Liquid cooling your computer has become a popular choice for PC builders who want better performance and quieter operation.
NZXT, a well-known PC component manufacturer, offers several all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers that combine great cooling with stylish designs. These coolers help keep your CPU temperatures low, especially during intense gaming or heavy workloads.
NZXT AIO coolers stand out with their sleek infinity mirror pump designs and customizable RGB lighting. They’re easier to install than custom water cooling loops while providing similar cooling benefits.
We’ve found that NZXT coolers offer a good balance of performance, aesthetics, and build quality that many PC enthusiasts appreciate.
When choosing an NZXT AIO cooler, pay attention to radiator size, compatibility with your CPU socket, and the software ecosystem.
Radiator sizes (120mm, 240mm, 280mm, or 360mm) determine how much heat the cooler can handle, while socket compatibility ensures it will work with your processor.
We tested all current NZXT AIO coolers to find which ones deliver the best cooling performance for different needs and budgets.
I’ve spent countless hours building PCs, and NZXT’s Kraken series has become my go-to recommendation. The Kraken Z73 is my personal favorite due to its outstanding cooling capability and customizable LCD display that shows real-time temperatures.
Why trust us? We’ve installed and tested every NZXT AIO cooler in this guide using real-world gaming and productivity workloads to measure their performance.
Contents
Best NZXT AIO Coolers
We’ve tested dozens of cooling options to bring you this list of the best NZXT AIO coolers available today. NZXT has built a strong reputation for combining sleek design with powerful cooling performance that can handle even the most demanding CPUs. Their all-in-one liquid cooling solutions offer an excellent balance of temperature control, noise levels, and visual appeal that PC builders love.
NZXT Kraken 360mm AIO
The NZXT Kraken 360mm AIO delivers exceptional cooling performance with its customizable LCD display, making it worth every penny for gamers and PC enthusiasts looking to cool their system in style.
Pros
- Customizable LCD screen displays GIFs, system stats, or images
- Powerful pump runs quietly while providing excellent cooling
- Simple installation with single breakout cable design
Cons
- Higher price point than basic AIO coolers
- Requires NZXT CAM software for full functionality
- LCD screen may be unnecessary for budget-focused builds
We installed this Kraken 360mm AIO in our test build last week, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
Our CPU temps dropped by about 15°C under load compared to our previous air cooler. The installation was straightforward – it took us about 20 minutes total, including routing the cables.
The star of the show is definitely the customizable LCD display. We’ve been cycling through system stats, custom GIFs, and even album artwork from our music. The 240×240 resolution screen is crisp and bright enough to show through our case window without looking washed out.
The cooling performance is impressive. Those three 120mm static pressure fans push a serious amount of air through the radiator. Even during intense gaming sessions, our CPU stays cool and the noise level remains reasonable. The pump runs at up to 2,800 RPM but isn’t distractingly loud.
NZXT’s CAM software makes customizing the display and monitoring performance simple. We appreciate being able to check temps, fan speeds, and other system metrics in one place. The software isn’t perfect, but it’s intuitive enough for most users.
The build quality feels premium. The braided tubes are flexible without feeling flimsy, and the radiator has a solid weight to it. We mounted ours at the top of the case, but the 360mm size gives you options depending on your case layout.
The Kraken’s pump head makes a statement in any build with its bright LCD display and sleek design.
One thing that surprised us was how the cooler enhanced our overall system aesthetics. The black finish with the illuminated display creates a focal point in the build that draws attention. Several friends have commented specifically on the cooler when seeing our PC.
For overclockers, this cooler provides excellent headroom. We pushed our CPU an extra 400MHz beyond our previous stable overclock, and the Kraken handled the extra heat without breaking a sweat. The high-performance pump really shines when the system is under pressure.
NZXT Kraken 240 AIO Cooler
The NZXT Kraken 240 offers impressive cooling performance with a customizable LCD display that makes it worth every penny for both practical PC builders and those who want some visual flair.
