Product on Review: NZXT Kraken X53
Manufacturer: NZXT
Street Price: GBP £119.99 / USD $129.99

NZXT have been developing and refining their products for 16 years now, producing some of the most aesthetically pleasing computer cases and components that money can buy. Their Kraken range of AIO watercooling loops have been particularly successful due to their fancy mirrored lights design within the pump. Today we’re looking at the X53, their latest revision of the Kraken range with a 240mm radiator.

NZXT claim that the underlying performance of the cooler has been improved, through better temperature sensing, optimising the waterpump, and use of NZXT’s Aer P radiator fans.

There’s also improvements to NZXT’s trademark infinity mirror ring, that’s 10% larger than previous iterations with CAM-powered, customisable RGB lighting effects. The front face can be rotated 360° to allow the pump to be orientated whichever way you like without needing to twist your head to read the NZXT branding in cases with tempered glass sides.


Backed with a 6-year warranty, NZXT are clearly confident in their build quality thanks to tougher, flexible hosing that provides durability and fluid-bearings within the included fans for a prolonged lifespan. Socket support is also good, with all of Intel and AMD’s mainstream sockets supported, with TR4 supported via a not-included bracket.

The latest revision is available in 3 radiator sizes, with 360mm, 280mm and 240mm, being the X73, X63 and X53 respectively. Today we’re looking at the Kraken X53, priced almost identically to several of CORSAIR’s 240mm offerings, who are arguably the one to beat in this segment.

Kraken on the X53: