NZXT Kraken X53 240mm AIO Review

Performance

Straight off the bat, the results are pretty much what we expected. Now, keep in mind that we are on a new test bench here, so not a huge array of results. However, we’ve got good idle temperatures and pretty fantastic gaming temperatures from both the X53 and the Z63. At full load, the X53 was a little warmer than expected, but still, 81c is absolutely fine for an i9-9900K but the 71c of the Z63 is bloody impressive.

Overclocking saw the X53 match the Noctua NH-D15S at full load. That’s pretty impressive as we know the D15S is as good as coolers get. However, on an overclocked i9-9900K, it’s very impressive to get these temperatures from the X53. Plus, it has Noctua whipped when it comes to idle temperatures and gaming temperatures, which is likely where it’ll be used the most.

The noise levels are pretty much what we expected too. Now, I will say that at full load they do seem a lot louder than the two air coolers, and they are. However, in the grand scheme of things, they’re no louder than any other AIO we’ve ever experienced. It’s a different sound, more of a low rumble from the pump and liquid rather than higher fan RPM.

There wasn’t much change while overclocked, again pretty competitive with previous AIO’s I’ve tested.