nzxt kraken z63 with lcd display review pricelist
Ever since it was founded back in 2004, NZXT has been focused on the always-lucrative PC gaming market. The company started out with just a few PC cases, yet their unique aesthetics and features were more than enough to let the company establish a solid foothold in the advanced PC market. Several years later, NZXT slowly began diversifying their product portfolio by adding cooling and power products to it. Today, the company produces a large variety of PC cases, cooling, and power products, as well as PC peripherals and accessories.
NZXT entered the PC cooling market nearly a decade ago by releasing all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling solutions and accessories for them, including GPU mounting brackets. However unlike other manufacturers who have opted to build large, diverse product lineups, NZXT never kept more than a handful of AIO coolers available in their product line-up. Instead, the company has focused on delivering a few quality and aesthetically-unique designs, rather than trying to take the competition down on raw performance alone.
Today we are taking a look at NZXT’s latest liquid coolers, the Kraken X-3 and Z-3 series. These are more of a refresh rather a total upgrade over last year’s X-2 series, but NZXT has made some notable tweaks. Between the two families there are five different coolers in three sizes, covering the usual 240/280/360mm configurations. Both the X and Z series utilize the same cooling hardware, but NZXT has positioned the Z series as a premium option with a novel aesthetic feature – while the X series has RGB lighting on top of the pump base, the Z series tops its base with a full-fledged (and full color) LCD screen.
For this review we"re checking out both the X73 and the Z63, giving us a full view of the performance and features we can expect from most coolers that NZXT currently offers.
The new Kraken Z-3 and X-3 coolers ship in relatively simple packaging, based on the same white/purple artistic theme that NZXT has used over the last few years. A picture of the cooler covers the otherwise plain front of the packaging. Inside the box we found the coolers and their parts well protected by custom cardboard inserts.
All of the coolers share practically the same bundle, which is limited to the basics. Inside the box we only found the required mounting hardware, the necessary wiring, and an installation manual. We should also note that NZXT does not include the TR4 socket mounting plate by default, but they do have one available as an optional part for Threadripper owners.
The NZXT Z63 and X73 come with two 140 mm and three 120 mm fans respectively. The company went with high quality fans, with fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) engines and anti-vibration mounting pads. They are not overly powerful, though with their flat-bladed, high-pressure design they shouldn"t have much trouble overcoming the resistance of the radiator. There is no lighting about the fans, with the company focusing their artistic enhancement efforts on the pump block instead.
Digging into our review samples, let"s start with deciphering NZXT’s cooler names. The first character denotes the series, the second the size, and the third is the version. For example, the Z63 and the Z73 coolers belong to the same series and share most features but their radiator size differs, while the X73 and Z73 are of the same size but belong to different series. Thus the Z63 and the X73 that we will be reviewing today check both of these boxes, allowing us to explore the differences between the Z and X series and measure the thermal performance of both the 280 mm and the 360 mm coolers.
So what sets apart NZXT"s X and Z series coolers? In short, it"s all about displays. For the Z series, NZXT has topped off the the main block assembly with a 2.36” LCD screen. The LCD can be programmed to showcase everything from images and GIFs to real-time data. And despite the low 320×320 px resolution, it is crisp and bright, with beautiful color reproduction.
Otherwise for the X model, NZXT dials things back just a tad and uses a mirrored top with LEDs placed under it. Once powered, the company logo and a ring appear, with the mirror creating an infinity effect about the ring. The LEDs are RGB and users can adjust the colors of the ring using NZXT’s CAM software. On the whole it is a relatively simple and attractive visual setup.
Other than the display topping the main block, the X and Z series coolers are all but identical. The rest of the main block is the same between the two, going right down to the contact plate and mini pumps. So at the base of NZXT"s LCD and LED handiwork lies a circular copper plate, secured on the plastic body with eight stainless steel screws. A layer of thermal paste is pre-applied onto the contact plate. It is not machined down to a mirror finish but it is smooth and entirely flat. The contact plate is not large enough to cover Ryzen Threadripper processors and, although it should work okay, we generally advise against using coolers that are not specifically developed for the TR4 socket on Threadripper processors.
