Question NZXT Kraken Z73 screen is really really dim ?

[GurruResidue]

Just installed an NZXT Kraken Z73 AIO and everything works fine pump,fans, etc even shows on cams software. The only issue is the display is so dim i need a flashlight to see what it's displaying and yes brightness is maxed out on the software. I just need help knowing whether it can be a simple fix or is it defective? thank you

 

[Lutfij]

Are you having the same issue as this user?

 

[GurruResidue]

Yes

 

[Paperdoc]

Check all your connections. There is a break-out cable from the PUMP with connectors for four things:
1. Power input from a SATA power output connector from the PSU
2. Pump speed output - a connector with three holes that goes to your CPU_FAN header.
3. A locking connector with three pins (looks like it had 4 but one missing) where you plug in any ARGB lighting devices (other than the pump unit itself).
4. A three-headed output with pins for the FANS on the rad.

There is also an important FIFTH connection to make using a separate cable from a mini-USB socket on the pump unit to a mobo USB2 header. This is how the NZXT utility CAM communicates with the AIO system. This cable MUST be in place for CAM to control pump operation, rad fan speeds, and all lighting including the lights in the pump.

 

[GurruResidue]

Yes everything is connected correctly, I have it all hooked up into an asus strix b450 f gaming board

 

[GurruResidue]

I have the pump connected to an aio pump header and one fan from rad on cpu_fan header

 

[Paperdoc]

Actually you should have ALL the rad fans connected to that 3-output cable from the multi-headed Breakout Cable from the Pump unit. ONE of those fans MUST be in the only output socket that has all FOUR pins in it. However, I doubt that impacts the brightness of the pump's display screen.

 

[GurruResidue]

I didn’t think it would’ve affected it either, so would you say I have a defective unit? Or is there a solution to this problem?

 

[GurruResidue]

It shows on cam software and displays pump rpm and temps but not on the pump screen itself

 

[Paperdoc]

CAM is showing you the speed of something as the pump speed. BUT you have the PUMP connected to CPU_OPT, and a RAD FAN connected to CPU_FAN. CAM has no way of knowing that. IF it gets a speed signal at CPU_FAN and NO signal at AIO_PUMP (where I assume you have nothing plugged in), it will ASSUME you plugged the PUMP into the CPU_FAN header and call it that. If you change so that the the PUMP is plugged into AIO_PUMP, there is nothing plugged into CPU_FAN and all the rad fans are connected to the outputs of the Breakout cable as the designers intended, then CAM should get it right. IF you do this, look closely at the AIO_PUMP header configuration and make sure its MODE is set to PWM Mode, not DC Mode. This is important because that way the header will always supply the pump with a fixed 12 VDC power supply that it requires. Don't forget to use the Exit Menu to save your settings.

Again, this has nothing to do with the display on the pump. I agree it appears your pump unit has a faulty display device on it. Contact NZXT Tech Support and check with them for a replacement of the whole system under warranty. You cannot replace only a part of that liquid loop system.

 

[GurruResidue]

It’s not letting me set to pwm mode

 

[Paperdoc]

In re-reading ,my posts above I see I made an error. I thought you had the PUMP connected to CPU_OPT, but no. You say it is already plugged into AIO_PUMP and that's OK. However, I reiterate there should be NOTHING plugged into CPU_FAN if that is how the pump is connected. Ensure ALL the rad fans are connected to the Breakout Cable outputs, AND that one fan is in the only output with all 4 pins.

Now, WHAT makes you say, "It’s not letting me set to pwm mode"? Is this within NZXT CAM, or in BIOS Setup? And, for WHICH header? Ideally you set the AIO_PUMP header to PWM Mode, but MAYBE it does not give you any choice on that header. Such a header is supposed to feed a constant 12 VDC power supply to its pump on Pin #2, so some mobos will do that only and not let you make any change. In that case look in CAM so see the PUMP speed it reports when there is NOTHING on the CPU_FAN header. It should be around 2800 RPM, the spec for the max pump speed in that AIO system.

 

[GurruResidue]

I was finally able to set it to pwm in bios. Everything on this unit is working as it should and gives pump speed, temps, etc. my main issue is the lcd display on the pump itself but you claim it’s defective I’m actually going to end up returning it and get a new one. Thank you for the info and help

 

[Paperdoc]

You're welcome. Good luck!