NZXT Kraken x61 Pump Information

[the nerd 389]

I've been attempting to find info on the NZXT Kraken x61 and Corsair H115i (aka H110i GTX) for a build. I'll be replacing the fans on either one.

I've found all the relevant info for the Corsair, but I can't find this info for the NZXT:
Pump flow rates,
pump speeds, and
pump noise.

I'd appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

they are basically the same asetek crap.
for that budget you can get much better coolers like EK Predator or Swiftech H220 X2

 

[the nerd 389]

they are basically the same asetek crap.
for that budget you can get much better coolers like EK Predator or Swiftech H220 X2

Be aware that I'm dealing with a case that only allows 55mm for the radiator and fans. I don't intend to change cases for this build for a number of reasons, one being that I have a good amount of work invested in tuning this case to what I want. The two reasons I don't want a standard big air cooler are so that I can move the computer without worrying, and to make maintenance easier.

If you can find an open loop setup that gives a 5-year warranty, I'd be interested, though.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

what case do you have ?
DDC and D5 pumps don't need warranty. they work for ages. the rest can't die by definition.
I have a complete loop that served me for 10 years (now retired since it was boring).
Sfiwtech is 55mm except that res part, but that should be no concern.
and speaking about confined cases, here is my mini ITX with full size GPU etc (still work in progress though) https://goo.gl/photos/5Y8YrPkaDWp7x7PW9

 

[the nerd 389]

It's going to be a modified R5. This is a top mount radiator. I'll be using every drive bay, both 3.5" and 5.25". All other available fan mounts are to be occupied. The fan control circuitry is custom made, programmed for balanced airflow under all GPU/CPU load conditions, and accounts for the location of heat generating components.

It is not trivial to switch cases.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

http://www.swiftech.com/h220x2.aspx#tab3
this will fit - 53mm.
It performs better and quieter than thos shinny toys from asetek. also do not require new fans. and expandable

 

[the nerd 389]

http://www.swiftech.com/h220x2.aspx#tab3
this will fit - 53mm.
It performs better and quieter than thos shinny toys from asetek. also do not require new fans. and expandable

The fans would be replaced regardless. I'll be using 140mm Noctua iPPC 2000 IP67 fans on the radiator.

Do you have a suggestion for a 280mm option?

 

[n0ns3ns3]

http://www.swiftech.com/h240x2.aspx

same just 280. those fans are GT - they are awesome. You could see that i'm using iPPC NF-F12. And I can say those do not need to be replaced for noise or performance.

 

[the nerd 389]

http://www.swiftech.com/h240x2.aspx

same just 280. those fans are GT - they are awesome. You could see that i'm using iPPC NF-F12. And I can say those do not need to be replaced for noise or performance.

From the data I can find, the H240 performs almost exactly the same as an x61, and thus the same as the H115i. It's not any better in terms of performance, so what makes it better? I don't have any room to expand the loop with this build, so that makes little difference. It does cost more, and I would still replace the fans, as the Noctua fans have a well defined P-Q curve that allows them to be used with the custom fan controller.

Is the build quality drastically different?

 

[n0ns3ns3]

you can see the tear down of asetek here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc07JtDerUw
so it's very "cheap" and weak pump + half aluminum radiator for both corsair and nzxt + kinda shitty CPU cold plate.
The key difference is in the duty cycle of the parts. The Swiftech has a very good block and a much more powerful and robust pump. The Swiftech is an AIO cooler made from Custom Loop parts, so they are significantly more robust, and the loop can be expanded to later cool the GPU too. Just as an example, the Swiftech pump runs over 1.0 Gpm. The radiator is full copper.
The only downside of Swiftech (which is also upside) is that it's maintainable - you can change/add the liquid if needed.
I don't know where you got your numbers, but H240 outperforms both GT110 and Kraken X61 at 5-10C while being significantly quieter.
you can check this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL8DxuUth7U
they event went as far as putting same noctua fans on rads.

And even here: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/swiftech-h240-x2-configurable-aio-liquid-cooler,4540.html

the conclusions are the same - better

 

[the nerd 389]

From the TH article:
NZXT Delta Temps - 42,51,14,18
H240 Delta Temps - 45,51,16,19

At the same temperature delta (when they are both achieving 51 delta T in the same operating conditions), the NZXT is about 5 dB quieter.
That's not any better at all.

The video doesn't have any of the coolers being discussed except the H240. The H110i GT is a CoolIt unit, and is now known as simply the H110i. They do have the 240mm H100i GTX, now known as the H100i V2.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

from TH :
"The H240 X2 has better cooling performance per decibel than the Kraken X61, but doesn't quiet down as much at lower speeds. Settings below a 50 percent duty-cycle might have helped the H240 X2 low-speed noise-to-temperature ratio, but once again we're trying to keep our test methods consistent."

Comparing swiftech's products to CLC AiOs is similar to comparing german car to korean. they look the same on the paper, but you can tell/feel the difference when getting into one and especially driving one.

but of course it is up to you which one to pick. and by now you probably have the info to make an educated decision 😉

P.S.
coolit and asetek pumps are practically the same it terms of design and performance. the difference is small to none.