With the Kraken Elite 420, NZXT is launching an all-in-one water cooling system that is clearly positioned in the high-end segment. The most striking feature is the large 2.72-inch display, which can not only show important system information, but also offers space for individual animations and images – a real highlight for modders and show PCs.
In addition to its looks, the Kraken Elite 420 also impresses on a technical level: the 420 mm radiator with three powerful 140 mm fans ensures reliable heat dissipation and promises sufficient reserves even with power-hungry CPUs. The cooling system is therefore not only aimed at enthusiasts with overclocking ambitions, but also at users who value quiet but powerful operation.
The overall package is rounded off by a wide range of customization options. From RGB lighting and flexible display usage to finely tuned control via the NZXT CAM software, the Kraken Elite 420 can be optimally adapted to personal preferences and the respective build.
In the following test report, we want to take a closer look at how the Kraken Elite 420 performs in practice and whether it lives up to its premium claim.
Technical details
| Model: | NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB |
| Radiator dimensions (L x W x H): | 457 x 140 x 27 mm |
| Hose length: | 460 mm (braided) |
| Display: | 2.72″ IPS LCD, 640 × 640 px, 60 Hz, 690 cd/m² brightness |
| Pump: | NZXT turbine, 1,200-2,800 RPM (±300 RPM), 12V DC |
| Fan model: | 3x F140 RGB Core fans |
| Fan speed: | 500 – 2,000 RPM (±200 RPM) |
| Air flow rate: | up to 98.61 CFM |
| Noise level: | 34.5 dB(A) max. |
| Compatibility: | Intel: LGA 1851/1700/1200/115x AMD: AM4/AM5 |
| Warranty: | 6 years |
| Price (RRP): | Price not available * |
Scope of delivery
NZXT delivers the Kraken Elite 420 in a sturdy and attractively designed box, which is not only visually appealing, but also ensures safe transportation. All of the components are precisely placed in foam inserts so that the radiator, fan and pump remain optimally protected.
The accessories are clearly structured and labeled in the packaging, which makes it much easier to keep track of them during installation. All necessary mounting materials for the common Intel and AMD sockets are included, including the latest standards such as AM5 and LGA 1700/1851. This means that compatibility is already very broad ex works and covers practically all current platforms.
NZXT also includes illustrated assembly instructions that explain the installation step by step. This is a valuable aid for beginners in particular, while experienced users will also benefit from the clear structure and smooth assembly.
Design
The pump unit of the Kraken Elite 420 makes a solid impression at first glance. This is primarily due to the large 2.72-inch display, which sits enthroned in the middle of the top of the pump and is framed by a discreet lighting ring. The pump body itself is finished in a matt black, which gives a high-quality impression and blends unobtrusively into a wide variety of builds.
A clever detail: you won’t find any visible connections. NZXT has already pre-assembled the cables and integrated them into the tube sheathing. This makes the overall appearance much tidier. However, there is a small visual disadvantage here – the hose sheathing is somewhat loose and wavy, which is noticeable on closer inspection, but in practice does not result in any functional restrictions.
As usual, the radiator is painted black and subtly bears the NZXT lettering in some places. The way NZXT has solved the cabling is particularly interesting: The radiator serves as a central hub for the pump, display, lighting and fan. A small cable harness supplied with the radiator combines all connections, which reduces the installation effort and ensures neat cable routing – a well thought-out and practical detail.
The fans are a truly unique selling point. Instead of three individual 140 mm fans, NZXT supplies a triple fan module in a common frame. This eliminates the cumbersome alignment of individual fans and also makes cabling much easier. The model installed is the NZXT F140 RGB Core Fans, which are enclosed in a common plastic frame. Each fan has hydraulic bearings with a service life of around 60,000 hours and rotates between 500 and 2,000 rpm. With a maximum airflow of up to 98.61 CFM and a noise level of 34.5 dB(A), they deliver a successful combination of cooling performance and acceptable background noise.
Both the frame and the fan blades are equipped with addressable RGB lighting, which can be individually controlled via the NZXT CAM software. This means that the Kraken Elite 420 offers not only functional but also visual added value – especially for builds that value a strong visual presentation.
Processing
In terms of workmanship, the NZXT Kraken Elite 420 leaves a very positive impression across the board. Both the pump unit and the radiator look extremely solid and underline the premium claim of the cooler.
The surface quality is consistently high quality: the pump body in matt black not only looks elegant, but also feels correspondingly robust. The same applies to the radiator, whose paint finish is evenly applied and leaves a robust impression.
The feel of the components is also impressive. Nothing appears cheap or yielding, rather the entire cooler set radiates a feeling of stability and durability. The fan frames with integrated RGB lighting are neatly finished and the cable routing via the central cable harness also contributes to the overall professional appearance.
Fan and lighting control
The heart of the Kraken Elite 420’s control system is the in-house NZXT CAM software. It can be used to conveniently adjust the fan curves as well as the RGB lighting and the pump display.
