NZXT Kraken 240 RGB AIO Liquid Cooler Review

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The NZXT Kraken 240 RGB AIO Liquid Cooler with LCD Display and RGB Fans is a premium offering designed to keep your CPU cool while adding a splash of style to your PC build. This review delves into its features, performance, and overall user experience to determine whether it’s a worthy investment for your system.

Features

The Kraken 240 boasts a number of standout features, including:

• LCD Display: The most prominent feature is the vibrant LCD display on the pump head, which can be customized to show real-time temperature, system information, or even animated GIFs.
• RGB Fans: Two 120mm F120 RGB fans included, offering customizable lighting effects and excellent airflow.
• 240mm Radiator: A spacious radiator allows for efficient heat dissipation, even under heavy loads.
• Copper Water Block: The high-quality copper water block ensures optimal contact and efficient heat transfer from the CPU.
• NZXT CAM Software: The CAM software provides comprehensive control over fan speed, RGB lighting, and system monitoring.

Performance

The NZXT Kraken 240 delivers impressive cooling performance. I tested it with an Intel Core i9-12900K overclocked to 5.2 GHz. Even under heavy gaming and benchmarking loads, the CPU remained cool and stable, with temperatures consistently below 80°C. The fans, while capable of reaching 1,800 RPM, remained relatively quiet even at higher speeds.

The LCD display adds a cool visual element, allowing you to monitor your system’s temperature, fan speeds, and other metrics. The CAM software is user-friendly and provides a high level of customization for both lighting effects and fan curves.

Pros & Cons

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of the NZXT Kraken 240:

Pros:

• Exceptional cooling performance.
• Sleek and stylish design.
• Customizable LCD display.
• Powerful RGB lighting with CAM software control.
• Quiet operation even at higher fan speeds.

Cons:

• Relatively high price point compared to other AIO coolers.
• Some users may find the LCD display distracting.
• CAM software can be resource-intensive.

Final Verdict

The NZXT Kraken 240 is a top-tier AIO liquid cooler that delivers excellent cooling performance, a distinctive LCD display, and customizable RGB lighting. While the price tag is steep, it’s justified by its quality, features, and overall performance. If you’re looking for an AIO cooler that combines both style and function, the Kraken 240 is a solid choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget, there are more affordable options available that may still provide excellent cooling.

Specifications