NZXT Kraken X60 Liquid CPU Cooler Review

The NZXT Kraken X60 uses a standard one inch thickness Asetek radiator that is 240mm in size. It supports 140mm fans only, and you can fit up to four, two on each side. Only two are provided but enough fan screws are provided to mount four fans if you so wish.

I am pleased that NZXT’s packaging made sure the radiator arrived with me in pristine condition. With 280mm of real estate you’re going to be able to get extra performance that a 240mm radiator of the same thickness with the same number of fans just cannot offer. In essence this is the best-of-the-best as far as all in one liquid CPU coolers go (at the time of writing anyway!) One crucial point worth noting is fan spacing. NZXT use 15mm spacing between the two 140mm fan areas. This is the same spacing method as used on 240mm radiators. However, unlike 240mm radiators which have a universal standard, the 280mm radiators do not. NZXT made a safe assumption in opting for 15mm spacing, although we are hearing that Corsair’s H110 will use 20mm spacing. Consequently this is a critical factor you should be considering, if looking at the NZXT Kraken X60 or Corsair H110 – does your case support 15mm or 20mm spacing for 140mm fans?

The included fans offer 800 to 2000 RPMs and 54 to 98 CFM. They come fully sleeved in black cables all the way up to the fan motor – something we rarely, if ever, see.

The pump unit features an NZXT logo design on it. This is LED lit and the colour and mode of lighting can be controlled via the Kraken Software.

The base features some pre applied thermal paste. Other than that it is clear this is just another Asetek pump like we’ve seen on many units from Corsair and Thermaltake.