NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB: Test & Review

Features

• Type of cooling: water cooling
• Number of fans: 2
• Fan model: NZXT Aero RGB
• Fan size: 120mm
• Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 26mm
• Speed ​​: 500 – 1,500 ± 300 rpm
• Air flow : 17.48 – 52.44 CFM
• Air pressure: 0.14 – 1.35 mm-H₂O
• Noise : 22 – 33 dBA
• Bearing : Hydrodynamic bearing
• Power consumption : 12V DC, 0.18A, 2.2W
• Lifetime : 60,000 hours / 6 years
• Backlight: Yes
• Fan backlight: ARGB
• Connector for ARGB fan cable: 4 pins
• PWM mode: Yes
• Composition of the radiator: Aluminum
• Radiator size: 240mm
• Water block backlight: Yes (screen)
• Screen size : 2.36 inches
• Screen resolution: 320 x 320 pixels
• Screen Brightness: 650 cd/m²
• Waterblock ARGB cable connector: Pin
• Pump speed: 800 – 2,800 ± 300 rpm

Special Features

• Display: 3.5″ Full Color LCD
• Intel Socket: Intel Socket LGA 1700, 1200, 115X
• AMD-socket: AMD Socket AM5, AM4, sTRX4*, TR4* (*Threadripper mount not included)

Packaging

Finely packaged, here is what you will find within the box:

• Kraken X53 RGB
• 2x Aer RGB 2 120mm Fans
• Installation accessories

Chassis and alternative ranges

Design

Available in black or white depending on your preference, the Kraken Z53 RGB is equipped with two 120 mm fans, backlit and configurable from the software NZXT CAM to which we will return later. The radiator is made of aluminum and has an elegant design where we can read the brand name on one of the sides.

the Waterblock is equipped with a screen with an LCD panel round in shape. It is a choice at the discretion of the user since the manufacturers navigate between round and square. Anyway, the Waterblock is quite substantial since it alone integrates the cooling system as well as the components of the screen. The water supply hoses are lined with white or black fabric (depending on version) which are stiff enough to prevent damage, yet flexible enough to direct them as you please.

NZXT ranges

The set offers a wheelbase of 240 mm with two 120 mm fans, enough to equip a large majority of enclosures, even small ones. As a bonus we recommend the Z53 version for moderately energy-consuming processors and not exceeding the i7 in order to maintain effective cooling.

Note, however, that NZXT provides a plethora of Watercollage AIO different in order to be associated with eclectic configurations and enclosures.

• Kraken X: the more affordable version, as the LCD only displays the logo NZXT and is not editable, just rotatable depending on the application.
• Kraken-Z: Watercooling AIO whose LCD screen is customizable.
• X like Z:
  • 120: a single 120 mm fan and radiator assembly. Ideal for positioning on the back of your tower.
    • 53/53 RGB: 240 mm watercooling with two 120 mm fans. (version without/with RGB)
  • 63/63 RGB: 280 mm watercooling with two 140 mm fans. (version without/with RGB)
  • 73/73 RGB: 360mm watercooling with three 120mm fans. (version without/with RGB)

Facility

First of all, if the AIO is an innovative concept for you and you want to learn more about how it works and how to choose the right one for your configuration, we invite you to read our article on how to choose your CPU water cooling kit.

Naturally, if you chose this AIO, you had already taken into account the compatibility with your processor socket. Otherwise, don’t panic, here is a summary of the compatible ones:

• Intel Socket: Intel Socket LGA 1700, 1200, 115X
• AMD-socket: AMD Socket AM5, AM4, sTRX4*, TR4* (*Threadripper mount not included)

Note that the latest generation sockets are not integrated. This is due to the creation date of the device. Nevertheless, the manufacturer is adapting to these new sockets by offering the free delivery of a compatible interface, on condition of filling out a form from their site for the AM5 or the 1700 from Intel.

Now that we are clear on this point, let’s get back to the product installation. First, the manufacturer offers the possibility of mounting the fans on the radiator towards outside or inside. To do this, simply follow the instructions in the instructions and use the screws accordingly. Do not forget to install the fans with the RGB zone which is not resting against the radiator. Note that these are equipped with connectors allowing them to be linked together in order to use a common RGB port Management.

Once this step has been completed, you must set the Waterblock retaining plate on the back of the motherboard. Note that once screwed the assembly is not completely in contact with the CM. Don’t worry, this gives room for the final installation which will block everything while tightening.

Finally, the installation of the Waterblock is quite easy. The latter already has thermal paste, but for the most skeptical you can add a little. Be careful, however, not to drown the area or the desired effect will be completely reversed. Come and screw the Waterblock onto the assembly, taking care to direct pipes depending on the constraints of your configuration or the desired aesthetic appearance.

Of course, let’s not forget to connect all the cables allowing the management of the cooling, the LCD power supply and the RGB power supply. Note that these still take up a lot of space both at the back of the case and under the Waterblock.

Cooling

For the occasion, we have installed a configuration that is quite old and well below the maximum possible performance of this Kraken Z53 RGBthat is here :

• Graphic card : GTX770
• Processor : I5 2500k
• IAO: Kraken 253 RGB white
• Motherboard : GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3
• Food : C650 Gold
• Ram bars: 16 GB Corsair
• Hard disk : 1 SSD (2″5) & 1 HDD (3″5)
• Case: NZXT H5 Elite

That said, we still pushed the components to their power limits to see how the cooling of the Kraken Z53 RGB.

• At rest : 20°
• Typical use (office automation, web browsing, etc.): 25 – 30°
• Benchmark and game (League of Legends): 50 – 55° max

Software

NZXT has an all-in-one software to configure the plethora of components and / or peripherals of the manufacturer that accompany you. Quite intuitive, it is broken down into several tabs, each dedicated to a particular task. All it takes is one click to find out the status of your configuration, temperatures, charging rates or even running processes. One of the most complete software that goes further than just adjusting your components NZXT.

For the fans, these are adjustable individually and via the drop-down menu both on the color section and choice of RGB mode going so far as to match the music you’re listening to (without any particular appeal).

Whether it’s the fans or the AIO, you can change the trigger conditions to cool. There are pre-set modes (Fixed, Silent and Performances), but you can also set it to your liking with the “custom” option

Finally, the strong point of the Z range at NZXT is the opportunity to modify the LCD dial with as much information as possible. As a bonus, you can replace these with a multitude of other options :

• GIF
• Dual computer graphics (CPU + GPU)
• CPU temperature
• Liquid temperature
• Graphics card temperature
• CPU load
• Graphics card load
• CPU clock speed
• GPU clock speed
• spectral wave
• clock face

audio feedback

As we have already seen with the H5 Elite case test, NZXT seems to offer fast, but quite noisy fans. Yet the Kraken Z53 RGB goes against all odds given that they are quite quiet, despite a combination of two fans. Here are the data recorded during a classic then forced use of the fans (we cut those of the main tower during the operation).

• Silent : 35dB
• Thoroughly: 47dB

Without hesitation, we can confirm that these fans are just as efficient as they are quiet, whatever the use.