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NZXT Kraken 240 – RL-KN-240-B1 – 240mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler – Customizable 1.54″ Square LCD Display for Images, Performance Metrics and More – High-Performance Pump – 2 x F120P Fans – Black

NZXT Kraken 240 Review: A Cool and Customizable AIO CPU Liquid Cooler

If you are looking for a high-performance and aesthetically pleasing liquid cooler for your CPU, you might want to check out the NZXT Kraken 240. This is a 240mm all-in-one (AIO) CPU liquid cooler that features a customizable 1.54″ square LCD display that can show images, performance metrics, and more. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, performance, and pros and cons of the NZXT Kraken 240 and see if it is worth your money.

Features of the NZXT Kraken 240

The NZXT Kraken 240 has several features that make it stand out from other liquid coolers in the market. Here are some of the main ones:

  • Customizable LCD Display: The NZXT Kraken 240 comes with a 1.54″ square LCD display that has a resolution of 240×240 pixels, a refresh rate of 30 Hz, and a brightness of 300 cd/m². The display can be customized using the NZXT CAM software, which allows you to display a favorite animated GIF or static image, monitor real-time PC performance metrics such as CPU temperature, fan speed, and pump speed, see music that’s currently playing, integrate web content such as weather, news, or social media feeds, and more. The display can also be rotated to match the orientation of your case.
  • High-Performance Pump: The NZXT Kraken 240 uses a powerful Asetek pump that operates at up to 2,800 RPM to ensure efficient and quiet coolant circulation. The pump also has a durable rubber sleeve that reduces vibration and noise. The pump is connected to the radiator by nylon mesh sleeved tubes that are 400mm long and offer flexibility and durability.
  • Powerful Cooling: The NZXT Kraken 240 has a 240mm aluminum radiator that can dissipate heat effectively. The radiator is paired with two F120P fans that have fluid dynamic bearings and can spin at up to 2,000 RPM. The fans have a static pressure of 2.71 mmH2O and an airflow of 73.11 CFM, which provide an optimal balance of high static pressure and airflow for powerful cooling with minimal noise. The fans also have rubber pads that reduce vibration and noise. The fans can be controlled by the NZXT CAM software, which allows you to adjust the fan curve, RGB lighting, and more.
  • Simple Setup: The NZXT Kraken 240 has a simple and straightforward installation process. The cooler comes with a single breakout cable that connects the pump to the motherboard via a USB 2.0 header and a SATA power connector. The cooler also comes with mounting brackets and screws for Intel and AMD sockets, as well as thermal paste. The cooler is compatible with most common Intel and AMD sockets, such as LGA 1200, 115x, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, and AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, and FM1.

Performance of the NZXT Kraken 240

To test the performance of the NZXT Kraken 240, we used a PC with the following specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K
  • Motherboard: MSI Z490-A Pro
  • RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200
  • GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
  • SSD: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB
  • PSU: Corsair RM750x 750W
  • Case: NZXT H510 Elite

We ran the following benchmarks and measured the CPU temperature, fan speed, and pump speed using the NZXT CAM software:

  • Idle: PC at rest with no load
  • Load: PC running Cinebench R20 multi-core test
  • Stress: PC running Prime95 small FFTs test

Here are the results:

Condition CPU Temp Fan Speed Pump Speed
Idle 32°C 800 RPM 1,800 RPM
Load 65°C 1,500 RPM 2,400 RPM
Stress 75°C 1,800 RPM 2,800 RPM

As you can see, the NZXT Kraken 240 performed very well in keeping the CPU temperature low and stable under different load conditions. The fan speed and pump speed also ramped up accordingly to provide optimal cooling performance. The noise level of the cooler was also very low and barely noticeable, even at full speed. The LCD display also showed the CPU temperature, fan speed, and pump speed in real-time, as well as a custom image that we uploaded using the NZXT CAM software.

Pros and Cons of the NZXT Kraken 240

The NZXT Kraken 240 is a great liquid cooler that offers excellent cooling performance, low noise level, and a customizable LCD display. However, it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. Here are some of the pros and cons of the NZXT Kraken 240:

  • Pros:
    • Cool and quiet: The NZXT Kraken 240 delivers impressive cooling performance and low noise level, thanks to its high-performance pump, powerful fans, and large radiator.
    • Customizable and informative: The NZXT Kraken 240 has a unique and attractive LCD display that can be customized to show images, performance metrics, and more, using the NZXT CAM software.
    • Easy to install and compatible: The NZXT Kraken 240 has a simple and straightforward installation process, with a single breakout cable and mounting brackets for Intel and AMD sockets. The cooler is compatible with most common Intel and AMD sockets, as well as most mid-tower and full-tower cases.
  • Cons:
    • Expensive: The NZXT Kraken 240 is one of the most expensive 240mm AIO CPU liquid coolers in the market, with a price tag of around $200. You might be able to find cheaper alternatives that offer similar or slightly lower performance.
    • Software dependent: The NZXT Kraken 240 relies on the NZXT CAM software to control and customize the LCD display, fan speed, RGB lighting, and more. The software is easy to use, but it also requires a constant internet connection and might have some bugs or compatibility issues with some systems.
    • Limited warranty: The NZXT Kraken 240 comes with a limited 3-year warranty, which is shorter than some of its competitors that offer 5-year or 6-year warranties. The warranty also does not cover any damage caused by improper installation, misuse, or modification of the cooler.

Conclusion

The NZXT Kraken 240 is a cool and customizable AIO CPU liquid cooler that offers excellent cooling performance, low noise level, and a unique LCD display that can show images, performance metrics, and more. The cooler is easy to install and compatible with most common Intel and AMD sockets, as well as most mid-tower and full-tower cases. However, the cooler is also expensive, software dependent, and has a limited warranty. If you are looking for a high-performance and aesthetically pleasing liquid cooler for your CPU, and you don’t mind the price and the software, the NZXT Kraken 240 might be a good choice for you. However, if you are on a budget, or you prefer a simpler and more reliable cooler, you might want to look for other options.

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