Moving on, let"s talk about NZXT"s radiators. Their different sizes aside, the radiators of both the Z63 and X73 seem to be identical in terms of design. The subtle but significant difference is that the 120 mm fan radiator of the X73/Z73 is 26 mm thick, while the 140 mm fan radiator of the Z63/X63 is 30 mm thick. It"s just a few millimeters, but it"s something that should absolutely be considered confirming the cooler’s compatibility with a given case, as sometimes a few millimeters makes all the difference. Both radiators are typical dual-pass cross-flow designs, with tiny fins soldered on thin oblong tubes. This is by far the most dominant radiator design for AIO systems and rightfully so, as it offers the best efficiency within limited proportions and for the temperature differences that AIO coolers have to deal with.
The hose fixings on the radiator side are immovable, making them a bit less flexible during installation. In order to cope with long-term evaporation losses, NZXT is using what they are calling “ultra-low evaporation” high-density rubber tubing, with external nylon sleeve braiding for additional mechanical protection. NZXT also took the time to punch the company logo on the sides of the radiators.
Coolers are all the rage these days for gamers everywhere. If you’re looking to upgrade your style, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, in our NZXT Kraken Z63 AIO Cooler review, we’ll talk about why this product’s the best when it comes to fashion.
NZXT is famous for its innovative products in the gaming industry. They are an American manufacturing company in Los Angeles, California that focuses on computer hardware. With their talents, we expect nothing less from this line of Z series coolers.
The NZXT Kraken Z63 is a rectangular package that comes in purple and white. The product model can be seen in the front as well as the product’s name.
Inside, you will be greeted with the product and the instruction manual laying on top. The instruction manual helps the user install the cooler to their system. It also reveals other features the product has to offer.
No need to worry about the complexity of installing the cooler. With the manual, you will be guided accordingly on how to properly manage and maintain it.
Upon opening the mould, you will observe that the product is neatly intact. There, the radiator, tubes, fans and pump are covered in a plastic wrapping, together with all the important cables needed to run the product into your PC.
Let’s now talk about the design and its functions in our NZXT Kraken Z63 AIO Cooler review. The NZXT Kraken Z63 has several parts to it. So, first on our list, is the radiator.
The NZXT Kraken Z63 radiator styles a black sleek colour with two 140 mm Aer P fans. Its main role is to keep the liquid inside the tubing cooled. With this, it helps distribute the airflow effectively around the PC.
The black tubes are made out of rubber and braided into a sleeve together with nylon. Tubes are important because this circulates the cooled liquid around the product. Without the tubes, the liquid cannot circulate to the CPU block, which cools the processor.
The CPU block remains to be a circle in shape together with its pump. This is a very common design when it comes to coolers. Having the pump and the CPU block in the same part helps regulate the liquid.
Several things come with the NZXT Kraken Z63. First is the cables. The cables run through the radiator and into your motherboard. This makes it easier to manage.
Next, you will find a plastic bag full of insulation hardware. It has the mounting kits for the processor. With these, the Kraken Z63 is adaptable to both Intel and AMD processors.
When you play games, video edit or watch HD streams, most of these applications take a ton of processing power. This is why NZXT targets efficiency and consistency for their cooler. With that, a constant temperature can be stabilised while doing these heavy applications.
It is always important for one to look at the stability and performance when checking out coolers. The NZXT Kraken Z63 provides reliable power for various applications. Thanks to its build, it can challenge the most draining applications.
Processors prove to be difficult when it comes to cooling. They always demand a large amount of power. NZXT was smart in their decision to rely on their talents to innovate the CPU block.
Due to its alteration, it can maximise the amount of cooling needed to keep the processor cooled and collected. With the fans in place, it helps remove trapped heat inside and circulates the airflow.
