NZXT Kraken X53 240mm AIO Review

NZXT may be best known (in my opinion) for their fantastic PC cases. However, they’ve also got some of the most competitive and rather stylish liquid coolers around, and have for quite some time now. A new year means a new model too, and they’ve unleashed their new X53 and Z63 series on us. Which model is right for your system, budget and other requirements? Well, that’s what we aim to find out.

NZXT Kraken X53

The two models are offering broadly the same features when it comes to cooling. They both have high-quality radiators, flexible tubing, and even the same mounting kit. However, they are their first coolers designed to use the 7th Gen pump design from Asetek. For reference, the last two years they’ve used Gen 5 and before that Gen 4 as far back as 2012. It promises improved cooling performance, temperature sensing and quieter operation; so pretty much everything you would want from an updated model.

Available Models

The X will be available in 240, 280 and 360mm. However, the Z will only be available in 280mm and 360mm variants. Both are broadly the same when it comes to the radiator and pump technology. However, the X features the RGB pump with an infinity mirror, while the Z features a built-in display on the pump and also a 0dB Mode. As you can see, there’s quite a price difference between the two. Now I should say, this written review is going to focus on the X53, while Andy had the X63 for a video review which I’ve embedded at the top of the page. Beyond that, let’s move on!

About the Kraken X-3

• BIGGER AND BRIGHTER – A 10% bigger LED ring allows for more vivid RGB. A rotatable top accommodates re-orienting the logo no matter the direction the cooler is installed.
  BETTER CONTROL – CAM provides sophisticated controls with an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Now with better sync for lighting effects across all NZXT RGB devices, NZXT CAM allows you to manage your Kraken’s performance and lighting with precision, making adjustments with the click of a button.
• INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE – The Aer P radiator fans are designed for liquid-cooling perfection. They feature a chamfered intake and fluid dynamic bearing that provides silent operation, longer life, and powerful cooling performance.
• SIMPLE INSTALLATION – Fine nylon mesh sleeves strengthen the rubber tubing, providing durability and protection against mishandling. Adjust the orientation of the pump head* to fit the needs of your motherboard without affecting the direction of the logo.

What NZXT Had to Say

“The newly-updated Kraken X Series is a must-have for any build, providing better cooling, stunning visual effects, and intuitive installation. You can fine-tune settings with CAM’s software interface, ensuring optimal performance in even the most intense gaming sessions. The new Kraken X series maintains the customizable lighting effects and quiet performance of previous generations and adds a NZXT RGB lighting connector for even more RGB options. With a re-designed cap and larger infinity mirror ring LED, the new Kraken X delivers an amazing experience in RGB liquid cooling, backed by a 6-year warranty and our highly-regarded customer service.” – NZXT

About the Kraken Z63

• CUSTOMIZE YOUR BATTLESTATION – With a bright, 2.36” LCD screen capable of displaying 24-bit colour, you can now completely customize the look of your CPU cooler. Whether it’s a funny gif or CAM data, you can use your Kraken to express yourself in an exciting new way.
• STAY IN CONTROL – CAM’s elegant, user-friendly software makes you the master of your PC. With simple-to-use, intuitive controls, you can manage your Kraken’s performance and appearance with ease.
• INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE – The Aer P radiator fans are designed for liquid-cooling perfection. It features a chamfered intake and fluid dynamic bearing that provides silent operations, durability, and powerful cooling performance.
• SIMPLE INSTALLATION – Fine nylon mesh sleeves strengthen the rubber tubing, providing durability and protection against mishandling. Adjust the orientation of the pump head* to fit the needs of your motherboard without affecting the direction of the logo.

What NZXT Had to Say

“The all-new Kraken Z Series lets you personalize your all-in-one liquid cooler like never before. Through CAM’s unique software interface, you can do more than simply fine-tune settings; you can now display animated gifs or CAM system information, allowing for total customization. Backed by a 6-year warranty, the Kraken Z series provides superior performance in liquid cooling, simple installation, and a look that is uniquely your own.” – NZXT

A Closer Look

The Kraken X53 comes nicely packaged. There’s a one-piece soft brown cardboard interior, separating all the major components. All the major components are wrapped in thick plastics and generally very well protected.

