NZXT Kraken X31: vodník s řiditelnou pumpou

Watercoolers usually have a few significant advantages in comparison with air coolers. First, it is able to conduct heat away from its source, for example right outside the case. Kraken X31 however, as well as other cooler of this type, can use its own fan for two purposes: to draw air from the case and cool its own radiator. And second, water coolers may be a good solution in case there is not enough of space for a powerflul air cooler. On the other hand, watercoolers are much more expensive than air coolers and they also add another source of noise: the water pump.

Fortunately, that is not the case of Kraken X31, whose water pump is very silent, especially beside the supplied fan (we only get one 120mm piece). Next, there is the USB 2.0 interface for internal headers. It can be used to control the main module's lighting and especially the speed of both the fan and pump depending on the coolant temperature. So in IDLE we will enjoy silence and if necessary, the cooler will enhance its performance automatically.

In other aspects, Kraken X31 is a typical all in one watercooler for a reasonable price. I would recommend it to those who need a powerful CPU cooler and also don't have enough of space inside their case (or on their board) for large air coolers, which are for instance small builds with Mini ITX boards. Others should think twice about the benefits of watercoolers in general.