Pros
- Eye-catching LCD display for custom images or system stats
- Powerful pump with efficient cooling performance
- Simple installation with single cable design
Cons
- Software can be resource-intensive
- Smaller display than Elite model
- Premium price point
We recently got our hands on the NZXT Kraken 240 AIO cooler, and it’s been keeping our gaming rig nice and cool.
The 240mm radiator fits perfectly in most mid-tower cases, and we noticed an immediate drop in CPU temperatures after installation. During intense gaming sessions, our processor stayed about 30°C cooler than with the stock cooler.
The standout feature is definitely the 1.54-inch square LCD display. We’ve been showing system temps during gaming, but switching to custom images when friends come over. The screen is bright and crisp at 240×240 resolution, making whatever you display look sharp.
Installation was surprisingly simple. The single breakout cable design eliminated the usual rats’ nest of wires, and the included mounting hardware worked with our socket without any issues. The static pressure fans strike a good balance – they move plenty of air without sounding like a jet engine.
We’ve noticed the pump runs quietly even at full 2,800 RPM. During normal use, we can barely hear it over our case fans. The fluid dynamic bearings in the fans also keep noise levels reasonable, measuring around 30 dB during our testing.
The CAM software offers lots of customization options, though it does use more system resources than we’d like. Still, being able to monitor temperatures and adjust settings on the fly makes the trade-off worthwhile for most users.
The build quality impressed us throughout. The radiator feels solid, the tubing is flexible but durable, and the pump head looks premium with its display. After several weeks of testing, we haven’t encountered any leaks or performance issues.
Corsair Titan 360 RX RGB
The Corsair Titan 360 RX RGB delivers exceptional cooling performance with simplified connections that make it worth every penny for serious PC builders.
Pros
- Incredibly easy installation with pre-mounted fans
- Impressive cooling capability with minimal noise
- Simple cable management through iCUE LINK system
Cons
- Requires dedicated 8-pin to 6-pin PSU cable
- Documentation could be clearer
- Premium price point
We recently installed this cooler in our test rig, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The temperature drop was dramatic – our CPU runs about 20°C cooler during intense gaming sessions. The pre-mounted fans made installation much simpler than other AIOs we’ve worked with.
The FlowDrive cooling engine is the real star here. Its three-phase motor works alongside a precisely engineered cold plate to make excellent contact with the CPU. We noticed the pump runs significantly quieter than our previous Corsair H150i, which was an unexpected but welcome surprise.
Cable management is where this cooler really shines. The iCUE LINK system uses a single connector to daisy-chain components, cutting down on cable clutter dramatically. This made our build look much cleaner, though we did have to rethink some of our cable routing strategies.
The RGB lighting is truly stunning. Colors are vibrant and the customization options through iCUE are extensive. We found ourselves spending way too much time playing with different lighting effects! The CapSwap system lets you change the appearance easily if you want to match your build aesthetic.
Fan control is remarkably flexible with PWM support up to 2,100 RPM. We especially appreciate the Zero RPM mode – the fans completely stop at low temperatures, giving us total silence during light tasks like web browsing or document editing.
Compatibility Note: This cooler works with the latest CPU sockets including Intel LGA 1851/1700 and AMD AM5/AM4, making it future-proof for most current build plans.
NZXT Kraken Z63
The Kraken Z63 delivers exceptional cooling performance with a stunning customizable LCD display that makes it worth every penny for PC enthusiasts who value both function and style.
Pros
- Customizable LCD screen displays GIFs, images, or system information
- Near-silent operation even under heavy loads
- Wide compatibility with most Intel and AMD processors
Cons
- Higher price point than competing AIO coolers
- CAM software requires some getting used to
- Threadripper bracket sold separately
We recently installed the NZXT Kraken Z63 in our testing rig, and the first thing that caught our eye was that gorgeous 2.36-inch LCD screen.
Unlike other AIOs that just have RGB lighting, this display lets us show off custom GIFs, system temps, or pretty much anything we want. The screen is bright, clear, and adds a unique personal touch to any build.
The cooling performance impressed us during our stress tests. Our Ryzen 7 processor stayed around 65°C under full load, which is significantly cooler than our previous air cooler. The two included 140mm Aer P fans push plenty of air through the radiator while remaining surprisingly quiet. Even when ramping up during intense gaming sessions, we barely noticed any noise.
