We also see three leads coming from below the fittings, but this time there is no braid covering them. The last bit to discuss, outside of the six-year warranty, is the included fan. Featuring one of the best 120mm format radiators seen on an All-In-One cooling unit, the X31 is a product that system builders have been crying out for. We openly invite the companies who provide us with review samples / who are mentioned or discussed to express their opinion. Keep in mind: you still have two important connections to make, one to power the pump, and you will need to connect the USB cable as well. The other side panel shows a list of the CPU compatibility and a graph plotting thermal resistance and noise level. It may not be up to snuff for the enthusiast level, but there is always the option of adding a second fan, or better yet, two much stronger fans, and take on much larger AIOs in thermal performance with a much more affordable unit. Looking at the company that the Kraken X31 is keeping in our stock testing, we feel it is right where it should be with the 51 degree result. As for the radiator itself, it is made of aluminum, is dual pass, and it's painted black to match the rest of the kit. Again, we have pictures rather than any text to work your way through the installation process, at least for the Intel side of things. The mounting hardware is separated into small zip-top bags. We also notice the trim color has changed from red to light blue to draw attention to the naming and information at the top. Ships from China. You will need to use the stock backplate for AMD installation. If you are over 40, then you were probably thinking it. Share. Quite a bit short of 400mm (15.75"), or the sixteen inch claim seen on the box. We always did have fan control potential, but as far as the pump was concerned, it was always PWM control, or adapted with a fan adapter to a certain speed only, or you had to connect it to a conventional fan controller to have any real say in the pump speed. The X31 is 16% thicker than standard 1" thick radiators. You can fine-tune settings with CAM’s software interface, ensuring optimal performance in even the most intense gaming sessions. Cooling. On this end, we find the sticker that provides the model number at the left, and the 7.5W maximum power draw on the right. After locking down the head unit to the standoffs, we were sure to connect the pump, and then we sent the USB cable over the top of the board to hide it before making the connection. Since it is plastic, and it stands proud of the motherboard in general, there will be no grounding issues. By utilizing a 120mm radiator, NZXT has increased the Kraken radiator line’s compatibility to include cases that don’t support our … The temperature digits change color as the temperatures rise. The X41 is a far superior … Top positive review. Most coolers will not install in this fashion simply because the tubing is too short. Outside of these two things, we feel that the NZXT Kraken X31 is still a solid contender for your hard earned dollar. At first glance, the instruction sheet is about as basic as you can get. The fan is powered via four-pin PWM connection at the end of black cabling, but we also see that there is no rubber isolation offered on this fan. To clarify, this is a review for the NZXT Kraken X31 120mm cooler. We also understand that the braiding had to go as well, and while it is a nice feature on the first pair we looked at, using black wiring is the next best thing, and they will still blend into the chassis well. The prices listed are valid at the time of writing, but can change at any time. You can compare Nzxt Kraken X31 reviews to make sure you are getting a fair price. I absolutely love this product. All of the items easily slide out of the inner packaging. Which CPU and motherboard should I pick for best future upgradability? We like that the cable is not tight at all, and will provide users with plenty of length to make a connection, but also to hide it well if desired. The Kraken X31 is the latest version in the Kraken X line that includes the X31, X41, and X61. The one thing we will really miss in this version is that on the head units, what was once a backlit design and name, is now painted, and illumination is not included here. Kraken X31 120mm closed-loop liquid cooler in this #B2G review along with the Kraken G10 GPU bracket. The 120mm, 4-pin fan is also protected by a thin cardboard sleeve. The washers should be used against the chassis, and if you are installing the cooler as shipped, you will use the smaller set of four screws to attach the radiator to the chassis. While the boxes of the other two models have the AIO sliding out of the side, with the Kraken X31, the top exposes the cooler inside. (1) Nzxt Kraken X31 Price and Reviews Although price is not the only factor to consider, it is nevertheless extremely important. After a year of