NZXT Kraken X61 AIO CPU Cooler Review

[section_title title=”Conclusion”]

Conclusion

Another AIO cooler has been put through its paces and while it is safe to say it got the job done, just how good did it do? Well, let’s have a recap and see just what I thought about the NZXT Kraken X61 AIO CPU Cooler.

When it comes to the Performance, the Kraken X61 is more than worthy of cooling your CPU and earned itself a top 5 spot in our results when testing on an overclocked 4770K. Looking at the top 5, there is only a difference of 4.5c from 1st-5th which is amazing. This small difference is almost irrelevant as when using the Kraken X61, more times than not if you are trying to overclock your CPU, you will run into other problems that stop you from overclocking further before the heat of the CPU becomes an issue; under normal circumstances that is. The Kraken X61 is a well worthy performer and should be able to cool just about any CPU on the market, even if it is overclocked to its limits.

Design wise, the Kraken X61 is functional and pleasing to look at it. The 280mm radiator offers great surface area for better cooling and the 16″ tubing will allow the X61 to be installed into almost and position in most PC cases. From a technical aspect, the X61 is designed to perform as well as it looks and it does. The included fans offer a black and white colour scheme which should fit in with most builds and being able to control the colour of the logo on the pump via the CAM software will only further allow it to match your other components.  All in all, NZXT have done a great job with their latest upgraded models of AIO coolers in terms of design.

Taking a look at the Value and the Kraken is at the higher end of the scale given its performance. Unfortunately, other coolers that offer a bit better performance are cheaper, even if only be a few £££ here in the UK. While in my opinion the Kraken offers good performance for the money, there is no denying that the others are cheaper. The Kraken X61 is a solid contender but if NZXT want to make it a proper force to be reckoned with, they will want to drop the price £10-£15 which will make it an amazing deal then.

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. If you are in the market for a new AIO cooler of the 280mm persuasion, the X61 will not let you down.

Silver Award – While the Kraken was a top 5 performer, there is no overlooking the fact that other models from competitors can be had cheaper and do offer a bit better performance. The difference between Silver and Gold Awards, in this case, is simply due to the price. If NZXT can drop the price even just £10 this would be a sure-fire gold winner!

I would like to thank NZXT for sending in their Kraken X61 CPU cooler and look forward to seeing if they make any updates to their AIO cooler range in the near future.