It is important to always adjust when the call asks for it. NZXT’s latest software, CAM, permits the user to fine-tune the settings, making it optimal for reconfigurations when necessary. There are options to alter temperatures, speeds, power management and cooling.
With that, CAM’s user-friendly program makes you the ruler of your PC. Thanks to its simple-to-use UI and intuitive controls, you can easily manage your cooler’s performance and design.
NZXT has taken coolers to a different level. When we say different, we are talking about style. With the brand new Kraken Z series, it lets you fully personalise the all-in-one liquid cooler. What does this mean?
CAM’s latest software interface lets you do a lot more than reconfigure your specifications on the settings. It lets you design how you want your CPU block to look like. There are options where you can display images, animated gifs or system information.
Total customisation would be the words for this matter. Thanks to the bright 2.36 LCD screen on the CPU block, this lets you display your favourite gifs. NZXT has thoroughly thought out what gamers would need and want, filling both desires at the same time.
Overall, NZXT is a master of style and performance when it comes to their Kraken Z series. With total customisation and optimal performance, you can expect nothing less from NZXT.
The NZXT Kraken Z63 AIO cooler is made up of several important parts. These are the radiator, tubes, pump, CPU block and fans. Let’s start with the radiator.
The radiator sizes 143 by 315 by 30 millimetres. It is encased with aluminium. The radiator itself isn’t quite big, but when you install the fans together, they make quite the pack.
Next is the pump, which has a motor speed and power of 800 to 2,800 rotations per minute. With that, you can tell that the pump can easily handle high amounts of pressure coming from the liquid.
Don’t be scared about all these technical aspects within the product. These can be learned through the manual provided. If you are not sure, always consult the official website. With that, NZXT always puts attention when it comes to details.
When the product came, we were shocked to find out how easy it was to install the product. Thanks to its lightweight; it wasn’t a hassle to carry. With the braided sleeves, it was easy to maneuver and rotate around the case.
For the test, we wanted to know its noise levels. Checking the acoustic performance can be hard because it is a matter of personal preference. With the Aer P fans that have fluid-dynamic bearings, it was silent during operations. This also goes for the pump.
Moving on, we checked the temperatures during play. Thanks to the LCD screen display on the CPU block; it was easy enough for us to know if the PC was heating up. To our surprise, the processor stayed at a temperature of 44°C. W .
Lastly, we then wanted to check out the CAM software of NZXT for the display screen. Most of us during this test had a great time displaying funny gifs on the CPU block. It felt great putting whatever we liked on the screen. With that, we felt totally in control.
NZXT has impressed us yet again. Not only that, but we really had a blast with the LCD. It was something new to us, and we had such a wonderful time customising it. NZXT knows what they are doing, putting attention to what gamers need and want in a cooler today.
Before we wrap up our NZXT Kraken Z63 AIO Cooler review, we will give you our conclusion of the product. This determines whether the product is worth the buy.
The NZXT Kraken Z63 AIO Cooler is a marvellous feat that brings new light to gamers everywhere. With great features being brought to the table, NZXT was sure to keep our hopes up.
Performance, cooling and efficiency are all important, but who said we can’t add a little bit of style to it? With CAM’s software and LCD, you can personalise to your heart’s content.
All in all, we were blown away with NZXT’s latest line of coolers, the Kraken Z series. We had a blast testing this product, and we highly recommend that you take a ride on it too. With that, we end our NZXT Kraken Z63 AIO Cooler review.
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NZXT has been making AIO cooling soutions for almost 10 years now and its Kraken line is one of the most recognizable in the market. One of the coolers in its current lineup is the Kraken Z63, a 280mm AIO liquid CPU cooler that comes with the company’s new LED display-equipped water block. The Z63 was initially released back in the beginning of 2020 alongside the rest of the company’s Z-3 and X-3 series coolers. While the company has since released RGB-equipped variants of these coolers, those who aren’t fans of RBG lighting can opt for the original versions instead.