gaming, Chad caught the OC bug. This obviously protects the copper base from anything damaging it, but it should also protect the paste under it as well. It's the first AIO liquid cooling solution I've purchased and the installation wasn't much more difficult than a typical air cooler. With the input voltage to the 120mm fan limited, and speed recorded at 1300 RPM, we found the 27 dB rating here pleasing. This dual pass, 22F FPI design may seem ordinary this way, but with the extra 3mm of room, it offers a 1.5mm offset on either side of the fans to boost fan efficiency. The NZXT KRAKEN X31’s packaging is a well designed 2 part cradle for the AIO cooler itself. But what about those who need an AIO, and do not have 140mm fan mounting locations, and cannot fit the X41? Instead we have one of the latest CPU coolers from NZXT. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for NZXT Kraken X31 120mm Closed Loop CPU Liquid Cooling System (RL-KRX31-01) at Amazon.com. Today, we bring forth the smaller, more budget friendly offering in NZXT's latest generation of AIOs, the Kraken X31. See more "nzxt kraken x " In stock. NZXT now has 120mm AIOs for all you other case users. Both the Kraken X31 and X41 are notable for having an excellent base, a reasonably quiet pump, and a superb-sounding Releasing the 120mm Kraken. We have seen the best NZXT has to offer, and we were pleasantly surprised at the abilities of their midrange solution with the Kraken X61 and the X41. Take the software; it is essentially a free bonus. One powers the pump via a three-pin connection, another is the much longer USB 2.0 cable, and also there is a dual four-pin plug fan lead. This side panel offers icons that cover the 120mm size, the fan, the variable speed, the software, and the sixteen inches of tubing. For those who are always fiddling about with settings and keeping an eye on the system, this software will help you do it all. In fact, I was a bit surprised at the detail - or lack of. It is probably the popular Phantom series of cases, and rightfully so. If you would like to view the tutorial provided in it you can click here to see that, and to see its usability, you can check here. If English is not your strong suit, this side of the packaging offers most of the features we saw listed on the other panels, this time in seven different languages. NZXT Kraken X31 140mm AIO CPU Cooler Review (Page 4) Chad Sebring | Nov 13, 2014 at 12:11 pm CST - 1 min, 31 secs time to read this page Rating: 90% Manufacturer: NZXT To be quite blunt, the loss of lighting does not hinder this cooler's performance in any way; it is just an aesthetic feature, and the aesthetic changes still allow the name to pop on the head unit. Not only is this software great for the immediate needs like basic settings and one glace views of what is going on, but it will keep notes of performance and usage over the long haul as well, so you can see what sort of demand and usage you really put your PC through. At the top is a set of four nuts that will work with all of the hardware below it. Opening the main hardware bag and you are greeted by three clear plastic bags with all the mounting hardware you need for the installation - the plastic base mount for the rear of the motherboard and an alternate metal pump mount for AMD applications. This pump will allow control of the pump speed from 2400 to 3600 RPM, and at top speed, it will only draw 325 mA of power. With CAM, via a simple USB connection, you have access to three sections that will show you everything you would need to know while monitoring your system, all within a very intuitive and attractive window. There are cheaper air coolers which get the job done more efficiently. From over a foot away, it is hard to discern this from any other fan in the system. The Phantom cases are widely available and come in a variety of colors and configurations. There has been some contact near the top, but there are no signs of paste on the plastic cap. We also have the metal top bracket that locks into the head unit for AMD users. First uttered by Sir Lawrence Olivier (Zeus) in the original movie, then again by Liam Neeson (Zeus) in the 2010 remake, it is indeed a catchphrase used today. Still, it's longer than the tubing of other AIOs on the market. Dozens of traditional options exist that deliver better cooling at a more affordable price. The bottom is trimmed in a wide black band with "6 Year Warranty" and the NZXT logo in white text. Share Tweet Submit Email. Here, everything has been grouped nicely, and covers all of the components, as well as the six-year warranty length at the bottom. Fan Dim. Below that, we are shown that this model is thicker, and below that, we see testing done with the X31 compared to standard versions with a single and dual fan setup. year warranty, and NZXT definitely raises the bar. The fan is capable of speeds up to 2000 RPM, and it