NZXT Kraken?

akravats94 · March 9, 2015

Opinions on the Kraken and whether or not an AIO (or other kind of aftermarket cooler) is necessary for a build that doesn't plan on overclocking right away?

Shaqo_Wyn · March 9, 2015

Opinions on the Kraken and whether or not an AIO (or other kind of aftermarket cooler) is necessary for a build that doesn't plan on overclocking right away?

Kraken X40/X60/X41/X61 are all great AIO's that are pretty quiet.

Depends on the overclock.. 4.5/4.6 on something like the 4790K and a beefy air cooler will be more than enough and more importantly quieter.

akravats94 · March 9, 2015

Kraken X40/X60/X41/X61 are all great AIO's that are pretty quiet.

Depends on the overclock.. 4.5/4.6 on something like the 4790K and a beefy air cooler will be more than enough and more importantly quieter.

I'm working on a build around a 4690K in an NZXT s340 and was worried about space with an air cooler.

No Nrg · March 9, 2015

I have a kraken x41 in an H440 and couldn't be happier with it. Have it in exhaust as a push/pull config and it keeps my i5-4690k overclocked to 4.4 at around 60c under load, I usually idle at 23c.

It's fairly silent overall, can just barely hear the fans running and the pump is silent for the most part, can hear the occasional gurgle.

Shaqo_Wyn · March 9, 2015

I'm working on a build around a 4690K in an NZXT s340 and was worried about space with an air cooler.

You're right to worry. Most CPU coolers I'd recommend (NH-D15, DRP3) are higher than the 161mm max. the S340 can handle.

The S340 was practically designed with the purpose of users putting a 240 or 280mm AIO in the front.

My suggestion would be to put a Kraken 41 or X61 in the front and never look back.

It'll be cool and quiet without the OC and can handle a serious OC down the road.

akravats94 · March 9, 2015

I have a kraken x41 in an H440 and couldn't be happier with it. Have it in exhaust as a push/pull config and it keeps my i5-4690k overclocked to 4.4 at around 60c under load, I usually idle at 23c.

It's fairly silent overall, can just barely hear the fans running and the pump is silent for the most part, can hear the occasional gurgle.

Looking at your build, it's pretty much exactly what I'm putting together. Anything you would have changed or done differently? Also, what do you primarily use your machine for?

No Nrg · March 10, 2015

Looking at your build, it's pretty much exactly what I'm putting together. Anything you would have changed or done differently? Also, what do you primarily use your machine for?

I use the machine almost exclusively for gaming and internet browsing.

I'm actually very happy with the finished product I ended up with. I probably could have gone with some cheaper parts here and there, but other wise I love it. Performs great; runs cool and silent.

You have a PCPartPicker list? I'd be interested in seeing what you're planning.