The Kraken Z63 comes in the company’s signature packaging, with the white front featuring an image of the product accompanied by its name in big, bold letters as well as a short description of the product in smaller text. The rest of the packaging, which contains most of the information on the product, comes in NZXT’s signature purple. Inside the outer packaging is the typical molded carton, which holds all of the inclusions of the Kraken Z63, such as the radiator and water block assembly, fans, as well as the mounting parts, connectors, and accessories.
The most notable aspect of the Kraken Z63’s design is its 2.36-inch circular LCD display, which has become quite a popular feature over the past few years. The 320 x 320 resolution display can be programmed to show a number of things, including an image, GIF, or real-time information such as the CPU temperature, clock speed, and more. The quality of the display is actually pretty good in spite of its low resolution. The exterior of the rest of the cylindrical cap and water block is mostly made of plastic and comes in the company’s matte black.
The water block also features a 14-pin connector and a micro USB port for the Kraken Z63’s breakout and USB cables, respectively. The breakout cable includes a SATA connector for power, three 4-pin fan connectors, a 3-pin connector for the motherboard’s CPU fan or AIO pump header, and a proprietary NZXT RGB connector for compatible components. Under the water block is the retention bracket holder, which comes with the Intel bracket pre-installed, and the circular copper plate.
On the other end of the assembly, the radiator of the Kraken Z63 features a pretty typical design. It measures 143 x 315 x 30mm and is made from aluminum with an NZXT logo stamped on its side plates.
As for the tubing of the Kraken Z63, it’s made from rubber with braided nylon sleeving and terminates into the water block with two rotatable 90-degree fittings while it’s fixed on the radiator side, which is a pretty common design. The tubing itself, which measures around 40cm long, feels sturdy while still being flexible enough that it’s pretty easy to position the water block and radiator during installation.
NZXT has included two of its Aer P 140mm fans with its Kraken Z63, which are the company’s basic fans designed specifically for use with a radiator. The fans come in a matte black plastic with a grey trim, although different colored trims can be purchased separately.
Installing the Kraken Z63 is fairly easy and straightforward, although mounting it on an Intel motherboard takes a few more steps than an AMD AM4 one. Intel users will need to replace their motherboard’s stock backplate with the Kraken Z63’s, adjust it depending on the specific socket, either Socket 1200/115X or Socket 1700, and use the appropriate standoff screws. On the other hand, AMD users can use the motherboard’s stock backplate and will only need to remove the stock bracket then install the correct standoff screws. Users will then need to install the correct retention bracket on the water block then use the four thumb screws to secure it to the installed standoffs.
As for the radiator, NZXT has included enough hardware to let users mount it in several configurations. There are enough short and long screws to mount the Kraken Z63’s radiator and fans in either a push or pull configuration. Even a push-pull setup is possible if the user has additional fans on hand. NZXT has also included washers to mount the fans or radiator more securely and to avoid scratching either the fans, radiator, or case. After installing the water block, radiator, and fans, users will need to connect both the breakout cable and the USB 2.0 cable to the water block and attach them to their respective headers or connectors.
Notably, the cables of the NZXT are long enough that users will easily be able to route them cleanly within their case. Particularly, the USB 2.0 cable can easily reach a USB 2.0 header at the lowest part of a motherboard even when routed up and behind the motherboard tray. According to NZXT, its Aer P fans have a speed of up to 1,800 (± 300RPM), an airflow of up to 98.17 CFM, and a static pressure of up to 2.71 mm (-H2O).
Once the Kraken Z63 is fully mounted, users can monitor and control its settings with NZXT’s CAM software. It features a very simple and clean interface, which makes it very easy to navigate and use. With the CAM software, users are able to monitor several of the PC’s components, customize the lighting of any connected and compatible RGB devices, adjust cooling profiles, manage the settings of other supported components, and more.