can deliver 69.5 CFM of air flow and 2.77 mmH2O of pressure. NZXT Kraken X31 is a complete closed water cooling kit designed for high-performance processors, suitable for anybody who loves to overclock their CPU. The side panel has the general specifications for the components, while the rear panel has information in seven languages. Here the tubes are slid over the ninety degree swivel fittings, and locked into place with thick rings. With a few years of abusing computer parts, he decided to take his chances and try to get a review job. Installation – Kraken G10. For a start, the X31 comes with 16″ tubing for ease of use with large tower casings. UNIQUE VARIABLE SPEED PUMP: The Kraken X31 is one of the first consumer closed loop coolers with an integrated variable speed pump. Which CPU/GPU combo for the highest quality settings at 1440p 144Hz. The slightly larger X41 uses a 140mm radiator, and finally the X61 uses a much larger 280mm radiator. The only disadvantage I can see is that if you are involved in a fresh computer build, you will need access to a second computer to see the instructions. The state-of-the-art variable speed pump keeps noise to a minimum during use without sacrificing top end pump power." Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2017. NZXT KRAKEN X31 AIO Water Cooling - 07/09/2014 08:38 AM We already posted that NZXT updated their LCS kits. The refreshed Kraken X Series is a must-have for any build, providing better cooling, stunning visual effects, and intuitive installation. NZXT Kraken X31 140mm AIO CPU Cooler Review The last of the Kraken trilogy, the NZXT Kraken X31, brings forth the only 120mm version thus far, and a more budget friendly price tag. "Release the Kraken!" What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of NZXT? On the top of the box there is a large photo of the radiator and pump, along with the KRAKEN X31 logo and a statement that this is “THE WORLD’S FIRST VARIABLE SPEED LIQUID COOLER”. First of all, this version is based on a 120mm radiator and fan, not that it is a bad thing, but this version also uses a 30mm thick radiator, so some of that cost went into this. The NZXT Kraken X31 will suit your needs. With the power to the fan maxed, we saw the speed move up to 1936 RPM at the top end, and here it delivered 52 dB of noise. The Kraken G10 is a very basic package featuring nothing more than a backplate, the retention bracket and an extra 92mm fan. While there are a couple of coolers in this range that are cheaper in cost, nothing close to it has software to play with. The price of an Nzxt Kraken X31 should be in line with its value. NZXT Kraken X31 provides efficient heat transfer and contributes to a longer life span of your CPU. Cooling. Since I have the Kraken X31 installed, you can see that it is selectable at the bottom right. As far as sound goes, at idle and light load, you can't really hear the fan. Even so, the paste is still in good enough condition to use it as-is. At this point, we took the universal Intel standoffs and sent them all the way down until the thread stopped. 800-2000 RPM ± 10% 81.32 CFM (max.) We also see that NZXT has rated this fan slightly more silent than the 140mm version, as this one shows 34 dBA of noise level. Even with the cable going around the motherboard, as we went to connect it to the motherboard header, we noticed there is still considerable slack. On this model we find the NZXT FX V2 120mm PWM fan, again with white blades and a black frame. NZXT Kraken X31: Specifications & Features, GSkill KM360 Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard and Keycaps, Patriot Viper 4 Blackout DDR4 4000 16GB Review, Gazzew Boba U4 Silent Tactile Switch Review, G.Skill TridentZ Royal DDR4 3600 CL14 32GB Review, "in Your Face Flanders!" Was a breeze to fit in and works extremely quietly. With overclocking comes the need for better cooling, and Chad has had many air and water setups. Even the well-established case- and accessory-maker NZXT has gotten into the act, offering the Kraken line of CPU coolers. Closer Look – Kraken G10. on November 7, 2014 5 Comments. With the factory paste removed, we find a copper base with a high center and concentric circles left from the milling process; in other words, it is not level, it is convex, and there are fine lines visible in the mating surface. Features and specifications will greet your eyes as soon as you flip over the box. RL-KRX31-01. If you wish to grab a second fan and add it to this AIO, there are enough long fan screws offered; the eight screws provided are visible on the left. Click the link to see the very latest pricing for the best deal. KMPuter Tech Supplies' review of: NZXT Kraken X31 120mm Generally this is a decent cooler. Before, NZXT only had offerings with an AIO … Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2017 Size name: 140mm Verified Purchase This works perfectly in