Viewing page 1 of 7 pages.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NextNZXT Kraken X61 28cm Liquid Cooler
September 20, 2014 by Lawrence Lee
|
Product
|
NZXT Kraken X61
AIO Liquid CPU Cooler |
|
Manufacturer
|
NZXT |
|
Street Price
|
US$140 |
While many PC enthusiasts have deemed closed-loop liquid cooling solutions
to be the defacto standard for premium builds, we at SPCR are far from convinced.
It's a neat idea use forced flowing liquid for heat extraction, but thus far
most water cooling units we've reviewed have underperformed. We haven't tested
that many but it's still telling that in the past four years, we've recommended
only one: The NZXT Kraken X41 — and that was just last month.
Both the Kraken X31 and X41
are notable for having an excellent base, a reasonably quiet pump, and a superb-sounding
stock fan. The X31 proved to be an average performer, but the X41 was miles
ahead, putting it into contention against some of the very best tower heatsinks.
As the two coolers' base/pump mechanism are essentially the same, the difference
came down to the X41's larger 14 cm radiator and fan. Size, or rather surface
area, turned out to be the key factor. The X61 we're examining today is even
bigger, so hopes are high that it can do some serious cooling damage. Nothing
less is acceptable considering its US$140 price, which some people wouldn't
pay even for a processor, let along a cooling solution.
|
The X61 box.
|
|
|
| Model Number |
RL-KRX61-01 |
| CPU Compatibility |
Intel LGA 2011-3, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1150
AMD FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2 |
| Material |
Copper
Aluminum
Rubber
Plastic |
| Dimensions |
40 (W) x 280 (H) x 27mm (D) |
| Tube Length |
400mm |
| LED Color |
Hue Controlled Color Changing Lights |
| Control Method |
Kraken+ Software Module |
| Warranty |
6 Years |
| Motor |
| Speed |
2400-3600 ± 150 RPM |
| Voltage |
12V DC |
| Current |
325mA |
| Connector |
3-Pin |
| Fan |
| Model |
NZXT FX V2 140mm Performance PWM Fan |
| Dimensions |
140 x 140 x 25mm |
| Speed |
800~2000 RPM ± 10% |
| Air Flow |
42.4-106.1 CFM |
| Air Pressure |
0.36-1.97 mmH20 |
| Bearing |
Nano |
| Voltage |
12V DC |
| Connector |
4-Pin PWM |
The X61 is essentially a dual X41, with the radiator enlarged to fit two 14
cm fans instead of one (though it is thinner). The smaller 12/14 cm units can
be installed in just about any fan placement in a case, but the larger X61 radiator
is best mounted on the top panel, though front or bottom positioning is possible
if the case size and layout is suitable. The rest of the unit is the same as
the X31/X41 as far as we can tell, with an identically sized pump/base structure
and the same length/thickness of tubing. The pump runs 3600 RPM at top speed,
as with the other Krakens, and two of the X41's pleasant 14 cm stock fans are
included. Once again, there are adjustable lighting effects on the base and
a software utility to control and monitor everything. We didn't get pump speed
control working with our previous Kraken samples but hopefully the X61 doesn't
suffer from this issue.
|
Packaging.
|
|
Contents.
|
The X61 uses packaging similar to other closed-loop water cooler on the market.
The cooler is spread out in a paper carton inside the outer box with the fans
and accessories segregated in a small compartment at the center. The X61 ships
with the cooler itself, a pair of 14 cm fans, an assembly guide, and the necessary
mounting hardware including a plastic backplate and AMD mounting frame (the
Intel frame is attached by default). The usual tube of thermal compound is absent
as it is pre-applied, and there's no fan adapter as all the necessary connectors
are wired direclty to the base.
| Help support this site, buy from one of our affiliate retailers! |
|