When the Kraken Z63 is installed, most of its settings will be located in the CAM software’s Cooling and Lighting tab. In the Cooling tab, users will be able to monitor the CPU and GPU’s temperature, the temperature of the cooling liquid, pump RPM, and fan RPM. Users will be able to set, customize, and save different cooling profiles within this tab and apply them to either all the connected components or set the profiles for each one individually.
As for the Lighting tab, users will be able to customize the Kraken Z63’s LCD display. Users can choose to display information that the Kraken Z63 sources from the CAM software, such as CPU or GPU temperature, cooling liquid temperature, CPU frequency, CPU/GPU utilization, and more. Users can also choose to display an image or animated GIF. The colors of the displayed text and visual effects can also be customized by the user.
The Kraken Z63 was able to keep the temperature of our CPU at a little below 40 degrees at idle and a max of 71 degrees under load, with an ambient temperature of 28 degrees. The performance of the Kraken Z63 is more than satisfactory, especially when compared to our previous AIO cooler, a Deepcool Gamer Storm Captain 240EX RGB, which runs almost 10 degrees hotter.
The Kraken Z63 is undoubtedly one of the best looking AIO coolers we’ve used so far, both in aesthetics as well as in build and material quality. NZXT has made installing and setting up the Kraken Z63 relatively easy because of its inclusions and CAM software. Furthermore, its great performance is in line with what can be expected from NZXT’s numerous years of experience. While the LCD display may not be for everyone and contributes greatly to its hefty price tag (of around PHP 14,000), it’s certainly a stand out feature that not only looks great but also works well. Those looking for a competent AIO liquid CPU cooler that also adds some visual flair to their build should definitely consider the NZXT Kraken Z63.
AIO makes a double clicking noise every now and then and its pretty audible with my A40"s on but keep in mind these headphones bleed lots of noise and don"t block out much noise either without any video playing or anything so, other than it performed OK, except im not sure if this was a software issue but my CPU would randomly spike in degrees and im not sure if that"s the AIO and its clicking problem which is obviously coming from the pump so. other than that it worked fine and i dont see it providing me any problems for a bit.
NZXT’s latest flagship Kraken Z73 AIO represents a new generation of liquid coolers from a company already known for its quality and striking visuals. Armed with a trio of powerful fans and a new 7th- gen pump, this 360mm model makes a stunning visual statement with its active LCD face displaying a myriad of system statistics, like registered CPU and coolant temperatures or even customized logos, radiating forth from atop your CPU in pure digital bliss.
Priced at $279.99, the NZXT Kraken Z73 commands a premium for its digital LCD fireworks and a cooling performance punch that rivals the best AIOs -- and even some custom cooling loops we’ve tested. For those system builders who strive to reach the peak of thermal excellence and can’t get enough of that integrated, jaw-dropping LCD display, the Kraken Z73 is second to none.
As any enthusiast cooling system should, the NZXT Kraken Z73 ships with mounting hardware for nearly all current mainstream and high-end desktop (HEDT) processors, from both sides of the great CPU silicon chasm (Intel and AMD). Just note that if you want to chill your threadripper, you’ll need to get an optional bracket from NZXT.
The heart of the Kraken Z73 is a 7th-gen pump that promises better flow and reliability. The familiar NZXT reflective face actually hides a 2.36 inch (60mm) diameter LCD display for real-time reporting of CPU or liquid temperatures, and even has the ability to manage your own custom image or animated GIF.
A motherboard USB 2.0 header-to-micro-USB cable manages the connectivity between the CAM desktop software and the Kraken Z73. A proprietary cable fans out from the pump to a trio of fan outputs, a SATA power input, and an unused 4-pin connector.
The base of the Kraken Z73 features a copper cold plate and a splotch of factory-applied thermal compound. The traditional Asetek twist-lock bracket system is easily seen from below and allows the simple interchange of the correct mount during installation.
