Conclusion
With the all-in-one water cooling market expanding so rapidly, it was simply a matter of time until the more entrenched products met with some new competition. NZXT’s new X40 and X60 have successfully dethroned the front-runners and represent a true step forward in many ways.
The larger 140mm and 280mm radiators of the X40 and X60 simply dwarf the competition. This larger size is not just for show as the greater number of water channels coupled with increased surface area allow these rather thin coolers to effortlessly outperform the competition. Just as importantly, their radiators’ slim designs allow the included fans to run at a leisurely pace, reducing acoustical footprints and enhancing overall efficiency. The software stack which is easy to use and allows for custom fan profiles just adds to the appeal.
By upsizing dimensions, NZXT does run the very real risk of alienating some potential customers. Not everyone has a case that’s compatible with 140mm fan mounts let alone the 280mm at 15mm spacing demanded by the X60. Even if your case can accept either the X40 or X60, the tedious Asetek installation procedure could be a turn-off as well. Luckily, both of these can be easily overlooked since they’ll only have to be overcome once.
Drilling down past the excellent performance numbers and installation procedure, price and warranty coverage are points which need to be discussed at length. The X40 costs less than a Corsair H80i yet easily outperforms it, making this a no brainer for anyone in the market for a single bay water cooler (provided there’s 140mm compatibility of course). On the other hand, NZXT’s Kraken X60 leads the H100i but costs significantly more. Both coolers also come with a 2 year warranty which isn’t all that bad but Corsair’s solutions are backed with 5 years of coverage, giving them a distinct edge in the peace of mind department.
While NZXT’s Kraken X40 and X60 may have some minor shortcomings, there’s no doubt they’ve taken the market by storm. Their class leading performance, adaptable software, quiet acoustics more than offset some installation hassles and compatibility limitations. Simply put, the Kraken series is simply too good to overlook.
NZXT Kraken X40
NZXT Kraken X60
Conclusion
With the all-in-one water cooling market expanding so rapidly, it was simply a matter of time until the more entrenched products met with some new competition. NZXT’s new X40 and X60 have successfully dethroned the front-runners and represent a true step forward in many ways.
The larger 140mm and 280mm radiators of the X40 and X60 simply dwarf the competition. This larger size is not just for show as the greater number of water channels coupled with increased surface area allow these rather thin coolers to effortlessly outperform the competition. Just as importantly, their radiators’ slim designs allow the included fans to run at a leisurely pace, reducing acoustical footprints and enhancing overall efficiency. The software stack which is easy to use and allows for custom fan profiles just adds to the appeal.
By upsizing dimensions, NZXT does run the very real risk of alienating some potential customers. Not everyone has a case that’s compatible with 140mm fan mounts let alone the 280mm at 15mm spacing demanded by the X60. Even if your case can accept either the X40 or X60, the tedious Asetek installation procedure could be a turn-off as well. Luckily, both of these can be easily overlooked since they’ll only have to be overcome once.
Drilling down past the excellent performance numbers and installation procedure, price and warranty coverage are points which need to be discussed at length. The X40 costs less than a Corsair H80i yet easily outperforms it, making this a no brainer for anyone in the market for a single bay water cooler (provided there’s 140mm compatibility of course). On the other hand, NZXT’s Kraken X60 leads the H100i but costs significantly more. Both coolers also come with a 2 year warranty which isn’t all that bad but Corsair’s solutions are backed with 5 years of coverage, giving them a distinct edge in the peace of mind department.
While NZXT’s Kraken X40 and X60 may have some minor shortcomings, there’s no doubt they’ve taken the market by storm. Their class leading performance, adaptable software, quiet acoustics more than offset some installation hassles and compatibility limitations. Simply put, the Kraken series is simply too good to overlook.
NZXT Kraken X40
NZXT Kraken X60
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