NZXT Announces Kraken X-3 and Z-3 Series AIO Liquid Coolers

[Raevenlord]

NZXT, a leading developer of software-powered hardware solutions for PC gaming, today announces the Kraken X-3 and Kraken Z-3 series, the next iterations in NZXT's award-winning line of RGB all-in-one liquid coolers. This new generation of Kraken gives PC builders more options to uniquely customize their builds while providing enhanced cooling performance backed by NZXT's industry-leading warranty.

New to the NZXT Kraken ecosystem, the Z-3 series (available in both 280 mm and 360 mm configurations) is the quintessential centerpiece to the ultimate gaming battlestation. A beautiful 2.36"(60 mm) LCD screen providing unlimited visual customization, powered by NZXT CAM, is capable of displaying vital system health data as well as any custom GIF. With unparalleled aesthetics, the Kraken Z-3 series provides builders the opportunity to express themselves in an all-new way.

"The CPU cooler is the centerpiece for every PC Build," says Johnny Hou, Founder and CEO of NZXT. "We took great lengths to ensure that the newest generation of Kraken is the most visually appealing and highest performing AIO ever. The possibilities for customization with the Kraken Z are endless and I cannot wait to see what the community does with this potential."

"When NZXT approached us with ambitions for the ultimate in all-in-one CPU coolers, we knew some of our newest and most exciting technology advancements were an ideal fit to take gameplay to the next level," said André Eriksen, CEO and Founder of Asetek. "With our all-new performance engineered pump, the new Kraken all-in-ones provide superior cooling and whisper quiet operations, plus give builders a platform for unique self-expression."


The refreshed Kraken X-3 series (available in 240 mm, 280 mm, and 360 mm configurations) improves on the iconic RGB infinity mirror design by enlarging the size of the ring. An upgraded cap is now rotatable to ensure correct orientation of the NZXT logo, accommodating more builds. Additionally, an NZXT RGB channel is built-in to allow for the easy addition of any NZXT RGB products, such as AER RGB 2 fans.

Both the Kraken X-3 and Z-3 series are compatible with mainstream CPU sockets such as Intel's LGA 1151 and AMD's AM4, giving builders access to high-performance cooling no matter which platform they choose.

Kraken X-3 Series Exclusive Features

Bigger and Brighter
A 10% bigger LED ring allows for more vivid RGB. A rotatable top accommodates re-orienting the logo no matter the direction the cooler is installed.

Kraken Z-3 Series Exclusive Features

Customize your Battlestation
With a bright, 2.36" LCD screen capable of displaying 24-bit color, you can now completely customize the look of your CPU cooler. Whether it's a funny GIF or CAM data, you can use your Kraken to express yourself in an exciting new way.



Features found in both the Kraken X-3 and Kraken Z-3 Series

Stay in Control
CAM's elegant, user-friendly software makes you the master of your PC. With simple-to-use, intuitive controls, you can manage your Kraken's performance and appearance with ease.

Incredible Performance
The included Aer P radiator fans are designed for liquid-cooling perfection. Featuring a chamfered intake and fluid dynamic bearings, they deliver silent operation, long-term reliability, and powerful cooling performance.

Simple Installation
Fine nylon mesh sleeves strengthen the rubber tubing, providing durability and protection against mishandling. The pump can be rotated or placed to fit the needs of your motherboard without affecting the direction of the logo or image.

Additional Features

• Install your pump in any direction to avoid conflicts with memory slots by rotating the Kraken X-3's NZXT logo or placing the Kraken Z-3's screen in the proper orientation.
• Includes an NZXT RGB connector to power NZXT RGB lighting accessories, including Aer RGB 2 fans
• All-new 7th generation pump from Asetek, providing better cooling and whisper-quiet performance at 800RPM
• Improved synchronization of lighting modes across other NZXT RGB accessories
• NZXT CAM-controlled pump and lighting effects
• Easier installation with reinforced extended tubing (400 mm)

MSRP Pricing

Kraken X-3 Series

• Kraken X53 (240 mm AIO cooler): $129.99 USD
• Kraken X63 (280 mm AIO cooler): $149.99 USD
• Kraken X73 (360 mm AIO cooler): $179.99 USD

Kraken Z-3 Series

• Kraken Z63 (280 mm AIO cooler): $249.99 USD
• Kraken Z73 (360 mm AIO cooler) $279.99 USD

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[AnarchoPrimitiv]

At $280 for the 360mm, you're literally approaching the cost of a custom loop on the CPU... NZXT always had overpriced merchandise, but this is crazy... And I'd be willing to bet the radiators are aluminum finned instead of copper

 

[iAshox]

who pays $250 for a 280mm aio? nzxt being nzxt again. another overpriced aio lineup. u can literally pay $50 more and build a better looked custom loop for your cpu with $300 and of course it would perform better

 

[kapone32]

This is insane the rad is probably aluminum. At $280 for the 360 (I am assuming US) that cost $100 more than the Alphacool Eisbaer 420mm which comes with a copper rad and in my opinion a better pump than any Asetek unit.

