NZXT Kraken X61 AIO CPU Cooler Review

Test Set Up

We tested the NZXT Kraken X61 for sound and cooling performance using an i7 LGA2011 set up. We tested two configurations, stock with turbo and over clock with turbo.

• Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
• Processor: Intel i7-5820K
• Motherboard: Asus Rampage V Extreme Motherboard
• Graphics: MSI GTX 970 GAMING Twin Frozr V
• Memory: 16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 2666Mhz
• Drives: Crucial BX100 500Gb SSD
• PSU: Corsair HX1000i
• Chassis: MicroCool Banchetto 101 Chassis

Software used for load tests and temperature capture;

• HWiNFO64
• AIDA64 Engineer

We ran the AIDA64 Extreme stability test in 30 minute batches and recorded the results. We used the Core Max result as there was typically a variance across the cores of a couple of degrees. We only selected the cache, FPU and CPU tests, so no other component would generate impacting heat during the tests.

BIOS Setting

We used the default PWM setting and left it alone! We wanted to give the same baseline as the air coolers, and though this matters less, we needed to be sure nothing interfered with the results. We didn’t use the CAM software for this, we just let the hardware manage the power.

Sound Level Testing

We used a standard generic digital sound level meter at 15 inches. It is important to note we used the MicroCool Banchetto 101 Chassis for testing which is an open chassis. This means you are hearing the radiator fans unobstructed.

Thermal Paste

We use Arctic MX-2 for all heatsink cooler tests and in fact we use it for all builds, test or otherwise. We run the AIDA64 Engineering stability test as our burn in programme for thermal paste, which allows the paste to spread out and share the love across the mating surfaces. It is worth doing, we noted a drop in throttling after 30 minutes of burn in, and we don’t like throttling!

First up, stock performance. Below we have the CPUID showing 3.3Ghz stock and 3.6Ghz Turbo clocks.

We have pitched it up against the very capable be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 and our Editors Choice air cooler, the Noctua NH-D15, with some impressive results.

The Kraken X61 is the winner, only just with the Dark Rock Pro 3 in a distant third place for idle temperatures.