The Kraken Elite 420 RGB
As far as the packaging is concerned, there’s not really a big change in the brand’s habits. We’re back to purple and white packaging. As always, detailed specifications are shown on the sides, with a reminder of features on the back and an illustration of the kit on the front.
Inside, we still have the same cardboard protections lined with plastic bags. Accessories and mounting screws are individually wrapped in plastic bags.
The radiator :
For the radiator, the NZXT kit, based on a CoolIt base, offers a very attractive finish. Indeed, the block adopts a square shape with no visible rivets, something we’ve had to face with the LC360 RGB from ASUS in particular. NZXT logos are embossed directly into the sides of the kit, so it looks good, especially as the coating is uniformly applied.
However, you’ll need to be careful when choosing this model, as the exchanger boasts imposing dimensions… 420 mm format. This translates into a length of 457, a width of 140 mm and a standard thickness of 27 mm. What’s more, a proprietary connector appears between the two pipes. This is where the kit’s connectors will be plugged in.
Otherwise, the AIO takes advantage of two 46 cm long pipes, while benefiting from good flexibility. This makes it easy to position the pump as required, without having to exert too much effort. Finally, we’d like to point out that the tubes are clad in an attractive white nylon sheath.
The pump :
On NZXT kits, the pump always makes an impression, especially since the brand changed OEM. Here, it’s much larger than on original Asetek products (93.5 mm in diameter for a height of 65 mm) and features a glossy treatment while the strapping is matte. This not only looks good, but also offers a respectably sized screen.
Here, we’re dealing with a 2.72″ LCD model. IPS-type, it offers 640x640px resolution, while displaying at a frequency of 60 Hz. It’s also very bright, with a claimed 690 cd/m². As for orientation, this can be set directly via the brand’s CAM software.
Beneath this, we find the rather imposing cold plate. It measures 55 mm square and is held in place by eight Philips-head screws. By default, as you can see, we have pre-applied thermal paste… And you know what that means. Otherwise, the treatment of the base is good, with fine machining similar to sandblasting.
There are no connectors at the pump outlet here, as the pump is routed through the pipe sheaths to the radiator. Finally, we’d like to mention an operating speed of between 1200 and 2800 rpm ±300 rpm. And that’s all there is to it. NZXT is one of those brands that doesn’t advertise complete pump specifications (flow rate and water column). The Kraken Elite 420 RGB is no exception.
Compatibility :
In terms of compatible platforms, NZXT highlights support for motherboards in :
- Intel: LGA-1851/1700/1200/115X
- AMD: AM5 – AM4
Nothing unusual in the list of compatible motherboards, since HEDT has long since disappeared… Well, it’s still available from AMD, but the prerequisites are much more stringent, so we have no support for STRX50 boards in particular.
Fans :
In terms of ventilation, there are three 140 mm fans. However, they are rather unusual in that they share a common frame. While this makes assembly easier, in the event of failure, all three fans have to be replaced at once. We think this is a shame, and prefer fans with separate frames, precisely in this context.
On the other hand, the frame is smooth and unobtrusive, with only a small NZXT logo in one corner. Rubber silent blocks are also present at all four corners, while connectivity is handled by a single proprietary 8-pin connector. Each fan has nine rather slender blades.
In terms of features, the F420 RGB Core Fan runs from 500 to 2000 rpm. At full speed, the advertised airflow is 98.61 CFM, while static pressure reaches 3.2 mmH2O. In short, it promises to blow. The main question, then, concerns noise pollution.
The bundle:
The accessories are packaged in small plastic bags containing :
- Assembly instructions
- AMD mounting brackets with corresponding screws and bolts
- Clamping nuts
- Intel multi socket backplate and corresponding screws and bolts
- screws and bolts for fan and radiator mounting
- Cable harness
Obviously, with thermal paste pre-applied to the base, the brand doesn’t supply any in the accessory section. Otherwise, NZXT goes straight to the point, supplying only the components needed to assemble the kit.
Roughly speaking:
On the whole, this Kraken Elite 420 RGB kit from NZXT looks very good, and the pump’s design is convincing indeed. Of course, you’ll need to take the usual precautions with this 420 mm model, and make sure your case will accommodate the kit’s radiator. 420 mm really is big!
