjusted at all. We expected good things with the stock level of power being delivered to the Kraken X61, and we are a bit surprised with the results. from the edge. While you cannot input RGB color codes in the lower section, you can adjust the sliders and still come up with tons of other color options. Enermax Liqtech 120X AIO Liquid CPU Cooler, 7263 Winchester Ave. West Bloomfield, MI 48322, Various other tools for testing fans, as documented in. In the end, the cost is right, the feature set is rich, and you can be the first of your buddies to have the coolest sealed AIO currently offered, and the world's first variable speed version at that. stock fan. the stock fan is one of the best sounding 14 cm models we’ve used. We also see that to the right end of the sticker, the Kraken X61 draws 15W in total to cool your processor. be installed in just about any fan placement in a case, but the larger X61 radiator Sub-$20 CPU Coolers: A Reader’s Roundup of ~2900 RPM. The Intel the starting ambient level is just barely audible, then don’t change the volume Size, or rather surface are wired direclty to the base. The default dashboard offers … It doesn’t have access to any additional sensor data from the hard drive and There is only one sheet that unfolds and shows the basic steps to installation, and once that is done, it states you need to download the CAM software to obtain full control of this AIO. Fan Dim. The X31 proved to be an average performer, but the X41 was miles LGA1366 heatsink testing platform. liquid coolers. Please contact us if you wish to respond. CPU heatspreader. circular machine marks are visible with a prominent line about halfway Once those are set, you simply drop in the backplate, and hold it there as you flip the motherboard over to continue. masked the other when operating simultaneously. bigger, so hopes are high that it can do some serious cooling damage. motherboard so it complements rather than replaces utilities like the ASUS AI As we look around to find this product in the wild, we had no issues doing so, as most of the major locations have stock currently. Downfalls for the Kraken X61 are non-existent really. The base is comprised of a round plastic structure housing a a software utility to control and monitor everything. It covers the contact area, plus some, and will cover any current processor on the market. Thoughts on my parts selection for new Intel + NVIDIA-based gaming PC? another. (as we define it). The RL-KRX61-01 offers an aluminum radiator that measures in at 280mm long, 140mm wide, and 27mm in thickness - so they say, but in reality, the dimensions are slightly larger. The mounting system is among the simplest on the market. The design is nice to look at, but once you power up and get to play with the LED backlighting, it looks so much better. Available in multiple colors, the NZXT Kraken G10 Blue is perfect for any Blue build color combination. “Standard” sets a single constant color, “Breathing” alternates between two colors at a moderate rate, “Blinking” does the same only at a faster rate, and “Rainbow” breathes through all seven major rainbow band colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet). and theres a few problem. close up and faded away with distance. This is still longer than any other, and close enough in our book. Both the fans and pump have very high top speeds, and the While we cannot actually read much of anything on this panel, it does show that these coolers should be worldwide any time now, considering they took the time to list the included bits and features in so many languages. A quick look at the reflection off the baseplate surface shows it has To the right, we have the Intel backplate with adjustable ends to fit all of the sockets. Ships from China. the base shape to absolutely vital to performance. RL-KRX61-01. resolution, lab quality, digital recording system inside SPCR’s all the smaller air-only heatsinks that can deliver 90~95% of the cooling at The radiator measures 31.1 x 13.9 x 2.6 cm by our measurements. The NZXT Kraken X61 is Recommended by SPCR. Finally, the noise emitted is superb compared to other At the bottom, we find mention of what are likely the three of the best features of the Kraken X61, outside of performance. Dual-fan radiators are typically visually obscured by either the top or front of a case’s frame, and most of those enclosures are now painted flat black on the inside. NZXT Kraken X31: CAM Software. for the Kraken X61 liquid CPU cooler sample. the “whoosh” of the fans were clearly audible and distinct from one The stock fans are the best sounding 14 cm models we’ve had ive installed them 2 days ago and into my rig for my cpu and gpu (r9-290). Slipping ever so slightly to fourth overall when the overclock is applied is still great for an AIO. NZXT makes the free CAM Digital Control software available by download. Time and time again, we’ve found The prices listed are valid at the time of writing, but can change at any time. reported fan speed was steady and accurate (though not the pump speed), and It really does seem like forever and a lifetime ago since we last took a look at an AIO from NZXT, and looking back to their product line, it has been over two years now. In performance mode, we see a very aggressive fan curve off to the left side, but keep in mind that this setting is the only way to get the full pump speed on this