NZXT Kraken 120 - All-in-One RGB CPU Liquid Cooler - Infinity Mirror Design - Powered by CAM
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AI Verdict
This 120mm liquid cooler with an RGB infinity mirror design is for compact builds or users prioritizing aesthetics over raw cooling for low-to-mid-range CPUs.
This 120mm AIO, with its 3.84-watt pump and 18.28 - 73.11 CFM fan airflow, is a situational fit, primarily for compact builds or users who value the RGB infinity mirror design over raw thermal performance. For CPUs above a Ryzen 5 or Intel i5, its cooling capacity is often insufficient under load.
If you need more cooling power, look for AIOs with at least a 240mm radiator and higher CFM fans, or consider a high-performance tower air cooler.
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Pros
- Infinity mirror design and individually addressable RGB LEDs offer extensive visual customization.
- Users report quiet operation, especially at lower loads, due to the fluid dynamic bearing fan (21-36 dBA).
- Reinforced extended tubing with fine nylon sleeves adds protection during handling.
- Many users found the installation process straightforward.
- The updated pump chamber is designed for improved thermal performance.
Cons
- The 120mm radiator size limits cooling capacity, making it less effective for high-TDP CPUs.
- Advanced RGB color and lighting modes require an NZXT RGB controller, which is sold separately.
- Some users have reported reliability issues with fans and pump speeds after extended use.
- The abundance of cables for power and RGB can complicate cable management.
Dimension Scores
While it features an updated pump chamber, the 120mm radiator size inherently limits its heat dissipation for anything beyond low-to-mid range CPUs.
Users frequently report quiet operation, with fan noise between 21-36 dBA and pump noise often described as barely audible.
Features like reinforced nylon-sleeved tubing are positive, but some users report pump and fan failures after 2-3 years of use.
The 4-pin connector and RGB cabling can lead to an abundance of wires, making management average at best.
Best For
- Small form factor PC builds where larger coolers do not physically fit.
- Systems with low to mid-range CPUs (e.g., Ryzen 5, Intel i5) not undergoing heavy overclocking.
- Users prioritizing RGB aesthetics and an infinity mirror effect in their build.
Not Recommended For
- High-end CPUs (e.g., Intel i7/i9, Ryzen 7/9) or heavily overclocked systems.
- Users seeking maximum cooling performance for demanding tasks like video rendering or intense gaming.
- Budget-conscious builders, as many air coolers can offer superior performance for the same or lower price.
Watch Out For
- Connecting the RGB to a 12V header instead of a 5V ARGB header can immediately damage the LEDs.
- Pump or fan failures have been reported after 2-3 years of use, potentially leading to CPU thermal throttling.
- The RGB on the pump head may not light up or be recognized by NZXT CAM software without proper connection to an NZXT RGB controller or a specific USB 2.0 header.
- The 120mm radiator's limited surface area means it struggles to dissipate heat from higher wattage CPUs, often being outperformed by larger air coolers.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 815671019400 |
| ASIN | B09GKQ4KYP |
| Brand | NZXT |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.84 watts |
| Material | Copper |
| Item Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Noise Level | 33 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | NZXT |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 73.11 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | RL-KR120-B1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 10.51"L x 5.39"W x 8.46"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1800 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Many users grab this cooler for its striking infinity mirror RGB design, but the 120mm radiator often struggles to keep modern CPUs cool under load, leading to thermal throttling for some. While installation is generally straightforward, the sheer number of cables for power and RGB can make cable management a chore. Some owners have experienced pump or fan failures within a few years, which is a significant concern for an AIO.
“Dude, this thing looks sick with the infinity mirror, but my 7800X3D still hits 80C sometimes, wish I just got a bigger one for the money. RGB is cool though.”
Common Praise
- The infinity mirror design and customizable RGB lighting are visually appealing.
- Quiet operation at idle and under light loads.
- Effective cooling for low-to-mid range CPUs.
- Reinforced tubing feels durable and protective.
- Easy to install for many users.
Common Complaints
- Limited cooling performance for higher-end or overclocked CPUs.
- Reliability issues, including pump and fan failures after 2-3 years.
- RGB lighting not working or being difficult to configure without an NZXT controller.
- Too many cables for a clean build.
- Can be outperformed by cheaper air coolers in terms of raw cooling capacity.
Ownership Tips
- The infinity mirror effect looks best when the PC is on, obviously, but it's a real eye-catcher.
- You'll probably need to mess with NZXT CAM software to get the RGB exactly how you want it, and it can be finicky.
- Even if it cools okay, the small radiator means the fan might ramp up more often than with a larger AIO or air cooler to maintain temperatures.
- Make sure your case has a good spot for a 120mm radiator, sometimes they're awkward to mount.
- The tubing length is generous, which helps with routing, but also adds to the overall cable clutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Kraken 120 cool an Intel i7 or Ryzen 7 CPU?
It can cool some i7 or Ryzen 7 CPUs if not overclocked, but many users report it's not ideal for higher TDP processors, especially under heavy loads. For optimal performance with these CPUs, a larger cooler is recommended.
Do I need an NZXT controller for the RGB lighting?
The cooler integrates with your motherboard header for basic RGB functionality. However, for advanced RGB color and lighting modes, and to daisy chain with other NZXT RGB products, an NZXT RGB controller is needed and sold separately.
Is the Kraken 120 noisy during operation?
Many users find it quiet, especially at idle or low loads, with fan noise typically ranging from 21-36 dBA. The pump noise is often described as barely audible.
What kind of maintenance does this AIO require?
Like most AIOs, it is generally maintenance-free. However, users recommend regularly cleaning the radiator and the rest of your PC for dust to maintain optimal cooling performance.
Is a 120mm AIO better than an air cooler?
For the price, many air coolers can offer comparable or superior performance to a 120mm AIO, especially for higher TDP CPUs. The small radiator size of a 120mm AIO limits its heat dissipation compared to larger air coolers or AIOs.
Buying Guide
When picking a CPU cooler, you're trying to move heat away from your processor. Liquid coolers like this one use a pump, liquid, and a radiator to do that. The size of the radiator (here, 120mm) is a huge factor in how much heat it can actually dissipate. Bigger radiators mean more surface area for cooling, which is crucial for powerful CPUs or if you plan to push your system hard.
cooling_method (Water)
This means it uses liquid circulating through tubes to carry heat away from your CPU to a radiator, where fans then cool the liquid. It's different from air coolers that use heat pipes and a large heatsink with fans directly on the CPU.
wattage (3.84 watts)
This refers to the pump's power consumption. While low, it doesn't directly tell you the cooling capacity. The pump moves the liquid, but the radiator size and fan airflow are more critical for how much heat can be removed.
Air Flow (18.28 - 73.11 CFM)
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and tells you how much air the fan can move. Higher CFM means more air moving through the radiator, which generally translates to better cooling, but also potentially more noise.
material (Copper)
The cold plate, which sits directly on your CPU, is made of copper because it's excellent at conducting heat away from the processor to the liquid, ensuring efficient heat transfer.
Alternatives
If this 120mm cooler isn't enough, look for liquid coolers with 240mm or 360mm radiators for significantly more cooling capacity, or consider high-performance tower air coolers which can often outperform smaller AIOs for less money.
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