The Kraken 240 RGB
Unpacking:
Finally, the packaging remains quite similar to the Kraken Elite 360 that we tested previously. Indeed, we find a purple and white box highlighting the features and characteristics of the kit.
Inside, we can already count on the presence of a cardboard mold enveloping each element of the kit. Note also that the fans, the radiator or the pump benefit from an overpacking with plastic bags. This is still effective: no breakage.
The radiator:
Again, we are somewhat disappointed to find a radiator with rather basic finishes compared to what you can find in the competition. As for the Elite, it relies on rounded edges and visible rivets… Even if the NZXT logo stamped on the sides saves the day, we have clearly seen better. However, this version being white, the radiator is painted in this color, it’s a change.
Next to that, we find a radiator with a 240 mm format of the most classic. It measures 123 (W) x 275 (D) x 30 (H) mm. Compared to the Kraken Elite 360, this Kraken 240 RGB has a slightly thicker radiator of 3 mm. However, we are still far from the 38 mm of the Liquid Freezer II or the Glacier One 240 T30 from Phanteks.
To connect the pump to the radiator, we find two pipes of 40 cm in length. They are covered with a nice white nylon sheath very soft to the touch. Finally, the tubes are flexible, which facilitates the installation in the cases offering little space.
The waterblock:
We now move on to the waterblock of this Kraken 240 RGB which, if it is in the same vein as the Elite 360, offers a few differences all the same. If it offers a similar look, with a rounded shape and a top part with a mirror effect, it is more compact. The shell has a diameter of 74.7 mm and a height of 55.97 mm. For comparison, a Kraken Elite is 81.9 mm in diameter for a height of 59.7 mm.
However, this did not prevent NZXT to integrate a small LCD display. On this kit, the display offers a small diagonal of 1.54″ and a resolution of 240×240 pixels. For the brightness, the latter increases to 300 cd/m². The difference with the Kraken Elite is therefore quite marked with a smaller screen, less defined and less bright. We’ll have to see what it actually brings to the table.
As for the connectivity of the pump, we always find the removable cable that will allow to connect all the elements of the kit on it. This one has fourteen pins and will end with :
- 1x male SATA socket for the power supply
- 1x USB 2.0 header socket
- 1x three-pin fan socket to retrieve the pump speed
- 3x PWM female fan socket to connect the fans of the kit
Finally, underneath the pump, we have the circular copper base that is held in place with eight Torx screws. It will be wide enough to cover the IHS of an Intel LGA-1700 processor or an AMD AM5 CPU.
Compatibility:
With the Kraken 240 RGB, NZXT ensures compatibility with current mainstream platforms:
- Intel: LGA-1100 – LGA-1200 – LGA-1700
- AMD: AM5 – AM4
As for the other kits equipped with Asetek seventh generation pumps, mounting on TR4 motherboards and derivatives is possible via the adapter supplied with the processor. However, due to the size of these models, we do not recommend it.
Fans :
With this Kraken 240 RGB, NZXT slips two fans into the box, F120 RGB Core. From a visual point of view, there is no big change compared to the fans of the Kraken Elite 360. We find the same shape of frame with rubber silentblocks at the four corners. The same goes for the blades where, globally, they have the same design. They are seven in number and have a slight curvature, not to say that they are straight, while being relatively wide.
However, the central hub is wider on this model, but it’s hard to say if this is related to a different type of bearing or if it’s to hide the RGB diodes present at the engine. In the meantime, we know that these F120 RGB Core have a FDB type bearing (Fluid Dynamic Bearing).
In terms of connectivity, each fan has two cables, the first PWM for power and fan management. The second one will be used to manage the lighting via a proprietary four-pin plug. Anyway, the two cables measure about sixty centimeters.
In terms of characteristics, we now find two fans operating from 500 rpm to 1800 rpm. The air flow reaches 78.86 CFM while the static pressure is 2.57 mmH2O.
The bundle:
The accessory part of the kit rests in a small resealable plastic bag directly added in the box. This last one contains :
- An assembly manual
- A plastic backplate for Intel sockets
- Spacers for Intel sockets
- Clamping nuts
- AMD mounting arms
- And the spacers that go with it
- Control box for RGB lighting
- The power connector for the pump and fans
- A USB 2.0 splitter
- A sticky patch for mounting the RGB controller
- Screws for mounting the fans and the radiator
We find, overall, a complete accessory section with all the necessary for the assembly of the kit. In our box, we even had an extra set of screws for the fan in order to install four mills. The same goes for the USB 2.0 headers where we find a splitter à la Corsair.
Roughly speaking:
Finally, we are dealing with a rather nice kit in white. Nevertheless, in 2023, the radiator is clearly not very nice as the competition offers us blocks with a better finish.