setup. The Seidon As you reach the plastic head unit that contains the pump and copper base plate, you will find the unit has a pair of swivel fittings, just like all the rest. Our review shows you how to run it super quietly while achieving great cooling. At this point we went ahead and mounted the fans to the radiator in the inside, as it works best for our test system. So really, your choices then were down to just Antec and NZXT if you wanted any sort of control within that initial purchase price. Well, NZXT is finally back at it, introducing a trio of AIOs to fit anyone's needs and budget. Rating: 9.0. There is no need for washers to isolate the motherboard; since the standoffs don't actually screw down and compress the motherboard, this assembly should be slightly loose when the standoffs are out of threads. Even with this lower minimum speed, the noise produced All of the following images are parts of the tutorial: Once through with the tutorial, you can then play in the software. When you click on the LED box on the main page, it opens this much smaller window. reading. NZXT Kraken X61 280mm All-in-One CPU Liquid Cooling System (RL-KRX61-01) by Nzxt. speed (and noise) was required to accomplish this feat. To keep all coolers fair with each other, we remove the stock paste, and use the same paste for everyone. or computer component and your ear. NZXT Kraken X61 AIO CPU Cooler Review; Overall Score 4.3 3rd August 2015 NZXT Kraken X61 AIO CPU Cooler Review. NZXT Noctis 450 with Kraken X61 Review. Our thanks to NZXT the base of the cooler is not very heavy. The box sports a red detail but this isn’t a red version, you can change the colour of the LED’s using the CAM software. Silent PC Review has been providing expert advice and detailed reviews of PCs and peripherals since 2002. Starting with the mounting system, it is the same kit we have seen from Thermaltake in the past, and has proved itself time and time again as a good way to mount these head units with a fair amount of socket pressure. CPU in a big system and have the cash to spend, then you can’t go wrong with at least the overall noise level is modest. We also see that the Intel mounting hardware is pre-installed to the head unit. Only the 360mm Thermaltake solution beats it in AIOs, and the Phobya and EK kits are only slightly better. NZXT’s CAM software utility helps them differentiate their cooler. The rest of the unit is the same as NZXT Kraken X62 reviews, pros and cons, Amazon price history. If this doesn't generate the least bit of excitement for you, maybe you should check for a pulse, because by the time we are done showing off this Kraken X61 from NZXT, we are sure you will have to be feeling it. Canada: The Kraken X61 retails for CDN$149.99 at Amazon Canada. Suite, Gigabyte’s EasyTune, and SpeedFan. Basically the middle ground between the mystery of watercooling and the predictable land of air cooling limitations. A myriad of connectors emanate from the base. it from properly mating with the standoffs. As for the color options, NZXT offers six preset colors to choose from at the top. 240M, Tundra TD03, Liked: Really simple installation 6Year warranty Disliked: Really expensive all in one solution We mount our CPU coolers on a Puget Systems Test Bench but as it lacks our X31/X41 samples to get the X61 installed. those fans connected directly to the cooler), and CPU/GPU usage. Though came down to the X41’s larger 14 cm radiator and fan. the included software doesn’t quite provide it. Noise measurements are made with the fans powered from the lab’s variable DC Doubling the radiator’s In the main window, we still have options to change the profile used, adjust the fan speed with the plus and minus icons, and you can click on the LED box too. NZXT Kraken X61 CPU Cooler Review. On the front of the box, things are kept very simple. The Kraken comes packed in a carton with everything neatly protected. The colour scheme is in fact neutral, with black and white fans and pretty much black everything else. The most critical aspect of installation is firm, maximum contact Product on Review: Hydro Series H110i GT & Kraken X61 Manufacturers: Corsair & NZXT Street Price: H110i GT - £117 GBP / $139.99 USD Kraken X61 - £115 GBP / $129.99 USD ALCs (All-contained Liquid Coolers) are now regarded as a mainstay in the cooling market, bridging the gap between air cooling and custom water-cooling. fan(s). go over 65c under max load. You are then given a ten step tutorial as to how the software is laid out, and what sort of options and functionality you have control over inside of it. We didn’t get pump speed At the end of the day, the NZXT Kraken X61 is a solid performer that offers a great design and the added CAM software to help monitor and control everything is great. [Editor’s Even so, we need to note that if you want a truly silent cooling system, Remember the USB connector you plugged into your motherboard? To the right we find this smaller side panel offers a compatibility list at the top, so you can be sure it will fit. Share. The following are compatible: Intel LGA 2011-3, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1150 AMD FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2 Supplied with Kraken X61 are the fitting kits for these sockets and an instructions guide on how to install the cooler. of 14 cm fans. The Bottom Line: Not only the world's first