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Review: NZXT Kraken X52

by Parm Mann on 18 November 2016, 15:00

Tags: NZXT

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qadayn

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Conclusion

...while rival solutions have taken a streamlined approach with fewer cables and no software, NZXT targets power users hungry for customisation options and unique styling.

Eye-catching design has always played a prominent part in product development at NZXT, and in the case of the Kraken X52 it really shows.

The firm's latest 240mm all-in-one cooler touts one of the most attractive pumps to date, with a mirrored top and LED illumination that offers instant appeal to anyone who has bought into NZXT's HUE+ range.

Looking good is only part of the appeal, as there's plenty of cooling potential for an overclocked CPU, software-based customisation, and both the fans and pump run with ultra-low noise, making this the quietest all-in-one liquid cooler we've ever tested.

Are there any major downsides? Well, the Ā£130 price tag will serve as a stumbling block for most, and some may argue that the hardware-and-software combination is a tad too involved for something as simple as a humble CPU cooler. There's no harm in having a choice, mind, and while rival solutions have taken a streamlined approach with fewer cables and no software, NZXT targets power users hungry for customisation options and unique styling.

Bottom line: want a liquid cooler that looks the part and comes packed with features? Kraken X52 is, in our estimation, the best-looking all-in-one CPU cooler that money can buy.

The Good
 
The Bad
RGB illumination does look cool
Keeps noise levels down to a minimum
Multiple customisation options via CAM
Very capable cooling performance
Six-year warranty as standard
 
Can't be expanded
A fair few cables to contend with
No spare thermal paste



NZXT Kraken X52

HEXUS.where2buy

The NZXT Kraken X52 is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

HEXUS.right2reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.



*UK-based HEXUS community members are eligible for free delivery and priority customer service through the SCAN.care@HEXUS forum.



HEXUS Forums :: 12 Comments

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“More of a ballache to install, more expensive than, and not as good performance as, a Noctua” - applies to this, and pretty much all, of these AIO coolers.

I dunno if it's just because I'm getting older, but I just can't justify including something like this in a build when air coolers are doing a bang up job on their own, without introducing more moving parts and liquid
It is definitely a good looking cooler, but as I am not made of money I would rather stick to something like the 212 evo, on my kind of budget that cooler is not far off the price I would pay for the CPU itself!

Now if I was very rich and simply wanted to build the best looking machine money could buy as a hobby project, something like this would be a very nice touch indeed, especially inside a matching NZXT case!
EVO here as well and with temps going down the use for such stuff is more want then need.
Tunnah
“More of a ballache to install, more expensive than, and not as good performance as, a Noctua” - applies to this, and pretty much all, of these AIO coolers.

I dunno if it's just because I'm getting older, but I just can't justify including something like this in a build when air coolers are doing a bang up job on their own, without introducing more moving parts and liquid

Well said.
Tunnah
“More of a ballache to install, more expensive than, and not as good performance as, a Noctua” - applies to this, and pretty much all, of these AIO coolers.

I dunno if it's just because I'm getting older, but I just can't justify including something like this in a build when air coolers are doing a bang up job on their own, without introducing more moving parts and liquid

It helps in my mini-ITX system as it cuts down on a bulky cooler in the case.