The market for AIO liquid CPU coolers has grown a lot in the past few years. It’s demeaning for anyone to find the best AIO for his/her PC that fulfills all the requirements.
If you’re in such a position, don’t worry. As a fellow gamer, I went through such trouble too.
I tried finding the best AIO for my build and ended up buying an NZXT liquid cooler. And trust me,
I couldn’t be happier! The NZXT liquid AIO coolers are an absolute deal. Cooling performance, aesthetics, RGB, or noise levels, the NZXT AIOs do excellent in all the critical areas.
The NZXT AIO cooler took the looks of my gaming rig to the next level, and the cooling performance it delivers is terrific.
My high-core count CPU never gets throttled or overheated, even on long and extreme gaming sessions.
So in this post, I have gathered the best NZXT coolers for various types of users and size requirements so that you can easily find the one you specifically need.
Keep reading the whole post to find out the best NZXT AIO cooler for you.
Best NZXT AIO liquid coolers- Our Recommendations
Rank | Model | Award |
---|---|---|
1 | NZXT Kraken Z73 | Best NZXT AIO cooler |
2 | NZXT Kraken X73 RGB | Best RGB AIO cooler |
3 | NZXT Kraken Z63 | Best compact AIO cooler |
4 | NZXT Kraken X63 RGB | Best compact RGB AIO cooler |
5 | NZXT Kraken X53 | Best 240mm AIO cooler |
6 | NZXT Kraken M22 | Best ITX PC AIO cooler |
The main benefit of buying an NZXT CPU cooler is its balance between the critical areas of any AIO cooler: cooling, design, sound.
They make some of the most beautiful AIOs in the market. The liquid CPU coolers’ thermal performance is also terrific while keeping the noise levels bare minimum. The compatibility is there, too, with support for both Intel and AMD CPUs on the latest sockets.
So, here are the top 6 best NZXT coolers:
1. NZXT Kraken Z73
The NZXT Kraken Z73 is the best NZXT AIO cooler money can buy right now, period.
Some of the impressive highlights of the NZXT Kraken Z73:
- 360mm radiator with the CPU block
- customizable 2.36″ LCD
- Asetek 7th gen pump
- CAM software integration
- 3x Aer P PWM 120mm fans for radiator included
The NZXT Kraken Z73 sits at the zenith of all the NZXT CPU AIO coolers. NZXT designed this AIO to deliver a product that aces at both clean design and high performance, and it shows whether it’s performance, premium-ness, or the looks, the liquid cooler aces at them all.
One of the unique things about this AIO is its 2.36″ LCD screen. It can display 24-bit colors and sits at the front of the CPU block. You can show virtually anything on this screen, be it custom images, gifs, or even PC stats from the CAM software.
This LCD screen changes the whole look of the AIO, and your system will get a complete makeover on the use of this.
Now let’s talk about cooling.
The top quality materials and extreme engineering behind this AIO show its results in cooling. You would have a hard time making the CPU temperature cross 50 degrees Celsius on most CPUs. For this superb performance, the NZXT Kraken Z73 is one of the best 360mm CPU cooler and a top choice for enthusiasts and overclockers.
The three included Aer P 120mm PWM fans are not behind. They blow an insane amount of air to the aluminum radiators. Most importantly, the fans are almost dead silent even at their 100%.
Here’s the best part:
Since the AIO uses Asetek 7th gen pumps, it is incredibly efficient and silent at the same time. It makes the whole AIO astonishingly quiet even at full loads.
When you’re buying an AIO, the top things to look for are thermal performance, design, and acoustics. It’s challenging to get to see such a mix of superb performance, ultimate silence, and gorgeous looks all in one AIO. If you have the budget, there’s no reason to skip the NZXT Kraken Z73.
- »unique LCD screen
- »silent AIO
- »remarkable cooling even on overclocked CPUs
- »CAM software is intuitive
- »expensive
2. NZXT Kraken X73 RGB
The NZXT Kraken X73 RGB strikes an accurate balance between performance and price.
Notable highlights of the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB:
- 360mm aluminum radiator
- infinity mirror and ring LED on CPU cooler block
- 3x Aer RGB V2 120mm radiator fans
- fluid dynamic bearing
- fine nylon mesh sleeves on tubes
It won’t be inaccurate to call the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB a little brother to the NZXT Kraken Z73. It inherits a lot of fantastic features from the Z73.
The NZXT RGB CPU cooler provides virtually the same performance and cooling. The top CPUs from both Intel and AMD are very easy to cool down and maintain a stable clock for this AIO. The NZXT Kraken X73 RGB continues to be a performance king in this aspect.