In the box, you’ll find two 120mm AER fans. They’re not RGB or anything outlandish like that. However, they are easily some of the best fans on the market right now.

The fans look stunning, although aesthetics never seems to be a struggle for NZXT. There’s a mild two-tone look to them with those angular scoops around the fan blades.

At the side of the fan, a durable fan cable with thick sleeving and heat wrap keeping things looking very neat and tidy.

Fittings and Fixtures

Nothing too crazy here really, with a SATA power cable and a micro-USB to USB motherboard header cable. Both of these will connect directly to the pump housing.

There are fittings for all major sockets here too, with the exception of TRX40, which is supported, but you need an extra bracket (not included).

Of course, you get the AMD retention ring in the box, but the Intel bracket comes pre-fitted to the pump.

Plus, the universal backplate will support all major sockets thanks to the sliding fitting. It’s pretty much what you would expect from the latest Asetek design.

The Cooler

Being an AIO cooler, everything is ready to rock right out of the box. There’s a really good length to the tubing, but it’s surprisingly flexible. I haven’t played with an AIO for a little while, but I often find many have very rigid tubing, which drives me nuts.

Stamped in the side, a lovely NZXT logo. I like that they’ve kept the branding quite

Down the side of the pump, you’ll find the fitting for the included USB cable and SATA power connector. I still don’t get why these aren’t somehow wired into the radiator though, as routing into the pump is a cable routing nightmare in my opinion.

On the plus side, you do get some easy pivot mounts on the tubing, which I do like.

The thermal paste is pre-installed, which makes for an easy install. However, I would like to see them include it in a tube in the box, should you need to re-install at a later date.

A little warning sticker on the top. I’ll leave that on for now, as it’s protecting the shiny top while I install it.

Fitting it all up is easy enough, and while there are only two fans included, they do include screws for four should you need them. Of course, there are short screws for fitting it to a chassis too.

Once it’s all installed, it’s pretty much as you would expect. However, I do love the pump design which features an NZXT logo on the top layer of the glass, but a trick infinity mirror design around the edges. It is RGB, so fire up the CAM software and you can dial in your favourite colours, temperature response colour changes, etc.

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.

How Much Does it Cost?

There’s no avoiding the issue here, they’re not cheap. I had the most affordable one, the Kraken X53 which costs $129.99. For that, you get a fantastic looking AIO, a 240mm radiator and that trick RGB infinity mirror. However, from there, the prices shoot up exponentially. Take the Z63 which Andy had in the video review, that’s $249.99, and as far as we can tell, that’s another $100 for that cool display in the pump. I mean, it’s awesome, but $100 awesome? that’s for your wallet to decide. The even bigger Kraken Z73 is $279.99.

Overview

As I said before, I’ve really fallen behind in my experience with AIO coolers. We used to use them on all of our test benches, but it became a chore when swapping motherboards and CPUs so we switched to air coolers. Using the new Kraken rekindled my hate for them if I’m brutally honest. I still think that there are just too many cables to the pump, and they’re a pain in the butt to route cleanly away from the pump, while avoiding conflicts with the RAM and VRM. However, my issues are not the same as those of your typical consumer, as you’ll install it likely just the once and leave it, so perhaps I’m just old and bitter about something that isn’t a big issue to you.

Build Quality

It’s built by Asetek, and let’s be fair, they’ve built millions and millions of coolers. They know what they’re doing, and this being their 7th Gen pump design, it’s their quietest, most efficient and coolest to date. The pump housing seems a little large to me, but given it needs to support some of the larger CPUs on the market today, that’s not that surprising. Plus, it allows for that fantastic infinity mirror design on the top. It’s a bit different, and it is sure to look great at the heart of your motherboard.

The radiator is well designed, albeit no big surprises with it. 240mm copper and aluminium design, it’ll more than get the job done. Plus, the tightly braided tubing look superb. However, it is their AER fans that get the most praise from me. They’re some of my favourite fans on the market, with great airflow, low noise and the look superb too.

Performance

The performance difference between the model I had, the NZXT Kraken X53, and the one Andy had, the Kraken Z63, was quite surprising. Clearly his was better, but wowzers, was it more expensive! For the price though, I think this one is very competitive and while at full load, it kept up with the Noctua flagship. However, at idle and gaming loads, there was a clear advantage to the X53 performance.