NZXT Kraken X41 Liquid CPU Cooler Review

For several years now NZXT has been reaping the benefits of listening to the computer building/modding community and delivering products that they actually want. This in turn has led to one of the most loyal customer bases and served to increase the popularity of their brand. So NZXT has amassed what is essentially an all-star team of products ranging from power supplies to cases to CPU coolers and pretty much everything in between save for the bits that do the number crunching. Fortunately for us they haven’t let up yet. Today we will be checking out their newest offering in the AIO cooler category the Kraken X41. Follow along as we find out if this cooler deserves a starting position, or an eternal ride of shame on the bench.

Special thanks to NZXT for providing the Kraken X41 for review!

Specifications
Model Number: RL-KRX41-01
Fan Air Flow: 42.4-106.1 CFM
Fan Air Pressure: 0.36-1.97mmH2O
Fan Bearing: Nano Bearing
Motor Speed: 2400-3600 ± 150 RPM
Fan Connector: 4 Pin PWM
Motor Voltage: 12V
Motor Connector: 3 Pin
Compatibility:
– Intel LGA 2011-3, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1150 CPUs
– AMD FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2 CPUs
Fan Dimensions: 140 x 140 x 25mm
Motor Current: 325mA
Radiator Dimensions: 140 x 172.5 x 36mm
Fan Model: NZXT FX V2 140mm Performance PWM Fan
Fan Noise Level: 20-37 dBA
Tube Length: 400mm
LED Color: Hue Controlled Color Changing Lights
Fan Speed: 800~2000 RPM ± 10%
Fan Voltage: 12 VDC
Warranty: 6 Years

Packaging
The Kraken X41 comes to us in a small to medium sized box. The front is set with a nice white backdrop that is mostly covered with a photo of the cooler itself. Two other things jump out at us though. The first being the claim that it is “The world’s first variable speed liquid cooler”, very interesting, and the second being the 6 year warranty noted in the bottom left hand corner. Moving to the back of the box we find a listing of the key features of the X41 as well as a graphic introducing us to NZXT’s CAM software used to control and monitor the unit.

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On the right side we find a compatibility listing for both the covered Intel and AMD socket types. Below that is a performance comparison showing the claimed differences in performance between radiator thicknesses. And on the other side panel we get the same specification listing that we have included above.

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Finally on the bottom of the box NZXT has included the specifications in 7 additional languages.

NZXT Kraken X41

Removing the cooler from the outer box we find it secured in a molded cardboard shell and most all components completely wrapped in plastic. The radiator itself is further protected from damage by a cardboard case covering the fins. Everything seems to be adequately secured and protected from any possible damage during shipping. Our test unit arrived in perfect shape.

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