The other great features like the pump and fans’ silent operation, premium build, and outstanding efficiency all stay genuine here.
What’s different is the design.
Instead of featuring an LCD screen, this model goes for a circular infinity mirror with a ring LED strip. It looks beautiful which makes it one of the best RGB CPU AIO cooler in the market. Add the fact that the three included Aer V2 PWM 120mm fans have RGB lighting, and you get a perfect liquid cooler to make your gaming rig stand out in terms of look.
And the removal of the LCD screen also decreases the price, making the NZXT RGB CPU cooler an excellent choice for enthusiasts who prioritize performance over design. In this aspect, the liquid cooler is a serious value for money.
Another thing you lose here is the ability to control the fans via the CAM software. That feature is restricted only to the flagship Kraken Z73 and other Z-series models.
With no surprise, the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB easily passes through all the critical factors of an AIO with high marks. It’s the striking balance between high performance, beautiful design, and a reasonable price that sets this AIO cooler apart from the rest of the crowd. And if you’re an admirer of such, the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB should be your top choice.
- »dead silent
- »superb cooling even on the high-end CPUs
- »RGB lighting fans included
- »premium materials
- »no fan control via software
3. NZXT Kraken Z63
The NZXT Kraken Z63 is the best Kraken Z73 alternative for slightly smaller cases.
Some killer features of the NZXT Kraken Z63:
- 280mm radiator with a CPU cooler block
- 36″ customizable LCD panel on CPU block
- latest 7th gen pump from Asetek
- 2x Aer P 140mm PWM radiator fans
- tubes covered with nylon sleeves
If your PC case can’t fit a massive 360mm radiator but can do a 280mm one, check this one out, as the NZXT Kraken Z63 is a direct derivative of the Kraken Z73.
The 2.36″ LCD screen is, of course, the main highlight. For its beautiful round screen, the Z63 made its way at the top in our best CPU coolers with screen. Anyone who uses this one will be in awe at how gorgeous it looks. The insane level of customizations takes that feeling further to the top.
Cooling performance is once again top-notch here. The AIO is capable of cooling down the best CPUs relatively quickly. It guarantees to perform a lot better than even the most aggressive air coolers. The AIO comes with Asetek’s latest 7th gen pump, a whole new improvement level over the previous generation. If you use this liquid cooler in a gaming rig, the results would be impressive.
You would get not only a great performing CPU but also a near-silent rig as the included Aer P 140mm PWM fans produce almost no noise at all. Combine that with an Asetek 7th gen pump with increased efficiency and minimal noise output; the AIO turns out to be a high-performing and silent AIO cooler for gamers and enthusiasts alike.
In the performance category the NZXT Z63 is a direct competitor to Corsair H115i Capellix. You can check the differences between Z63 and H115i Capellix to see its superiority.
And about the software,
You can monitor and control the fan speed, LED colors, pump speed using the CAM software. It is an intuitive software that provides excellent visual info on system stats and allows you to monitor performance.
The only thing to complain about is the absence of RGB lighting on the included radiator fans. But to me, the LCD makes up for that.
All in all, the NZXT Kraken Z63 is a premium choice as a 280mm liquid cooler and probably the best 280mm AIO you could buy in terms of performance and quality.
- »LCD screen
- »quiet fans and pump
- »extraordinary thermal performance
- »CAM software integration
- »pricey
- »no RGB fans included
NZXT Kraken Z63 is very popular in the cooler market, and you can compare NZXT Kraken Z63 and Noctua NH-D15 to find out the reason.
4. NZXT Kraken X63 RGB
The NZXT Kraken X63 RGB is the 280mm version of the Kraken X73 RGB.
Key features of the NZXT Kraken X63 RGB:
- 280mm radiator
- rotating infinity mirror
- ring LED on CPU block
- 2x Aer RGB V2 140mm radiator fans
- fluid dynamic bearing
- fine nylon mesh sleeves
The NZXT Kraken X63 RGB inherits virtually everything from the Kraken X73 RGB, apart from its size. The Kraken X73 has a 360mm radiator, and the Kraken X63 RGB has a 280mm one. The rest is the same.
You get the same beautiful infinity mirror on the CPU cooler block with an LED strip around it. The 2 included 140mm PWM RGB radiator fans make it even more eye candy. The whole build resonates with a premium feel.
The included fans have fluid dynamic bearing and a unique fin design for better airflow and less noise. And it delivers. Together with the latest Asetek 7th gen pump and aluminum radiator, the fans can cool down the best CPUs on the market with relative ease.
And the noise levels?
Let’s just say you would be confused whether the pumps and the fans are working or not until you look at them directly. The NZXT RGB CPU cooler is almost silent despite a lot of cooling going on inside.
