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Overall we are generally impressed with what the NZXT Kraken X60 has to offer. It's good to see NZXT expanding their cooler range to incorporate all-in-one liquid cooling units, however it is a bold move to release a high-end cooler such as the X60 as their first product.
Whether this strategy will pay off or not remains to be seen, but we would like to see the company filling out their range with some 120 mm and 240 mm models in the near future. We would also like to see NZXT offering a 5-year warranty like Corsair do with their liquid coolers.
The differences in performance between the Kraken X60 and the H110 are purely down to the different fans bundled with the two models and both units are basically identical in terms of performance. NZXT's fans are capable of spinning faster than the Corsair models, however this increases the noise level substantially. In fact, neither cooler offers good acoustic performance if we are being honest. Even when the Kraken is set to ‘Silent' mode, it's still noticeably louder than the Noctua NH-D14 at full belt.
One area in which the X60 has a distinct advantage over it's Corsair counterpart is the inbuilt fan controller and LED lighting, however, this comes at a significant price premium. At a price of £120 from Specialtech, the X60 is around £25 more expensive than the Corsair H90. So those looking for the cheapest possible unit would probably opt for the Corsair.
Another factor which needs to be considered is the compatibility of the two coolers as there aren't many cases which have room for a giant 280 mm radiator.
Also, the X60 has 15 mm fan spacings and the H110 has 20 mm fan spacings, so they are only compatible with certain cases. A list of compatible cases can be seen earlier in the review, however, if you already have a case you'll be restricted to which you can choose.
Pros:
- Impressive cooling performance.
- LED Lighting.
- Inbuilt fan controller.
Cons:
- More expensive than Corsair H110.
- 2 year warranty (compared to 5 years for Corsair units).
- Check your chassis has room for the radiator!
- Quite noisy.
KitGuru says: A ‘krakin' alternative to the Corsair H110!
Monster! Corsair H110/H100i is hard to beat, but I like this cooler too. I might buy it to compare myself.
Kick ass !
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Best review I have read of this yet. just ordered one. thanks.
NZXT rock. I have one of their phantom cases, this is next on my life. great review.
Now I need to persuade my credit card to accept the charge !
These are great coolers, but the size and mounting positions mean they won’t work in a lot of cases.
Please check everyone before buying it could be an expensive mistake!
I just bought the Corsair H110, love it. this looks good too, so many great coolers now hard to choose.
Bought the X40 last week and its brilliant. X60 wouldnt fit in my case sadly, too big.
No intention of changing my Noctua NH D14 – its much quieter than any of these coolers.
Ordered this for my Phantom. cant wait !
Is is just me or are these coolers just getting bigger and bigger? I know many people said the Phantenks and Noctua took up too much space around the CPU socket, but these liquid coolers need half the case and huge mounting positions at the top of the case, hogging a lot of room?
Who cares if its taking up space on the top of the case? if its out of the way of the memory slots etc, its a winner. I love the D14, but I sold mine to get a H100i. The D14 is just as good at cooling, but I could never get at things I needed to
Already own the X60, bought it last week. and its fantastic. bit big for a lot of cases, but its obvious with a radiator this size.
I am using Bequiet fans on mine and its much better, cost another £20 but I dont care.
I must admit I think the Corsair H100i is a bit better looking by design.
Cant buy it here anyway, has to be Corsair for me.
I will buy this for my boyfriend for his new system, birthday present sorted thanks!
What is the best case to run this in?
Corsair Obsidan 650 works well with this cooler.
I don’t think there’s much to choose between the H110 & the X60 performance wise. You pays your money & takes your choice. That said I still use my old Antec Kuhler 920 & apart from it’s over elaborate (read pain in the ass) mounting system it probably performs just as well as newer competing brands in it’s class.