NZXT Kraken 240

NZXT Kraken 240 Review & Specifications

The NZXT Kraken 240 by NZXT is a Liquid CPU cooler designed for compatibility with LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 sockets.

This liquid cooler uses a high-efficiency CPU block made of Copper for optimal heat transfer. It features a 240 radiator with dimensions of 123 x 275 x 30mm, paired with 2 fan(s) of 120 mm each. The fan(s) operate at a maximum speed of 1800 RPM with a noise level of 30.6 dBA, achieving a total airflow of 78.0 CFM. Please ensure your PC case can accommodate the radiator size and mounting configuration. You can check compatibility with our PC Builder, which filters cases based on radiator size. Aesthetically, this CPU cooler includes RGB lighting for customizable illumination, adding visual flair to your system build. The cooler is backed by a 6-year warranty, providing long-term reliability and manufacturer support.

Performance

NZXT Kraken 240 is a high-end performance liquid CPU cooler built for CPUs with a TDP exceeding 200 W, delivering an excellent relative cooling performance score of 95.00%. It is particularly well-suited for high-end gaming PCs, as it helps exhaust heat directly outside the case, improving internal airflow and thermal headroom for powerful GPUs. While it can be used in workstation builds, caution is advised due to inherently lower reliability compared to air coolers. Liquid coolers offer top-tier thermal performance, often unmatched by air coolers, but come with increased complexity, more moving parts (such as the pump), a risk of coolant leakage, and a higher likelihood of requiring maintenance over time.

Cost-Effectiveness

In terms of performance per dollar, the NZXT Kraken 240 offers excellent value for a liquid cooler, achieving 35.1% efficiency relative to the best-performing air cooler in the performance-per-price category. Note: Liquid coolers generally have a lower performance-to-price ratio due to their more complex design and higher manufacturing costs. Despite this, this model represents an excellent cost-effective option for users seeking the benefits of liquid cooling.