NZXT Kraken X73 RGB AIO CPU Cooler Review

1. Introduction2. Unboxing and First Look3. Installation Process4. Testing Methodology: Thermals/Acoustics5. Performance and Comparisons6. Closing Thoughts7. View All Pages

Thermal Performance: Fans at 100% RPM

The 500RPM reduction in fan speed with these new Aer RGB 2 fans shows in our raw thermal performance test with the fan speed set to maximum RPM. At all three tested CPU frequencies, the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB is a few degrees behind the regular Kraken X73, but still does a great job in our extreme overclock test with the CPU frequency at 5.1GHz across all cores.

Thermal Performance:  Noise Normalised (40dBA)

During our noise normalised test with noise levels equalised to 40dBA, the Kraken X73 RGB is right behind the regular X73 which shows that the change in design of the new Aer RGB 2 fans still provides high airflow at lower RPM.

Maximum Noise Levels

The introduction of Aer RGB 2 fans has reduced noise levels considerably compared with the Aer P fans found in the regular Kraken X-3 and Z-3 coolers. NZXT has traded off a little thermal performance at maximum RPM to favour lower noise levels which makes the X73 RGB one of the quietest AIO coolers we have tested recently.

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