The NZXT Kraken Z63 & X73 AIO Cooler Review: Shiny On Top, Solid Underneath
by E. Fylladitakis on August 19, 2020 11:00 AM ESTThe NZXT CAM Software
NZXT’s CAM is a free system monitoring program, with the added bonus that it can control and update the firmware of compatible NZXT devices. It identifies the system’s components and sub-components and also offers comprehensive resource usage information, both total and per-process.
As one would probably expect, most of the software's control options become available only if supported NZXT hardware is detected. Meanwhile the monitoring features are compatible with the vast majority of hardware that is being sold in the market today. The displayed panels, as well as options such as the display language and the enablement of a dark mode, can be adjusted in the general settings screen.
When an X-3 or Z-3 AIO cooler is detected, the NZXT CAM software offers monitoring and control via the “Cooling” tab. From there, users can monitor the temperatures of the CPU, GPU, and cooling fluid, as well as the pump's RPM. It is also possible to program and save different cooling profiles, for different occasions. Every option in this tab is identical for either cooler series.
Under the Lighting tab, the options differ depending on which cooler has been detected. If an X-3 series cooler is detected, users can only adjust the lighting effects and brightness of the RGB LED ring. Aside from basic static colors, the software allows for the choice of dynamic visual effects or the programming of different colors per 45°.
When the software detects a Z-3 series cooler, the Lighting tab becomes significantly more complex. With an LCD screen present, users can select a variety of visual effects and/or infographics. These include static or animated GIFs that meet some basic size and length constraints. It can also display real-time info, such as temperatures and load, and change its color depending on preset conditions.
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silencer12 - Friday, August 21, 2020 - link
When I read that AMD re-hired Jim Keller 2015-2016, I was glad and ecstatic. I knew that would bring AMD back. I support the underdog and want them to stay in business. I may be currently on an intel processor, since AMD was $400 for there zen processors generation 1 when it launched. Now, there are whooping Intel, and gaining their marketshare back. GOOD!That was not nonsensical.
Off- topic. This is even more unique situation. If was not nonsensical to know the pandemic (covid virus) would over-run the united states with President trump's response to it back in January / February. Had he acted early-on like he should have. Their may be less deaths and faster time in finding a cure that works. 177,000 people have died and rising.
Quote (President Trump) - I have very important people working on this. I can't say who they are, but it is very important people.
Beaver M. - Saturday, August 22, 2020 - link
Yeah, I too have a 6 cylinder engine.Get your script fixed, bot.
silencer12 - Saturday, August 22, 2020 - link
Do you even know what a bot is?I am certain you do not.
Beaver M. - Monday, August 24, 2020 - link
Someone who talks to someone about a topic that is completely off-topic.Hence my car comment.
If you think I dont know what a bot is, then I am very confident that you dont even know what conversational logic and reason is.
If it quacks like a duck...
thestryker - Wednesday, August 19, 2020 - link
It would be really nice if you could include some OEM information within the article in the case of closed loop coolers. I'm aware that this is an Asetek cooler because of prior information, but it's easily possible to not know.I would like to second the prior comment about adding a noise normalized test. While thermal performance is predominantly what I care about knowing the overall quality of the out of the box experience is really important to anyone who isn't going to replace the fans.
Tilmitt - Wednesday, August 19, 2020 - link
Would be nice if you could include an ARCTIC Liquid Freezer in your testing, it's pretty highly regarded.MDD1963 - Thursday, August 20, 2020 - link
Finally, the numbers people want *most* when they go to AIO/water coolers....thermal resistance, and, most important at all, how well it handles cooling a full earth-shattering 60 watts of heat!!!!Unashamed_unoriginal_username_x86 - Thursday, August 20, 2020 - link
The graphs go up to 340w, you have to select it...PeachNCream - Thursday, August 20, 2020 - link
Aside from being yet another rebrand of the same old AIO design, I don't think the complexity of NZXT's pack-in software is going to ultimately be of much benefit while at the same time having the potential of causing both security issues via increased surface of attack (and potentially poor or no response to discovered exploits) and system stability problems by tapping into and interacting with hardware. That has been and continues to be a problem with a lot of smaller companies with ambitious plans to add value to mechanically similar products through software. All of that extra code doesn't do much but add cruft in the same way we used to deal with TSRs back in the DOS era that were shoddy or wasteful of system resources.Quantumz0d - Thursday, August 20, 2020 - link
GN's tests always show AIOs are less loud and have better performance. But with the idea of having a machine reliable with no requirement for any sort of water damage. I would chose Noctua high end Air Cooler only. Yea it looks bulky and all, but I prefer peace of mind rather than these cooler products where they show off those RGB RAM sticks and what not, where that CAM bloatware and unwanted bloat is needed for the machine too.