NZXT Kraken X73 RGB AIO Liquid Cooler Review

How Much Does it Cost?

Coming with a price tag of $179.99, the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB is not cheap. Even comparatively speaking, this AIO liquid cooler is around $30-$40 more expensive than a lot of its ‘premium-level’ competition. While they are ‘premium-level’, however, the Kraken X73 RGB, at least in my opinion, falls within the remits of enthusiast-grade which is on a notably higher-tier.

The NZXT is undoubtedly one of the most high-end AIO liquid coolers around in terms of combined performance, aesthetics, and functionality and while it might cost a lot of money, there is certainly much to take from the design and presentation that clearly makes it worth it!

Overview

As we noted earlier in the review, while the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB is a joy to behold when operating, it does have a relatively ‘involved’ installation method and while this shouldn’t prove too difficult for absolute beginners, there is a part of me that suspects that more experienced hands will find this notably easier to both use and live with.

Offering excellent levels of CPU temperature control and low-acoustic output, however, the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB is definitely a high-specification product and performs every bit as well as that would suggest.

Should I Buy One?

For the casual consumer, I probably couldn’t wholeheartedly recommend the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB. There is something about the functionality and performance it offers that suggests that it would be best suited in the hands of a real enthusiast-level PC builder who would truly look to get the best out of it. If you are one of those people, however, I can assure you that you’re going to absolutely love this AIO cooler. Not only in terms of the build-quality and aesthetics on offer, but in terms of temperature and acoustic performance, the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB hits the nail right on the head!

Pros

• Exceptional levels of design, aesthetics, and build quality
• Offers performance and functionality well in excess of many of its competing alternatives
• A truly fantastic proposition for enthusiast-level PC owners
• Strong CPU temperature control with low acoustic-output

Cons

• No product manual included within the box. For a premium product like this (and with the associated price tag), that’s almost unforgivable!

Neutral

• Perhaps a little too enthusiast-grade (and expensive) for the casual PC consumer
• Installation is a little ‘involved’ and perhaps overly so for the casual consumer
• Requires the installation of NZXT’s CAM software for RGB lighting functionality – Make of this what you will!