How Much Does it Cost?
The NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB is available now, and while I do not have retail links as I’m writing the review ahead of the launch, and we’re more than likely in Taiwan covering Computex (and the launch of these coolers) at the time we publish. However, we do know that the MSRP is £299.99 in the UK and 344.99 EUR everywhere else. Obviously, that is a lot of money, but at the same time, this is a lot of cooler, with a massive radiator, big fans, and a huge LCD on the pump; of course, the performance is impressive too, so it’s a solid investment for any enthusiast.
Overview
The NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB emerges as a formidable contender in the high-performance AIO liquid cooling market. Building upon the established success of the Kraken series, this larger 420mm model aims to deliver exceptional cooling for even the most demanding CPUs, all while maintaining the series’ signature blend of aesthetics and customisation. With its stylish single-block fan design, vibrant Kraken display, and effective cooling performance, it presents a compelling option for enthusiasts building high-end systems.
Build Quality
NZXT continues to impress with the Kraken Elite 420 RGB’s build quality. From the robust feel of the radiator and the durable braided tubing to the solid construction of the pump block and the integrated fan unit, every component exudes a sense of premium quality. The pre-applied thermal paste and well-designed mounting hardware further contribute to a user-friendly and secure installation process. The attention to detail in the construction ensures both longevity and reliable performance.
Digital Display and RGB
The visual aspect remains a key strength of the Kraken Elite series, with a sharp 2.36″ IPS LCD offering plenty of customisation. The vibrant and highly customisable display allows you to showcase system information, personalised images, or animated GIFs. The synchronised RGB ring on the pump cap, along with the addressable RGB on the integrated fans, provides a cohesive and visually appealing lighting setup that can be easily controlled and synchronised with other NZXT components through their CAM software.
Cooling Performance
The primary function of any CPU cooler is performance, and the Kraken Elite 420 RGB excels in this regard. Our testing with a demanding Intel Core i9-12900K processor demonstrates its impressive ability to keep temperatures well under control, even at stock settings. Furthermore, it maintained excellent temperatures under optimised settings with increased clock speeds. Its performance positions it among the top-tier AIO coolers we’ve tested, proving its capability to handle high-end CPUs with ease.
Acoustic Performance
Despite its large radiator and three 140mm fans, the Kraken Elite 420 RGB manages to maintain respectable acoustic levels. Under load, the 41 dBA reading is within the average range for a cooler of this size. Importantly, it’s pretty quiet overall. The larger fans contribute to a more pleasant sound profile at lower RPMs compared to smaller fans too. Moreover, the option to adjust the fan curve in NZXT’s CAM software allows users to prioritise quieter operation without significantly compromising cooling performance, given its inherent thermal headroom.
Should I Buy One?
The NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB is built for PC enthusiasts and gamers seeking top-tier cooling performance and striking aesthetics. If you are building a high-end system with a power-hungry CPU and have a case that can accommodate a 420mm radiator (like the newly launched NZXT H9 Flow), this cooler is ticking all the right boxes.
