What To Know
- The Kraken X73 also utilizes three 120mm PWM fans and a 360mm radiator, providing similar cooling capabilities to the Strix LC II 360.
- The Strix LC II 360 offers a more aggressive and gamer-centric design, while the Kraken X73 provides a minimalist and modern aesthetic.
- The Strix LC II 360 provides a slightly longer warranty, while the Kraken X73 offers a more user-friendly and feature-rich software experience.
Choosing the right liquid cooler for your PC can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices that often come up in discussions are the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 and the NZXT Kraken X73. Both are high-performance liquid coolers with impressive features, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences, performance, aesthetics, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Cooling Power and Noise Levels
The primary function of a liquid cooler is to efficiently dissipate heat, ensuring your CPU remains cool and stable even under heavy workloads. Both the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 and NZXT Kraken X73 excel in this department.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360: Equipped with three 120mm PWM fans and a large 360mm radiator, the Strix LC II 360 boasts excellent cooling performance. It effectively cools even high-end CPUs like the Intel Core i9-13900K and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, keeping temperatures under control during demanding tasks. The fans are relatively quiet at lower RPMs, making it suitable for quieter builds.
NZXT Kraken X73: The Kraken X73 also utilizes three 120mm PWM fans and a 360mm radiator, providing similar cooling capabilities to the Strix LC II 360. It performs exceptionally well in cooling high-end CPUs, maintaining stable temperatures for demanding gaming and content creation workloads. The fans are known for their quiet operation, even at higher RPMs, making it a good choice for those prioritizing noise reduction.
Verdict: Both coolers offer excellent cooling performance, with slight variations in noise levels. The Kraken X73 edges out slightly in terms of quiet operation, making it a better choice for those prioritizing silence.
Aesthetics: Design and Customization
In addition to performance, aesthetics play a significant role in PC building. Both the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 and NZXT Kraken X73 offer unique designs and customization options.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360: The Strix LC II 360 features a sleek and aggressive design, incorporating the iconic ROG logo and RGB lighting. The pump block has a transparent design, showcasing the internal components, while the fans feature customizable RGB lighting. The overall design complements gaming-focused builds and adds a touch of flair.
NZXT Kraken X73: The Kraken X73 boasts a minimalist and modern design, with a sleek black finish and subtle RGB lighting. The pump block features a circular LCD display that can be customized with various animations and system information. The fans are designed for quiet operation and feature subtle RGB lighting. The overall design complements minimalist and modern builds.
Verdict: The choice between the two depends on your aesthetic preferences. The Strix LC II 360 offers a more aggressive and gamer-centric design, while the Kraken X73 provides a minimalist and modern aesthetic.
Features: Beyond Cooling
Both coolers offer a range of features beyond their cooling capabilities.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360: The Strix LC II 360 comes with ASUS’s proprietary software, which allows you to control the fan speeds, RGB lighting, and monitor the CPU temperature. It also features a leak-proof design and a 6-year warranty, providing peace of mind.
NZXT Kraken X73: The Kraken X73 includes NZXT‘s CAM software, which offers comprehensive control over the cooler’s fan speeds, RGB lighting, and allows you to monitor various system parameters. It also features a leak-proof design and a 5-year warranty.
Verdict: Both coolers offer comprehensive software control and robust features. The Strix LC II 360 provides a slightly longer warranty, while the Kraken X73 offers a more user-friendly and feature-rich software experience.
Compatibility and Installation: Ease of Use
Compatibility and installation are crucial factors to consider when choosing a liquid cooler. Both the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 and NZXT Kraken X73 are compatible with most modern CPUs and motherboards.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360: The Strix LC II 360 is compatible with Intel and AMD platforms, including the latest generations. It features a simple and straightforward installation process, with clear instructions and easy-to-follow steps.
NZXT Kraken X73: The Kraken X73 also boasts broad compatibility with Intel and AMD CPUs, including the latest generations. Its installation process is user-friendly, with intuitive instructions and well-designed mounting mechanisms.
Verdict: Both coolers offer excellent compatibility and ease of installation. They are designed to be user-friendly, making the setup process smooth and hassle-free.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The price of a liquid cooler is a significant factor in the decision-making process. Both the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 and NZXT Kraken X73 are premium coolers with a higher price point compared to air coolers.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360: The Strix LC II 360 is typically priced slightly higher than the Kraken X73. However, it offers excellent cooling performance, a sleek design, and a longer warranty, justifying its higher price tag for those seeking a premium experience.
NZXT Kraken X73: The Kraken X73 offers excellent value for money, with a lower price point than the Strix LC II 360 while delivering comparable performance and features. It is a solid choice for those seeking a balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability.
Verdict: The Kraken X73 offers better value for money, providing a competitive price point without compromising on performance or features. The Strix LC II 360 caters to those willing to spend a premium for its superior aesthetics and longer warranty.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Cooler for You
Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 and NZXT Kraken X73 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360: This cooler is ideal for gamers and enthusiasts seeking the best possible cooling performance with a sleek, gamer-centric design. The longer warranty and comprehensive software control add to its appeal.
NZXT Kraken X73: This cooler is a great choice for those prioritizing a balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability. Its quiet operation, minimalist design, and user-friendly software make it a compelling option for a wide range of users.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Specs
While both the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 and NZXT Kraken X73 offer excellent cooling capabilities, the final decision often comes down to personal preferences. Consider your budget, aesthetic preferences, and priorities when making your choice.
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between a 240mm and 360mm radiator?
A: A 360mm radiator offers a larger surface area for heat dissipation, resulting in better cooling performance compared to a 240mm radiator. However, it also requires more space in your PC case.
Q: What are the advantages of a liquid cooler over an air cooler?
A: Liquid coolers generally offer better cooling performance, quieter operation, and a more aesthetically pleasing look compared to air coolers. However, they are typically more expensive and require more space in your PC case.
Q: Can I use the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 or NZXT Kraken X73 with a custom loop?
A: No, both coolers are designed for closed-loop systems and are not compatible with custom loop setups.
Q: What is the recommended CPU for these coolers?
A: Both coolers are capable of effectively cooling high-end CPUs like the Intel Core i9-13900K and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. However, it’s always recommended to check the specific cooler’s specifications for compatibility and recommended CPU wattage.
Q: What is the warranty period for these coolers?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 comes with a 6-year warranty, while the NZXT Kraken X73 offers a 5-year warranty.
