NZXT Kraken X41 Review

NZXT Kraken X41 Review

Introduction

The boys at NZXT have been busy refreshing the Kraken range of coolers.  We say coolers as opposed to specifically CPU coolers as they can of course be coupled with the excellent G10 bracket and used to cool your GPU should you so desire.  In this, the first of two reviews looking at the new range we shall be looking in depth at the smaller X41, which as you might imagine follows on from the original X40.  To call the X41 a refresh is perhaps doing it, and the grafters over at NZXT an injustice as there are so many new features and improvements over the older unit that it can essential be thought of as a totally new model.  First and foremost of these features is, we feel, the 24% thicker rad than the original X40.  NZXT also proffer that the X41 has 36% more surface area than comparable twin fan 120mm based units, which they claim will translate into better cooling performance.  Next up, there’s the variable speed pump, worlds first in fact say NZXT, well in an AIO at any rate.  And then of course there’s the RGB control over the hue of the pump head and many other monitoring and control parameters which are controlled by the free downloadable CAM software.  That’s enough for the Introduction we think, if you want to know the ins and outs then you’re going to need to get comfy and get stuck into the main review.

 

Technical Specification

 Model Number  RL-KRX41-01
 Intel Compatibility  Intel LGA 2011-3, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1150
 AMD Compatibility  AMD FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2
 Radiator Dimensions  140 x 172.5 x 36mm
 Material  Aluminium, Rubber Tubing, Other parts Plastic
 Fan Dimensions  140 x 140 x 25mm
 Fan Model  NZXT FX V2 140mm Performance PWM Fan
 Fan Air Flow  42.4-106.1 CFM
 Fan Air Pressure  0.36-1.97mmH2O
 Fan Speed  800~2000 RPM ± 10%
 Fan Noise Level  20-37 dBA
 Fan Connection  4 Pin PWM
 Motor Speed  2400-3600 ± 150 RPM
 Motor Voltage  12V
 Motor Connector  3 Pin
 Motor Current  325mA
 Tube Length  400mm
 LED Colour  Hue Controlled Colour Changing Lights
 Control Method  Kraken+ Software Module
 Warranty  6 Years