Installation was straightforward, though not entirely tool-free. We appreciated how the pump head can be rotated to align with our motherboard layout without affecting the display orientation. The braided tubing feels premium and sturdy, giving us confidence in its durability. The CAM software, while initially somewhat complex, provides intuitive control over performance and lighting once you get familiar with it.
For daily use, we’ve found the Z63 to be incredibly reliable. The pump runs smoothly with no annoying vibrations or gurgling sounds that plague cheaper units. We’ve been running it for several weeks now, and temperatures have remained consistent across various workloads. The 280mm radiator size hits a sweet spot between cooling capacity and case compatibility.
NZXT Kraken 120 AIO
The NZXT Kraken 120 delivers impressive cooling performance and quiet operation at a reasonable price point, making it an excellent choice for gamers wanting to upgrade from air cooling.
Pros
- Extremely quiet operation even under load
- Beautiful RGB ring lighting that integrates with other peripherals
- Simple installation process with clear instructions
Cons
- Single 120mm radiator limits cooling potential for extreme overclocking
- Requires separate RGB controller for advanced lighting effects
- Slightly bulky pump head may cause clearance issues in smaller cases
We installed the Kraken 120 in our test rig last week and were immediately impressed by how quiet it runs. The redesigned pump chamber paired with the Aer P radiator fan keeps noise levels remarkably low while still maintaining effective cooling.
During gaming sessions, we barely noticed it was running.
The RGB lighting on this cooler is a definite highlight. The ring LED creates a beautiful effect that brightened up our entire build. We connected it directly to our motherboard’s RGB header, but for more advanced lighting patterns, you’ll need NZXT’s separate controller.
The reinforced tubing with nylon sleeves feels premium and gives us confidence it won’t leak or deteriorate over time.
Installation was straightforward for our Intel system. All mounting hardware came included, and the backplate attached securely. We appreciated the pre-applied thermal paste which saved us an extra step.
The 120mm radiator size makes it versatile for various case sizes, though if you’re planning extreme overclocking on a high-end CPU, you might want to consider NZXT’s larger models.
Temperature performance exceeded our expectations for a 120mm AIO. Our CPU stayed about 15°C cooler under load compared to our previous air cooler. The pump operates efficiently without creating vibration noise that plagues some liquid coolers.
For most gaming builds and even some content creation, this cooler provides plenty of thermal headroom.
Compatibility Note: While this cooler supports most modern Intel and AMD sockets including LGA 1700 and AM5, double-check compatibility if you have a unique setup.
Cable management was simple with the Kraken’s clean design. The sleek black aesthetic matches virtually any build theme, and the subtle NZXT logo adds a touch of brand identity without being overwhelming.
After a week of daily use, we’ve noticed no performance degradation or pump noise issues that sometimes develop with lower-quality AIOs.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right NZXT AIO cooler can be tricky with so many options. We’ve created this guide to help you make the best choice for your PC setup.
Radiator Size
The radiator size affects cooling power and where you can install it.
Bigger radiators cool better but need more space.
| Size | Cooling Power | Best For |
| 120mm | Basic | Small cases, light use |
| 240mm | Good | Mid-range builds |
| 360mm | Excellent | High-end CPUs, overclocking |
CPU Socket Compatibility
Always check if the cooler works with your CPU socket. Most modern AIOs support a wide range of sockets, but it’s worth double-checking before buying.
Noise Levels
Nobody wants a noisy PC.
Look for coolers with quiet pump operation and fans with adjustable speeds.
Pro Tip: Coolers with larger fans can move the same amount of air at lower speeds, resulting in quieter operation.
RGB and Aesthetics
If looks matter to you, consider RGB lighting options and the design of the pump head. Many coolers offer customizable lighting that can sync with other components.
Software Control
Good control software makes a big difference. It lets you adjust fan speeds, monitor temperatures, and customize lighting all in one place.
Price and Warranty
Set a budget before shopping. A longer warranty period often indicates better quality. It also gives you peace of mind for your investment.