Various options are available to the user for the fan profiles: From predefined modes such as Silent, Balanced or Performance to fully manual curves that can be precisely adapted to individual requirements. This allows the cooling to be optimized for both maximum performance and particularly quiet operation.
Pump control is also integrated into the software. Here, speeds can be regulated depending on the CPU or coolant temperature. Practical: For enthusiasts, it is possible to set up very finely graduated curves, while beginners are immediately ready to go with the pre-configured presets.
A highlight of the Kraken Elite 420 is the RGB and display control via CAM. The addressable LEDs in the fans and on the pump head can be freely configured in terms of colors, effects and brightness. Animations can be synchronized across all fans or controlled individually.
The 2.72-inch IPS display offers even more customization options. In addition to classic displays such as temperatures, clock rates or utilization, animated GIFs, images or system logos can also be displayed. Thanks to the high resolution and brightness, the display looks razor-sharp and clearly stands out from the competition.
CAM also enables system resources to be monitored in real time, including CPU and GPU temperatures, utilization, clock frequencies and network activity. The software therefore not only acts as a control tool for the Kraken Elite 420, but also as a monitoring tool for the entire system.
Assembly of the test system
The installation of the NZXT Kraken Elite 420 is very straightforward overall and shows that NZXT has put a lot of practical thought into this. The central cable harness, which bundles all connections for the pump, display, lighting and fan, is a particularly positive feature. This not only reduces the amount of cabling required, but also ensures a much tidier appearance in the case.
Another detail that saves time and nerves is the design of the fans as a triple-frame module. Instead of having to align and screw together three individual 140 mm fans, the entire fan module is attached in a single step. This not only makes installation faster, but also minimizes potential inaccuracies during alignment.
Another particularly convenient feature is that no additional cables need to be routed from the pump body itself into the rear compartment. This keeps the front of the build extremely clean and the hose routing looks much more elegant than with many other AIO solutions.
Additional support is provided by the illustrated operating instructions, which explain the installation step by step. This is a valuable aid for less experienced users in particular, while professionals appreciate the quick overview.
Performance test
In the practical test, the NZXT Kraken Elite 420 shows a stable cooling performance that is clearly in the upper mid-range. Tests were carried out with different pump and fan speeds in order to obtain a realistic picture of different scenarios:
Pump 100 % | Fan 50 % (1,020 rpm): 62.9 °C
Pump 75 % | fan 50 % (1,020 rpm): 63.6 °C
Pump 100 % | Fan 100 % (2,040 rpm): 61.8 °C
Pump 75 % | Fan 100 % (2,040 rpm): 62.2 °C
Even at half fan speed, the temperature remains solid, with full load the AIO only cools slightly better. This clearly shows that the 420 mm radiator does not fully develop its potential. While the Kraken Elite 420 reliably keeps the processor in the safe range, it lacks the final step into the high-performance range that one would actually expect in this size and price range.
This is where the discrepancy becomes apparent: a 420 mm radiator in particular should offer significantly more scope due to its sheer surface area and cooling volume. In practice, however, cheaper water cooling systems sometimes perform better, which puts the Kraken Elite 420 at a disadvantage in terms of price-performance ratio.
Then there are the pump acoustics: the pump is clearly audible at both 75 % and 100 % power and can be disturbing in quiet systems. This is a noticeable weak point, especially in this price range, as enthusiasts expect not only cooling performance but also silent qualities.
To summarize: The Kraken Elite 420 offers reliable cooling, but presents itself neither as a whisper cooler nor as a top performer.
Conclusion
The NZXT Kraken Elite 420 clearly scores in terms of looks and functions. The large IPS display, addressable RGB lighting and convenient control via the CAM software set standards in the area of customization. Anyone who values a visually striking build and wants to make their cooling system an eye-catcher will get their money’s worth here.
On the other hand, the performance is sobering. Despite the large 420 mm radiator, the AIO does not achieve the expected level of high performance. Added to this is the clearly audible pump, which is difficult to overlook in the premium segment. A better overall package of performance and acoustics would be desirable, especially for a product in this price range.
The bottom line is that the Kraken Elite 420 is not a perfect complete package, but rather an AIO for users who primarily value customization, looks and modern features. However, those looking for maximum cooling performance or particularly quiet operation will find a better alternative in other – sometimes cheaper – models.
VORTEILE
- Large IPS display with extensive customization options
- Clean cabling thanks to central cable harness and triple fan frame
- High-quality workmanship with an elegant look and harmonious RGB lighting
NACHTEILE
- Cooling performance only average compared to size (420 mm radiator)
- Pump clearly audible at 75-100% power
- Price in the premium segment without offering a well-rounded overall package
Fazit
Strong in appearance, workmanship and features, but with clear weaknesses in performance and price-performance ratio.