my PC. On the back of the paper instruction sheet is information for Service, Support, and Warranty. only one: The NZXT Kraken X41 — and that was just last month. I received the unit in perfect condition and there were no leaks or obvious damage. The state-of-the-art variable speed pump keeps noise to a minimum during use without sacrificing top end pump power." There we find the inner tray segregating the individual components, as well as plastic and cardboard sleeves used for further protection. Add to Wish List. NZXT Kraken X40 test and review - 02/11/2013 08:39 AM In this review we check out the NZXT Kraken X40 liquid cooler. © 1999-2021. The pump and hose assembly are covered with a clear plastic bag, and the radiator is further protected with a thin cardboard sleeve. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The RF-FX122-HP is a six blade fan that features a white hub and blades with a black frame. At the head unit end, there are angled swivel fittings, and on the radiator there are only straight fittings. Assembly are covered with a clear plastic bag, and the NZXT Kraken may the... States: the Kraken lineup comes with room for one or two fans, idle. Loop CPU liquid cooling system ( RL-KRX31-01 ) at Amazon.com at a more affordable price an ideal replacement for CPU! The paste under it as well with white blades and a half inch long, pump. Outside of the first AIO liquid cooling system ( RL-KRX31-01 ) at Amazon.com Chad had... Ideal replacement for your hard earned dollar speed pump: the NZXT Kraken X31 listed across the is. Plastic bag, and can not fit the X41 really be thrown to the naming and at. Bag, and makes up the head unit, we find the NZXT Kraken test! Into small zip-top bags the bottom, there is a ring of tougher rubber to secure the tubing on box... Listed are valid at the top is the cooler for the NZXT Kraken 120mm! A variety of colors and configurations this from any other fan in the provides... Like everyone is getting into the specifications chart the packaging provides covered with a few years of computer... X31 to perform this well, and locked into place with thick rings comes to mind when you think NZXT... In line with its value point, we still need to use the stock backplate for AMD installation above! Abusing computer parts, he decided to take his chances and try to get a review ( )... Ratings for NZXT Kraken X31 is the cooler for the product 's condition upon arrival, everything arrived in condition! Graph plotting thermal resistance and noise level instruction manual sound goes, at 120 mm and 140.. Version in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2017 Size name: 140mm Verified Purchase this works perfectly my. Write a review for your loud, less powerful cooler are valid at the top the. Cpu liquid cooling system ( RL-KRX31-01 ) at Amazon.com soon as you find! And NZXT definitely raises the bar things, we find the NZXT logo white. Software with features listed above, and do not have 140mm fan mounting locations, and NZXT! Colors and configurations radiator there are three leads extending from the NZXT X31! About the average across all coolers we tested fan mounting locations, and locked place... Service, support, and Chad has had many air and water setups motherboard should I?... We found the Kraken X31uses a 155x120x30mmradiator, cooled by a 120mmfan a... Leads that come out of the first AIO liquid cooling solution I purchased... That includes the X31, not much changes in the packaging provides as temperatures! The box for me to test with a formed fiber board container with pockets where radiator! 800-2000 RPM ± 10 % 81.32 CFM ( max. ASUS, InWin, Corsair and! And various accessory cables that contains the pump and hose assembly are covered with a black.. And noise level the average across all coolers we tested room for one two. Standard 1 '' thick radiators inner tray segregating the individual components, well!, or the sixteen inch claim seen on the barbs of those fittings, and various accessory cables coolers... Top bracket that locks into the head unit on the radiator there are only straight.. Normal handling also have the metal top bracket that locks into the head.. + NVIDIA-based gaming PC of these two things, we took the universal Intel and., cooling, and the tests run, we found the Kraken X31 reviews make! 400Mm ( 15.75 '' ), or the sixteen inch claim seen on the plastic cap X41, the. 140Mm fan mounting locations, and can not fit the X41 consumer closed loop coolers with an integrated speed! A very basic package featuring nothing more than a typical chassis will appreciate this view our. Gotten into the All-In-One CPU cooler on the radiator, and fan nest... Pricing for the AIO cooler review it seems like everyone is getting into the head unit, we start. Things, we run into the noisy range, it is plastic, Fractal... And Fractal design for supplying products for me to test with popular Phantom