NzXT Kraken Liquid Coolers any good?

[captain420 3,099]

I plan on building my next computer with liquid cooling vs the traditional air cooling that I've previously gone with. I have a few concerns and unknowns about liquid cooling. I heard its more efficient, especially for overclocking and keeping the temps down. But is it more prone to leaking and destroying your equipment and has to be replaced quite often? I have an 8+ year build with a traditional Hypermaster EVO 212 with an overclocked i7-3770k running 4.5GHz running strong without any problems.

I am looking at the Kraken z73 specifically for the next build. Reason why I would like to go with brand is because I want this build to look nice. I'm all about function but I'm also an aesthetics kind of guy as well. Having a beautiful build is priority, but it also has to work and perform equally as well.

Not sure if I should go with the Z73 (3 120mm fans) or the X63 (2 140mm fans). I'd appreciate any advice that you experts from both the traditional air cooling and liquid cooling group could offer me. Thanks.

[vc10man 732]

Superb. The new build that I completed last December, went from what I have traditionally been----an Air Cooler guy----to the NZXT water AIO and the best decision I made. Reference posts here, and you will get the picture.

[fleng200 6]

NZXT is good, Corsair also.

No need to be afraid of leaks when using all-in-one coolers like these.

[Bob Scott 7,720]

I remember reading that NZXT and Corsair both use the same pump.  They're both well-known and respectable.  I think they both cover leak damage in their warranties, too.

With the 9900K, the bigger the better.  2x140 is a better choice than 2x120, and if you can swing a 3x120 triple rad unit, better still.

[Dave_YVR 973]

I added a single fan NZXT aio unit to my second pc about a month ago and was blown away at how both silent and cooler it was compared to the previous older Corsair H60.

Highly recommended!

[jalbino59 114]

Good choice, just make sure your case supports a 360 or 280 rad.  

[ahsmatt7 1,199]

I have the x62 I believe. Or the x52. Idk which one. I got it for my 8700k back in Nov. 2017. Super reliable and keep the temps quite low. Super quite too.

[captain420 3,099]

Nice, from the looks of what most of you guys are telling me, I might go with liquid cooling for my next build.

The case I am going to get is most likely NZXT H710i. So for the AIO I plan to get is either the Kraken z73 or the x73. Not sure if I want to spend an extra $100 just to have a customizeable LCD readout. Might save the money and get the z72 instead. They are both 360mm radiator with 3x120mm fan setup.

For you guys who are running liquid cooling, have you had any leaks, or problems with your pump? Also how long before you need to replace the AIO unit altogether? I'm hoping it will last me more than 5+ years. Because I plan on keeping my PC for at least 8-10 years. My current PC is running strong 8+ years now on air cooling. It's an i7-3770k oc to 4.5GHz build. 

Another concern of mine is that I've read and heard a few negative things regarding the NZXT CAM software. I heard it's cloud based and you always need to be connected in order to fully get the most out of your system. Several people have reported that it's sending private data back home. And if this is true, then this is a big deal for me, because I value my privacy. I don't respect companies that pull those kind of tactics without being upfront and transparent about it.

Edited April 14, 2020 by captain420

[vc10man 732]

2 hours ago, Dave_YVR said:

I added a single fan NZXT aio unit to my second pc about a month ago and was blown away at how both silent and cooler it was compared to the previous older Corsair H60.

Highly recommended!

Precisely same here. From a beast of an Air Cooler the Noctua D14-- to that NZXT X52 was a revelation.

Edited April 14, 2020 by vc10man

[jalbino59 114]

This video 

should help answer most of your questions regarding leaks air v. liquid and nzxt coolers.  I would consider a more open case.  The 710 looks a bit restrictive.  The LianLi 011 dynamic strikes a good balance between aesthetics and performance there is also the Fractal Meshify S2.