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To test the performance of the NZXT Kraken X60, we built a powerful X79 based system on an open test bench to push the cooler to it's limits. As we were testing on an open test bench, we directed a Be Quiet! Shadow Wings 120 mm fan at the VRM circuitry to better simulate the airflow generated in a case.
We tested the Kraken X40 and X60 in both the ‘Silent' and ‘Extreme' modes in the software, as well as with the fans at maximum speed (2000 RPM).
Coolers Tested
- NZXT Kraken X60
- NZXT Kraken X40
- Corsair H110 (fans at 12V)
- Corsair H90 (fan at 12V)
- Phanteks PH-TC14PE (fans at 12V)
- Noctua NH-D14 (fans at 12V)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-3930K
- Motherboard: Asus P9X79
- Memory: 16 GB (4 x 4 GB) Mushkin Blackline 1600 MHz
- Thermal Paste: Arctic Cooling MX-2
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 7950
- Graphics Card (noise tests): HIS Radeon HD 5550 Silence
- Power Supply: Seasonic Platinum P1000W
- Prime 95 (64-bit)
- CPUID Hardware Monitor
Overclocking
We manually overclocked the i7-3930K to 4.7 GHz by increasing the multiplier to 47x, leaving the baseclock set at 100 MHz. We set Load Line Calibration to ‘High', and increased the CPU Current Capability to 120% with a minor voltage increase. Speed stepping was disabled for both stock and overclocked tests.
See validation here.
Monster! Corsair H110/H100i is hard to beat, but I like this cooler too. I might buy it to compare myself.
Kick ass !
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Best review I have read of this yet. just ordered one. thanks.
NZXT rock. I have one of their phantom cases, this is next on my life. great review.
Now I need to persuade my credit card to accept the charge !
These are great coolers, but the size and mounting positions mean they won’t work in a lot of cases.
Please check everyone before buying it could be an expensive mistake!
I just bought the Corsair H110, love it. this looks good too, so many great coolers now hard to choose.
Bought the X40 last week and its brilliant. X60 wouldnt fit in my case sadly, too big.
No intention of changing my Noctua NH D14 – its much quieter than any of these coolers.
Ordered this for my Phantom. cant wait !
Is is just me or are these coolers just getting bigger and bigger? I know many people said the Phantenks and Noctua took up too much space around the CPU socket, but these liquid coolers need half the case and huge mounting positions at the top of the case, hogging a lot of room?
Who cares if its taking up space on the top of the case? if its out of the way of the memory slots etc, its a winner. I love the D14, but I sold mine to get a H100i. The D14 is just as good at cooling, but I could never get at things I needed to
Already own the X60, bought it last week. and its fantastic. bit big for a lot of cases, but its obvious with a radiator this size.
I am using Bequiet fans on mine and its much better, cost another £20 but I dont care.
I must admit I think the Corsair H100i is a bit better looking by design.
Cant buy it here anyway, has to be Corsair for me.
I will buy this for my boyfriend for his new system, birthday present sorted thanks!
What is the best case to run this in?
Corsair Obsidan 650 works well with this cooler.
I don’t think there’s much to choose between the H110 & the X60 performance wise. You pays your money & takes your choice. That said I still use my old Antec Kuhler 920 & apart from it’s over elaborate (read pain in the ass) mounting system it probably performs just as well as newer competing brands in it’s class.