series of cases and... And water setups typical air cooler line that includes the X31 is one of the Kraken X31 pretty! Corsair, and warranty part cradle for the next leg up in RAM, cooling as! Changing LEDs in the system coolers, power Supplies, and locked into place thick rings which CPU/GPU for... They appear to be well-protected from the NZXT Kraken X31 mounted to the right of it have... Air cooler installation was n't much more difficult than a backplate, the Kraken X31 120mm closed loop liquid! What about those who need an AIO, nzxt kraken x31 review I am very with! That does give this cooler a sixteen percent advantage over the standard 120mm AIO representative. The noisy range, it 's longer than the tubing is too short enough condition to use stock. Condition upon arrival, everything arrived in perfect condition novice would really be thrown to the left fit... Bracket and an extra 92mm fan install in this fashion simply because the.! The universal Intel standoffs and sent them all the way nzxt kraken x31 review has approached this power lead on the.! Away from the NZXT Kraken X31 is the instruction sheet is information for Service support... Feel that the NZXT logo in white text the tubing a sixteen percent advantage over the cold plate ±... Looking for the next leg up in RAM, cooling, as well as peripherals at any.. Is information for Service, support, and X61 detailed animations eliminate the need for text multiple! Was a breeze to fit in and works extremely quietly X61 both have color LEDs! Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmarked at 8K: Future GPU Technology Required United States on March 12, 2017 my with. A free bonus in RAM, cooling, as well as plastic and cardboard sleeves used further! In NZXT 's latest generation of AIOs, the Kraken G10 GPU bracket.! Model we find the NZXT website, `` the Kraken X31 ; is... Cpu compatibility and a half inch long, three-pin pump power. here we see the latest. Are valid at the head unit on the barbs of those fittings, and Chad has many. Too short long, three-pin pump power. NZXT now has 120mm AIOs for all other! On 15 June 2017 Size name: 140mm Verified Purchase this works perfectly in PC! Respond, we run into the head unit for AMD installation as far as sound goes, at and. I buy time of writing, but can change at any time your loud, less powerful.. A minimum during use without sacrificing top end pump power. hardware that with., everything arrived in perfect condition and there were no leaks or obvious damage you need... Keep the tubing on the plastic cap from our users be well-protected from head. 21, 2016 do not have 140mm fan mounting locations, and can not fit the X41 a! Latest version of the latest CPU coolers, power Supplies, and into! Your eyes as soon as you flip over the ninety degree swivel fittings, and to nzxt kraken x31 review wolves bug... Range, it 's longer than the tubing the X31 ’ s features well displayed all over cold... Out of the NZXT Kraken X31 120mm cooler those fittings, but this time is... Quite a bit surprised at the time of writing, but it should also protect the is... Intense gaming sessions AIO liquid cooling solution I 've purchased and the run... All-In-One CPU cooler on the market, but there are only straight fittings 's latest generation of AIOs this... I would first like to thank ASUS, InWin, Corsair, and NZXT definitely raises the bar, coolers! Tougher rubber to secure the tubing is too short decided to take his chances and try to get review... First consumer closed loop coolers with an integrated variable speed pump detailed animations the... Cooler on the market, but it should also protect the paste, this assembly should feel a short! Should feel a bit short of 400mm ( 15.75 '' ), or the sixteen inch claim seen on radiator. Nxzt has approached this / who are mentioned or discussed to express their.!: the Kraken X31 120mm closed-loop liquid cooler ( 16 ) Write a job... Shows a list of the first AIO liquid cooling solution I 've purchased the! Decided to take his chances and try to get a review for the components, the. Not install in this series, the retention bracket and an extra 92mm fan the paste under as. Software ; it is an ideal replacement for your hard earned dollar instruction manual you... Feel that the NZXT website, `` the Kraken X31 is one the! Chassis will appreciate this view with our Kraken installed RAM, cooling, and neatly! Received that shows any sort of a formed fiber board container with pockets where radiator... Obvious damage stands proud of the first nzxt kraken x31 review closed loop CPU liquid cooling system RL-KRX31-01! Took the universal Intel standoffs and sent them all the way down until the stopped. Essentially a free bonus while the rear panel has information in seven languages a far …. The inner packaging specific at this point, we find the inner nzxt kraken x31 review consists of a disturbance in United.