NZXT Kraken 120
NZXT Kraken 120 Review & Specifications
The NZXT Kraken 120 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 sockets.
This liquid cooler uses a high-efficiency CPU block made of Copper for optimal heat transfer. It features a 120 radiator with dimensions of 120 x 152 x 32mm, paired with 1 fan(s) of 120 mm each. The fan(s) operate at a maximum speed of 2000 RPM with a noise level of 36.0 dBA, achieving a total airflow of 73.0 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. This cooler does not include RGB lighting, focusing instead on performance, reliability, and low acoustic output. The cooler is backed by a 3-year warranty, providing long-term reliability and manufacturer support.
Performance
NZXT Kraken 120 is a mid-range performance liquid CPU cooler suitable for CPUs with TDPs up to 200 W, providing a relative cooling performance score of 80.00%. It is primarily suited for mid-range gaming builds where external heat exhaust is advantageous. While it can be used in workstation setups, air coolers in this performance class often offer equal or better cooling with greater reliability and no risk of leakage. Liquid coolers in this category provide solid thermal performance but introduce additional complexity, including moving pumps and the need for long-term maintenance.
Cost-Effectiveness
In terms of performance per dollar, the NZXT Kraken 120 offers excellent value for a liquid cooler, achieving 50.3% 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.
General Information
| Manufacturer | NZXT |
|---|---|
| Cooler Name | NZXT Kraken 120 |
| Current Price Amazon | $70❗N/A |
| Amazon Price Updated | 2 months, 3 weeks ago. |
| Cooler Available | False |
Specification
| Cooler Type | 120 / Liquid |
|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4 |
| CPU Block | Copper |
| Fan Size / Number | 120 mm / 1 fan/s |
| Cooler Dimensions | 120 x 152 x 32mm |
| Cooler Height | 32 mm |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Performance
| Fan Speed | 2000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Noise | 36.0 dBA |
| Airflow | 73.0 CFM |
| Relative Performance | 80.00% |
NZXT Kraken 120 Compared to CPU Coolers with Similar Performance
CPU Cooler Price / Performance Table
| CPU_Cooler (Desc) | Price (Desc) | Performance (Desc) | Perf/Price (Desc) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$187
|
0.0%
|
86.4%
|
20.3%
|
|
|
$117
|
↓
-4.2%
|
85.5%
|
32.0%
|
|
|
$45
|
0.0%
|
85.0%
|
83.3%
|
|
|
$78
|
↑
37.7%
|
85.0%
|
47.8%
|
|
|
$70
|
↑
9.9%
|
80.0%
|
50.3%
|
|
|
$90
|
↑
40.6%
|
79.0%
|
38.6%
|
|
|
$35
|
↑
11.1%
|
78.0%
|
99.2%
|
|
|
$33
|
↓
-10.0%
|
75.0%
|
99.4%
|
|
|
$34
|
↓
-10.0%
|
75.0%
|
97.5%
|
CPU Cooler Comparison and Detail Specifications Table
| Specification | Perf Chart | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$187
0.0%
|
$117
↓
-4.2%
|
$45
0.0%
|
$78
↑
37.7%
|
$70
↑
9.9%
|
$90
↑
40.6%
|
$35
↑
11.1%
|
$33
↓
-10.0%
|
$34
↓
-10.0%
|
| Cooling Type | 240 / Liquid | 240 / Liquid | 240 / Liquid | 240 / Liquid | 120 / Liquid | 120 / Liquid | 120 / Liquid | 120 / Liquid | 120 / Liquid |
| Radiator Size | 288 x 120 x 52 mm | 277 x 119.6 x 27.2 mm | 276 x 120 x 27 mm | 157 x 119.2 x 27 mm | 120 x 152 x 32mm | 157 x 119.6 x 27.2 mm | 61.7 x 61.7 x 53.8 mm | 157 x1 20 x 27 mm | 157 x1 20 x 27 mm |
| Height | 52 mm | 28 mm | 54 mm | 27 mm | 32 mm | 27 mm | 53 mm | 52 mm | 52 mm |
| Fan Specs | 120 mm / 3000 rpm / 105.8 CFM | 120 mm / 2500 rpm / 71.0 CFM | 120 mm / 1500.0 rpm / 66.2 CFM | 120 mm / 1750 rpm / 71.0 CFM | 120 mm / 2000 rpm / 73.0 CFM | 120 mm / 1750 rpm / 71.0 CFM | 120 mm / 1500 rpm / N/A CFM | 120 mm / 2000.0 rpm / 72.3 CFM | 120 mm / 2000.0 rpm / 72.3 CFM |
| Noise Level | 47.3 dBA | 27.0 dBA | 25.6 dBA | 30.0 dBA | 36.0 dBA | 27.0 dBA | 30.0 dBA | 28.0 dBA | 28.0 dBA |
| Sockets |
LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 2011, LGA 2066, AM5, AM4, TR4
|
LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4
|
LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4
|
LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, AM5
|
LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4
|
LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, AM5, AM4
|
LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4
|
LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4
|
LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4
|
| Warranty | 6 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years | 5 years |
CPU Cooler Specification Table
| CPU_Cooler (Desc) | Cooler Type | Radiator Size | Height | Fan Size/Speed/Airflow | Noise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240 / Liquid | 288 x 120 x 52 mm | 52 mm | 120 mm / 3000 rpm / 105.8 CFM | 47.3 dBA | |
| 240 / Liquid | 277 x 119.6 x 27.2 mm | 28 mm | 120 mm / 2500 rpm / 71.0 CFM | 27.0 dBA | |
| 240 / Liquid | 276 x 120 x 27 mm | 54 mm | 120 mm / 1500.0 rpm / 66.2 CFM | 25.6 dBA | |
| 240 / Liquid | 157 x 119.2 x 27 mm | 27 mm | 120 mm / 1750 rpm / 71.0 CFM | 30.0 dBA | |
| 120 / Liquid | 120 x 152 x 32mm | 32 mm | 120 mm / 2000 rpm / 73.0 CFM | 36.0 dBA | |
| 120 / Liquid | 157 x 119.6 x 27.2 mm | 27 mm | 120 mm / 1750 rpm / 71.0 CFM | 27.0 dBA | |
| 120 / Liquid | 61.7 x 61.7 x 53.8 mm | 53 mm | 120 mm / 1500 rpm / None CFM | 30.0 dBA | |
| 120 / Liquid | 157 x1 20 x 27 mm | 52 mm | 120 mm / 2000.0 rpm / 72.3 CFM | 28.0 dBA | |
| 120 / Liquid | 157 x1 20 x 27 mm | 52 mm | 120 mm / 2000.0 rpm / 72.3 CFM | 28.0 dBA |
Additional CPU Cooler Information
Additional Information:
Display:
LEDs:9 LEDs
RGB Input Voltage:5V DC
Lighting Support:5V 3-pin ARGB / 5V 4-pin NZXT RGB
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