For several years now NZXT has been reaping the benefits of listening to the computer building/modding community and delivering products that they actually want. This in turn has led to one of the most loyal customer bases and served to increase the popularity of their brand. So NZXT has amassed what is essentially an all-star team of products ranging from power supplies to cases to CPU coolers and pretty much everything in between save for the bits that do the number crunching. Fortunately for us they haven’t let up yet. Today we will be checking out their newest offering in the AIO cooler category the Kraken X41. Follow along as we find out if this cooler deserves a starting position, or an eternal ride of shame on the bench.
Special thanks to NZXT for providing the Kraken X41 for review!
Specifications
Model Number: RL-KRX41-01
Fan Air Flow: 42.4-106.1 CFM
Fan Air Pressure: 0.36-1.97mmH2O
Fan Bearing: Nano Bearing
Motor Speed: 2400-3600 ± 150 RPM
Fan Connector: 4 Pin PWM
Motor Voltage: 12V
Motor Connector: 3 Pin
Compatibility:
– Intel LGA 2011-3, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1150 CPUs
– AMD FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2 CPUs
Fan Dimensions: 140 x 140 x 25mm
Motor Current: 325mA
Radiator Dimensions: 140 x 172.5 x 36mm
Fan Model: NZXT FX V2 140mm Performance PWM Fan
Fan Noise Level: 20-37 dBA
Tube Length: 400mm
LED Color: Hue Controlled Color Changing Lights
Fan Speed: 800~2000 RPM ± 10%
Fan Voltage: 12 VDC
Warranty: 6 Years
Packaging
The Kraken X41 comes to us in a small to medium sized box. The front is set with a nice white backdrop that is mostly covered with a photo of the cooler itself. Two other things jump out at us though. The first being the claim that it is “The world’s first variable speed liquid cooler”, very interesting, and the second being the 6 year warranty noted in the bottom left hand corner. Moving to the back of the box we find a listing of the key features of the X41 as well as a graphic introducing us to NZXT’s CAM software used to control and monitor the unit.
On the right side we find a compatibility listing for both the covered Intel and AMD socket types. Below that is a performance comparison showing the claimed differences in performance between radiator thicknesses. And on the other side panel we get the same specification listing that we have included above.
Finally on the bottom of the box NZXT has included the specifications in 7 additional languages.
Removing the cooler from the outer box we find it secured in a molded cardboard shell and most all components completely wrapped in plastic. The radiator itself is further protected from damage by a cardboard case covering the fins. Everything seems to be adequately secured and protected from any possible damage during shipping. Our test unit arrived in perfect shape.
Yeah it is a bit expensive, I”ve been waiting for a good sale since april.
Wow, nothing more than a rebranded Zalman CNPS20LQ with LED lighting on the pump.
The ambient temperature during the second test was 5 degrees cooler so the only real difference was under load which was 5 degrees cooler. Other than the the temps were the same…
You can’t have ambient temperature 5 degrees colder and say, wow this cooler ran it 5 degrees cooler! That would be the ambient temperature that made the most difference not the water cooler.
And honestly I have the x41 and it’s really not that good at all.
Oliver, thanks for your reply.
What you are comparing is the Fahrenheit ambient temperature with the Celsius results. Double check your math and you’ll find that it does indeed perform much better than our baseline rig (which considering the cooler in that it’s pretty darn good). Thanks for fact checking and trying to keep us honest, we appreciate your interest!
Great review! I’m really stuck between this and the Nepton 240M in my H440 case. Any thoughts on that? Thanks.
Thanks for the compliment John I’m glad you enjoyed my review. While I have not had the chance to review the Nepton 240M, I did review the Nepton 280L and it was quite the performer. Unfortunately for CM the Kraken X41 pulls slightly ahead when under load.
IF you had the Nepton 280L I wouldn’t say the difference is worth the cost. However since the 280L actually has ~1/3 more surface area than the 240M I’m going to venture to say that upgrading to the X41 might actually be worth while. Not only should you see better cooling results, but the Kraken has that slick CAM software to play with. Seriously it’s good stuff. Either way keep checking out TC for reviews on the latest coolers, and let me know if you have any further questions!
So..¿would you recommend this to get 5ghz on an fx 8320e with good temps or should i get the x61? also nice review.
While I have no experience with that particular chip, poking around a little I would not suggest this cooler if you are attempting 5ghz. The x61 would be a better choice if you are wanting use an NZXT AiO cooler.
Ok then i will aim for the x61 so i can get this fx his top performance plus that double rad looks pretty awesome thanks for the replay Derrick and greetings from Mexico hot lands.