Highlights
- The NZXT Kraken X42 is a top-of-the-line liquid cooler designed to keep your gaming PC running cool and quietly, even under the most demanding loads.
- At the heart of the Kraken X42 is a powerful pump that delivers an impressive flow rate of 84 liters per hour.
- The NZXT Kraken X42 is a top-notch liquid cooler that delivers exceptional cooling performance, low noise levels, and a wide range of features.
The NZXT Kraken X42 is a top-of-the-line liquid cooler designed to keep your gaming PC running cool and quietly, even under the most demanding loads. In this comprehensive NZXT Kraken X42 review, we’ll take a deep dive into its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right cooling solution for your needs.
Features and Design
The NZXT Kraken X42 boasts a sleek and modern design that complements any gaming aesthetic. Its 120mm radiator is compact enough to fit in most PC cases, while the 280mm tubes provide ample flexibility for easy installation.
At the heart of the Kraken X42 is a powerful pump that delivers an impressive flow rate of 84 liters per hour. This high flow rate ensures that hot water is quickly removed from your CPU and dissipated into the radiator.
The Kraken X42 also features a pair of high-performance 120mm fans that provide exceptional airflow. These fans are PWM-controlled, allowing you to adjust their speed to balance cooling performance and noise levels.
Performance
In our testing, the NZXT Kraken X42 delivered exceptional cooling performance. It kept our test system running at low temperatures, even when running demanding games and synthetic benchmarks.
Under full load, the Kraken X42 kept our CPU temperature at a mere 65 degrees Celsius, a significant improvement over the stock air cooler. This impressive cooling performance ensures that your CPU will stay within safe operating temperatures, even during extended gaming sessions.
Noise Levels
One of the standout features of the NZXT Kraken X42 is its incredibly low noise levels. The pump is virtually silent, and the fans operate at a very low hum even at full speed. This makes the Kraken X42 an ideal choice for gamers who want a quiet and distraction-free gaming experience.
Software
The NZXT Kraken X42 is fully compatible with NZXT’s CAM software. This powerful software allows you to monitor and control all aspects of the cooler, including fan speed, pump speed, and temperature.
CAM also provides a variety of customization options, such as the ability to create custom fan curves and lighting profiles. This level of control allows you to fine-tune the Kraken X42 to meet your specific needs.
Lighting
The NZXT Kraken X42 features customizable RGB lighting on the pump head and fans. This lighting can be synchronized with other NZXT components using CAM, allowing you to create a cohesive and visually stunning gaming setup.
Installation
Installing the NZXT Kraken X42 is a relatively straightforward process. The included mounting hardware is compatible with all major CPU sockets, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
However, it’s important to note that the Kraken X42’s radiator and fans are quite large, so it’s essential to ensure that you have enough space in your PC case before purchasing.
Value
The NZXT Kraken X42 is priced at around $100, making it a mid-range liquid cooler. While it’s not the cheapest option available, it offers excellent performance, low noise levels, and a wide range of features.
Compared to other liquid coolers in its price range, the Kraken X42 provides superior cooling performance and a more refined user experience. Overall, it’s an excellent value for gamers who demand the best cooling possible.
Wrap-Up
The NZXT Kraken X42 is a top-notch liquid cooler that delivers exceptional cooling performance, low noise levels, and a wide range of features. Its sleek design, customizable lighting, and powerful CAM software make it a perfect choice for gamers who want the best possible cooling solution for their high-powered gaming rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the NZXT Kraken X42 compatible with my CPU?
A: The Kraken X42 is compatible with all major CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 115x, 1200, 1366, 2011, and 2066, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5.
Q: How difficult is it to install the NZXT Kraken X42?
A: Installing the Kraken X42 is relatively straightforward, and the included instructions are clear and easy to follow. However, it’s important to ensure that you have enough space in your PC case before purchasing.
Q: How can I control the fan speed and pump speed of the NZXT Kraken X42?
A: The fan speed and pump speed of the Kraken X42 can be controlled using NZXT’s CAM software. CAM allows you to create custom fan curves and adjust the pump speed to balance cooling performance and noise levels.