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NZXT Kraken X40 Review

For our temperature tests we loaded the system for 10 minutes using Prime 95 and recorded the CPU temperature using CPUID HWMonitor.  We then restarted the system and left it idling at the desktop for 10 minutes before recording temperatures. The temperatures recorded are based on an ambient temperature of 20 degrees C.

The thermal performance of the X40 was impressive in our tests, offering similar results to the H90.

Obviously the results were slightly different thanks to the fan speed profiles defined within the software.  When in ‘Silent' mode, the cooler wasn't able to cope with the large overclock we applied, resulting in the system crashing around 2 minutes into the test.

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4 comments

  1. Great looking cooler. They seem to be bringing out a lot of nice cases too.

  2. I bought this last week and its brilliant. great value and handles my 3770k at 4.8ghz under 70c load.

  3. close battle with Corsair with this one.

  4. Unfortunately the NZXT compat guide is totally false. The systems listed, majority of them are not actually compatible. For example, the Corsair Carbide 500R. The guide will state rear compatibility, which is entirely not the case. There is no functional way for rear placement. As for top placement, there is barely enough room, but it works just about. Impossible for any push/pull config however.

    When contacting NZXT about this, I was referred to Eric Henry the Tech Manager. He stated and I quote:
    “We have the same case, here and I have tested it on it before responding to your email”.

    I have had to make a video and take photos to prove he is lying and it doesnt fit. When called out on this, he said he must have made a mistake. Total and utter rubbish.

    My warning to people, go with something that you know is going to fit. Buy something that is made by your case manufactor or is 12cm in size for a more guaranteed rear placement setup, because if you base your purchase off of their guide, they will pretty much tell you to bugger off, cut your own case up, and bother someone else.

    As for product functionality itself, it works, so I guess thats a good part, just a shame I can’t return it for a refund and buy something that is compatible and has decent customer service.