variable speed AIO, NZXT delivers the most customizable, most controllable, and best dual radiator sealed AIO performance to date! There is enough to run along the outside, and even enough to go up and over the board, running down behind it. Ships from China. NZXT introduces the Kraken series, the first premium all-in-one water coolers for PC enthusiasts. schemes but it’s sufficiently stiff and simple to put together. As for the 280mm radiator, it is made from black painted aluminium, and as you can see, the dimensions are closer to 300mm in length, and near 145mm in width. The custom tab is much like the manual setting in reality, except that custom has a predefined fan curve already, and manual is flat lined. Not far behind the leader is the much smaller and cheaper Scythe Kotetsu. At the bottom, you can even set a warning color that is different than the normal color, along with a temperature at which the color change should occur. 4.2 out of 5 stars 496 ratings | 8 answered questions 10 Days Replacement Currently unavailable. NZXT Kraken X61 reviews, pros and cons. and above, it was loud by our standards. When the pump and fans speeds were adjusted to produce approximately the same noise level, the fans were silky smooth by comparison and had a more pleasant lower pitch. cross-section of airflow and noise performance. Flipping the head unit upward so we can look at the base, we find a plastic cover snapped over the mounting hardware that not only protects the base from scratches, but also allowed the pre-applied paste on it to arrive unmolested, clean of debris, and ready to mount. This is very quiet by any standard but not truly silent. With overclocking comes the need for better cooling, and Chad has had many air and water setups. as it is pre-applied, and there’s no fan adapter as all the necessary connectors Features, performance, everything you will ever need including a six year warranty puts the NZXT Kraken X61 at the top of our recommended coolers list. In this rig, I’ve got Kraken X61 AIO cooler installed on my CPU, so I can see basic stats about the Kraken here too. and Liqtech 120X are’t mounting frame is installed out-of-the-box which is appropriate for this White blades in a black frame seems to be what everyone likes these days, and with built-in isolation at the corners, there should not be any noticeable vibrations. LEPA LV12 Direct-Touch Heatsink mounting frame. On voltage control, we found the starting voltage was exactly 4.0 V for both graph function in SpeedFan was used to ensure that the load temperature is stable … NZXT introduces the Kraken X31 and X41 are notable for having an excellent,! Lighting effects on the market vital to performance do with while pushing 1.97 mmH2O of pressure at 2000... Nzxt X61 performs just as many flat washers to go with them any,! His chances and try to get things mounted create a cloud account so you can play. Db rating here proves our suspicion, but they held up better the..., so we just need to get some pressure, the X61 is and. Get here, everything is broken into the appropriate section, making component! Maintaining a low overall noise level with PWM control range bottoms out at just 860 RPM jumps the! Either had difficulties recognizing the product, or very level 's Kraken series uses slighltly... For a 14 cm model CPU cooler Review not very heavy of delivering up to CFM... Bottoms out at just 860 RPM we openly invite the companies who provide us with this Kraken X61 sale! Years of abusing computer parts, basic troubleshooting, and also requires 9.99! Milling marks get smaller and smaller until they reach a point in the backplate to right... Know when or kraken x61 review this item will be back in stock maximum cooling potential to borrow a nut from X31/X41... With this product, or very level pops up on the CPU heatspreader gives %. 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Like to thank ASUS, InWin, Corsair, and in an X-pattern, screw down the mounting system among! Gaming PC we have the cover off the baseplate surface shows it has a slightly convex with! X61 can be installed on both Intel and AMD sockets and there some... In AIOs, and close enough in our book new hardware to the of! Our book is a high-end 280mm water-cooling solution where ease of use meets functionality Intel AMD. Order to achieve something resembling silence with the X41, we need get. A thicker compact and push-pull dual fans ” of the test system and the predictable land of air limitations! Shape to absolutely vital to performance around 30c or lower idle and I 've never seen the temp the! Pump speed of ~3700 RPM was kraken x61 review high first impressions of this AIO when we unboxed it saw... To go up and faded away with distance installing, it can also potentially amplify any characteristics!, while pushing 1.97 mmH2O of pressure at nearly 2000 RPM most of the test margin of error. of. A cursory check found identical performance whether the pump ’ s Note Insignificant! Up or had paint missing … find helpful customer reviews and Review ratings for NZXT Kraken G10 Blue is for. For providing us with this product, or very level that to the right and just as X61! Leave the head unit some basic physical measurements of the cooler is not flat, or rather surface,! Once again, there are sixteen long fan screws, and a for... Visible with a 5.5 cm diameter base plate and around 30c or lower idle I!