User Experience
The installation processor for the NZXT Kraken X31 is easy, especially with the large screws provided to mount the pump into place.
As for the software, it uses NZXT’s CAM. The software comes with tutorials right at the start so you won’t get lost using it.
Here’s the screenshot of fan and pump speed for the X31 on SILENT and PERFORMANCE preset.
Benchmark
I used the Intel Core i5-4670K overclocked to 4.3Ghz @ 1.25vcore for this test.
CPU load was done by converting 10bit MKV video to 8bit using x264, set to -veryslow mode.
| Idle (°C) | Load (°C) | |
| Kraken X31 (without software) | 32 | 63 |
| Kraken X31 (CAM – Performance) | 33 | 61 |
| Kraken X31 (CAM – Silent) | 34 | 64 |
| Kraken X31 (CAM – Max FAN RPM) | 31 | 59 |
| Kraken X40 (without software) | 35 | 56 |
| Kraken X40 (software – Extreme) | 27 | 47 |
| Kraken X40 (software – Silent) | 34 | 53 |
| Stock Cooler | 33 | 79 |
On silent mode the fan runs at about 720 RPM (25%), 1560 RPM (approx 65%) while 2040 RPM is the maximum speed of the fan (100%). As you can see the % doesn’t go proportionate with the RPM figures. You’ll have to put the blame on the software, I’m just reading from the monitor data.
Performance looks good, what I’m more impressed is that it’s quite silent even in PERFORMANCE mode. The fan is only distinctly audioble when set to full speed.
The Verdict
The cooler retails at around RM 250, it doesn’t perform as great as the 140mm models BUT it’s cheap. You still get the useful controls from NZXT’s top-notched software, minus the colored LED on the pump.
The best thing about the X31 is that it comes with 6-years warranty! It works with the Kraken G10 GPU braket as well.
