Review: NZXT Kraken Z73

by Parm Mann on 18 February 2020, 14:01

Tags: NZXT

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Conclusion

...the flagship 360mm Kraken Z73 has the performance potential to back-up its stylish looks...

The performance of all-in-one CPU coolers has plateaued, forcing big-name brands to seek other forms of differentiation. RGB lighting has been all the rage in recent years, and in 2020 we suspect digital displays and software customisation are going to become key factors in the high-end segment.

Setting the stage is NZXT, whose Kraken Z-Series coolers are in our estimation the most handsome closed-loop solutions to date. Equipped with a 60mm LCD, the cooler displays real-time system information or, if you prefer, an animated gif of your choosing.

One of the first to be built on Asetek's seventh-gen platform, the flagship 360mm Kraken Z73 has the performance potential to back-up its stylish looks, though there are a few niggles to be aware of. NZXT's default fan profiles are unnecessarily noisy, you have to use the CAM software to make the most of the cooler, and of course there's the massive £250 price tag.

Bottom line: I can't fathom spending this amount of money on a CPU cooler, but there are plenty of enthusiasts who will break the bank for components that stand out from the crowd. NZXT's Kraken Z73 certainly does that.

The Good
 
The Bad
Looks awesome
LCD display easily customised
Straightforward mounting system
High-end cooling performance
 
Huge price tag
Default profile gets loud under load
No spare thermal paste provided



NZXT Kraken Z73

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The NZXT Kraken Z73 CPU cooler is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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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 :: 6 Comments

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Excuse me ? but 32 deg coolant, i don't think i have ever seen water that hot, even after prolonged stress testing.
Maybe with my first Asetek off the shelf kit wayyyy back in the day.
AND ! its not like i have used fans strong enough to loft a S.H.I.E.L.D hover carrier or i have very low ambient temperatures.
Gentle Viking;1338941
AND ! its not like i have used fans strong enough to loft a S.H.I.E.L.D hover carrier or i have very low ambient temperatures.

Why am I getting the twinge to get one of these and do a full on Iron Man build? Mmmmnnyeeeh it's too tempting-
Gentle Viking;4176941
Excuse me ? but 32 deg coolant, i don't think i have ever seen water that hot, even after prolonged stress testing.

It all depends on where the temperature probe is.
AU$459 where I live, Still on X61 for my old 5960X, The price on this new one is getting into niche markets though,I don't think I would spend that much maybe AU$300 tops for a cpu cooler and even that is pushing it.
The X61 back then cost me AU$199
ouch £250 for a cooler