Testing the NZXT Kraken Core 360 RGB
With the recent move to a new test bench setup, it is time to update the list of components below. Additionally, we are trying out a new set of testing which still involves monitoring the system while both idling and under load, which now includes set fan RPM levels to see how fan speed and the noise associated, plays into a cooler’s performance.
The following components are used for our AIO cooling testing.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7600X
Cooling: NZXT Kraken Core 360 RGB
Motherboard: ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi
Graphics Card: PowerColor Red Devil Radeon RX 580
Memory: Patriot Viper Gaming Elite 5 DDR5 6400MT/s 48GB
Storage: Patriot Viper VP4300 Gen4 PCIe NVMe 1TB SSD
Case: Fractal Design Define R6 Tempered Glass
Power: EVGA G5 750W
List of coolers being compared:
– NZXT Kraken Core 360 RGB
– MSI MPG CORELIQUID P13
– SAMA L70
– Valkyrie V360 Lite
– TRYX PANORAMA 360
– Endorfy Navis F360 ARGB
– Corsair Nautilus 360 RS
– TRYX PANORAMA SE 360 ARGB
– be quiet! Silent Loop 3
Please note: As we continue to test additional AIOs on this new test bed, this table will be updated in order to show comparisons to additional coolers.
For performance testing we will first test idle temperatures. These are taken on the Windows 11 desktop an hour after the system has been turned on.
For load testing we will be running the AIDA64 system stability test with the CPU only checked. This puts a full load on our CPU. We run this test for 1 hour and record the highest temperature throughout the test.
In addition to the different temperature readings across the various fan speeds, we are now also including noise output readings as well. This is important information that can help you find a nice balance of performance to noise output for your system.
Lighting
The NZXT Kraken Core 360 does not offer any software control or configuration, so the only real control you have over this AIO is via your motherboard or discrete fan and lighting controllers. Our installation utilizes the motherboard headers and Fan Control software to control the operation of the fans, while the motherboard header takes care of the lighting. Below are a few shots of the Kraken Core 360 RGB installed and lit up.