 

[MDWiley]

At $280 for the 360mm, you're literally approaching the cost of a custom loop on the CPU... NZXT always had overpriced merchandise, but this is crazy... And I'd be willing to bet the radiators are aluminum finned instead of copper

One of the basic kits from EK Fluid Gaming is $159, so you can actually do a CPU custom loop for $120 less than this AIO.

 

[DeeJay1001]

Crazy pricing, the WORST software suite in the industry, and a refusal to take criticism from some of the most respected reviewers in the industry.

Why does anyone support this company anymore?
/

 

[Dave65]

who pays $250 for a 280mm aio? nzxt being nzxt again. another overpriced aio lineup. u can literally pay $50 more and build a better looked custom loop for your cpu with $300 and of course it would perform better

Trust me, people will pay it unfortunately

 

[shk021051]

no rgb fan?

 

[BArms]

no rgb fan?

Screw RGB. I wish the Amish would get into PC Peripherals, they would never throw RGB on everything. 2020 colors same as 2019, BLACK!

 

[s3thra]

Screw RGB. I wish the Amish would get into PC Peripherals, they would never throw RGB on everything. 2020 colors same as 2019, BLACK!

Yeah I'm kinda getting a bit over it now too. I got RGB all out of my system with my last build, but now I'm thinking of going back to all black with a case with sound dampened panels again.

 

[Mussels]

And yet they still rely on CAM so they're useless

 

[Sashleycat]

Corsair have a 360MM AIO for, I think £150 here, which is likely better but IDK. In any case, I prefer a reasonable sized top-down air cooler. These days I just don't trust AIO coolers in my PC which is on 24/7. It really gives me anxiety. Top-Down also has a big advantage of being able to blast air all over my RAM and VRM, too. Not just the HS but also the Capacitors and chokes. I'm hoping it will increase the life expectancy of the motherboard.

Who would want an LCD screen on the AIO? I don't understand the appeal, unless, of course, it was for temperature readouts. That would be pretty cool, still IDK if I would be willing to fork out waaay more cash for it. (Likely not).

Yeah I'm kinda getting a bit over it now too. I got RGB all out of my system with my last build, but now I'm thinking of going back to all black with a case with sound dampened panels again.

I have a pair of "RGB" LED fans in my case right now, but they are always set to red. In my case, they illuminate the graphics card at the top (silverstone Red-Line) and I appreciate the subtle red glow on my desk.

All my other fans are Noctua PPCs; high quality, subtle appearance and oh boy they can move a lot of air (my PC isn't quiet).

 

[Mussels]

the LCD on the AIO for temp readouts is actually pretty damn cool, but i'd want it as a hardware sensor and not relying on software - look at how bad corsair did there with only THIS MONTH getting temp readings working on ryzen 3000 series CPU's in iCue (so it wasnt possible to set fan curves)

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

the LCD on the AIO for temp readouts is actually pretty damn cool, but i'd want it as a hardware sensor and not relying on software - look at how bad corsair did there with only THIS MONTH getting temp readings working on ryzen 3000 series CPU's in iCue (so it wasnt possible to set fan curves)

That is a nice feature, but those prices are still OP. Hold off further criticism for when more/better pics show it. (nope, dont watch videos)

 

[Countryside]

NZXT has same good coolers but yeah price part needs to improve a bit.

 

[Calmmo]

the LCD on the AIO for temp readouts is actually pretty damn cool, but i'd want it as a hardware sensor and not relying on software - look at how bad corsair did there with only THIS MONTH getting temp readings working on ryzen 3000 series CPU's in iCue (so it wasnt possible to set fan curves)

I have a corsair aio but the thing is I got onboard memory so the software isnt required. I wish they gave a configurator only option, but hey, you can always just uninstall. Corsair kb and mouse too. No software needed after configuring profiles.

 

[Mussels]

I have a corsair aio but the thing is I got onboard memory so the software isnt required. I wish they gave a configurator only option, but hey, you can always just uninstall. Corsair kb and mouse too. No software needed after configuring profiles.

yes, and this is why i have corsair hardware now and not NZXT - i can at least save what i want to the hardware (both for fans and lighting, although fan speeds are limited to reading the AIO water temp) with the software uninstalled or closed