NZXT provides three 120mm AER P120 fans with fluid-dynamic bearings to muster air through the 360mm aluminum radiator. Each of the 2000RPM (max) fan blades has a bit of an upturned winglet near the tip and is surrounded by a contrasting molded shroud.
Installation of the NZXT Kraken Z73 is very manageable and similar to most other AIOs on the market, assuming the chassis in question supports a 360mm radiator. The length and flexibility of the sleeved tubing and swivel fittings allows for a multitude of different mounting options to suit your needs.
The NXZT CAM software allows for selection of the LCD display as well as multiple system sensor reports from the UI. Fan and pump speeds can be managed using either a curve ramp or manufacturer-defined performance settings.
With a bright, 2.36" LCD screen capable of displaying 24-bit color, you can now completely customize the look of your CPU cooler with custom gifs or CAM data.
CAM"s elegant, user-friendly software makes you the master of your PC. With simple-to-use, intuitive controls, you can manage your Kraken"s performance and appearance with ease.
Fine nylon mesh sleeves strengthen the rubber tubing, providing durability and protection against mishandling. With the fully programmable display, the pump can be rotated* to fit the needs of your motherboard without affecting the direction of the logo or image.
NZXT updated its Kraken series a while ago to revision 3 as in X-3, another update has been made though, the RGB fan version. As such we test the X63 RGB Series Liquid cooler. An AIO LCS liquid CPU cooler for cases with 280 mm radiator mounts. Revision 3 has subtle but not significant changes, for example, the LED ring is a bit bigger and now can be rotated to line up the NZXT LED-lit logo horizontally independent of how you install the block. The fans are no longer controlled by the LCS unit and CAM infrastructure itself, you need to connect them towards your motherboard or fan controller to regular them. it seems to be an effort from NZXT to have you purchase an extra CAM compatible RGB/FAN HUB, but we"ll talk a bit more about that in the review. Other than that the cooling performance remains solid. This new revision CPU cooler pump and LED lighting are compatible with CAM software and now is paired with RGB FANs as well.
The software allows you to program, customize, and monitor this all-in-one liquid cooling solution for your processor. Armed with two 140 mm PWM fans and a nice 280 mm radiator the performance should be really good, and with the CAM software you can monitor temperatures, adjust pump performance and customize LED lighting directly from your desktop. You know, in the world of CPU coolers nothing ever stops developing. These days you can pick a hundred different heat-pipe based coolers, where many are shaped, formed and priced the same. The better heatpipe based coolers are good though. Next in line are LCS systems (liquid cooling), the entry-level products are affordable, easy to install pre-fab liquid cooling kits. We"ve seen and tested many of them as Corsair, Asetek, Cooler Master and yes NZXT and so on all have interesting kits.
The product we test in specific is the Kraken X63 RGB, it has an updated visual design and allows only to control the pump, but not fans. Next to that what"s interesting is that this product is based on a 280 mm radiator which gives it quite a bit of cooling surface area. It is a cooler series that is easy on the eyes and comes with relatively tool-free installation. Next to some very good performance, the product is compatible with NZXT CAM software. You hook up the LCS unit towards a USB port and then the software allows you to program, customize and monitor this easy to install liquid cooling solution.
Keep your Intel or AMD processor working at top performance during intense gaming sessions with theKraken Z63 All-in-One RGB Liquid CPU Cooler. Featuring a 280mm radiator outfitted with two 140mm fans, this liquid cooler helps to keep CPU temperatures low and performance high when running demanding games and applications. Its chamfered intake and fluid dynamic bearing fans are designed to ensure quiet operation and the rubber tubes are reinforced with nylon mesh sleeves for increased durability. But the Kraken Z63 doesn"t just provide cooling, it also looks cool with a 2.36" LCD screen built onto the CPU cap. Use the NZXT CAM software to personalize the screen to show custom images, animations, or system performance data to complement the RGB lighting effects on compatible components.