As a gamer, you would find it hard to come across a product that creates an excellent balance between high performance, efficiency, sleek design, and gorgeous RGB lighting all at the same time. That’s what set’s the NZXT Kraken X63 RGB apart from its competitors.
As for the drawbacks, the disability to control radiator fans from the software comes to mind. Other than that, it’s hard to find any.
All in all, the NZXT Kraken X63 RGB remains a top option among gamers due to its excellent performance, unique RGB lighting, and premium build quality, all at a reasonable price.
- »extremely silent
- »efficient cooling
- »RGB lighting PWM fans included
- »premium construction and design
- »no way to control radiator fans via software
5. NZXT Kraken X53
The NZXT Kraken X53 is a premium 240mm AIO offering from NZXT.
Some of the key highlights of the NZXT Kraken X53:
- 240mm radiator
- gorgeous infinity mirror
- improved Asetek 7th gen pump
- sleek design
- 2x Aer P 120mm PWM radiator fans included
The AIO shares most of its features with the Kraken X63 mentioned above. The durable construction, infinity mirror design with ring LED, extremely low noise, superb thermal performance remain the same.
The difference?
The main difference is the size. Instead of a 280mm radiator, you get a 240mm radiator. The size makes the NZXT Kraken X53 practical for most small PC cases, particularly micro-ATX and ITX cases.
If you’re a lover of great-looking AIOs, you would know that sacrifice is generally made on an AIO cooler’s exterior looks to trade-in for better performance when it comes to small coolers. Well, I guess that’s not a problem anymore, as the NZXT Kraken X53 excels at both.
Here’s how:
The two included PWM 120mm fans for the radiators provide a surprising amount of airflow for the size and look fantastic. Together with the infinity mirror design on the CPU cooler block and the premium build, it elevates the looks of any gaming rig that it goes inside.
The latest Asetek pumps ensure high water flow through the 240mm radiator and, therefore, more heat dissipation. Overall it maintains a stable and solid liquid cooling performance for its size.
The only gripe with this product is the same as any X-series NZXT CPU coolers, the CAM software’s inability to control the radiator fans. It seems like it’s a feature that’s only available to the more premium Z-series AIOs.
NZXT Kraken X53 supports LGA 1200 socket.
- »easy installation
- »sleek design
- »infinity mirror
- »excellent cooling for a 240mm AIO
- »no fan control via software
6. NZXT Kraken M22
The NZXT Kraken M22 is a solid choice for any ITX PC build.
Notable highlights of the NZXT Kraken M22:
- 120mm radiator
- infinity mirror design on the CPU pump top
- 1x Aer P 120mm PWM radiator fan included
- close to silent operation
The NZXT Kraken M22 continues to be a top choice among gamers and enthusiasts for its solid performance on cooling and sleek design at a reasonable price. It’s one of the few 120mm AIOs that looks good and feels premium, which made its place in our best 120mm AIO liquid CPU cooler.
The improved pump and high airflow PWM fans allow for top-notch cooling on the CPU. Despite being a 120mm AIO, it punches its size limit to deliver a stable and smooth CPU performance through its thermal capacity. The AIO can handle powerful and high-core count CPUs and provide a steady performance throughout your gaming session.
The best part?
One of the critical points of buying this AIO is its design. The fan-favorite infinity mirror design is present here, with a ring of LED around it. Together it gives a distinctive look to it. The aluminum radiator and the fans blend to provide a stellar and stunning all-black design that attracts many.
If you’re worried about sound, you’d be glad to hear that the NZXT Kraken M22 is relatively low on noise. The pump and the fan are virtually silent. Even at full load, it produces a sound that you can only hear while keeping your ear over the PC case.
The NZXT Kraken M22 checks out all the critical points of an AIO, the cooling, the noise, and the design. So it’s safe to say that the liquid CPU cooler is a great product worthy of a strong recommendation for anyone looking for a 120mm AIO.
You might have some trouble with the CAM software as it’s not optimized correctly and doesn’t have all the features one would want. For example, it doesn’t let users control the fan speed, and it sometimes would freeze without warning. So that’s something to keep in mind.
Other than that, the NZXT Kraken M22 is a solid choice for any compact gaming PC or HTPC that rocks a powerful CPU.
- »great design
- »amazing cooling performance
- »premium materials
- »little to no noise
- »bad software
Final Thoughts
Which NZXT AIO CPU coolers do you like? I find the Kraken Z73 to be my dream AIO liquid cooler for the ultimate gaming system. The Kraken X63 RGB is also a top-tier product for both cooling and aesthetics.