NZXT
NZXT Kraken X42 140mm
Status: NZXT Kraken X42 140mm - All-in-One RGB CPU…: Unavailable on Amazon as of . SpecPicks has no in-stock listing with matching specs on file; the search below lists current offers. eBay sellers may still list this model new or used.
Bottom line: The NZXT Kraken X42 140mm: Infinity mirror pump head with multiple RGB lighting modes, not a single static color; main trade-off: 35mm RAM clearance limits tall heat-spreader memory near the socket.
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Compare to similar cooling & fans
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Infinity mirror pump head with multiple RGB lighting modes, not a single static color
- ✓ CAM app reports live pump RPM and coolant temperature, not just fan speed
- ✓ Included Aer P 140mm fan is a static-pressure design made for radiators
- ✓ Nylon-sleeved tubing resists damage while routing through tight cases
Cons
- ✗ 35mm RAM clearance limits tall heat-spreader memory near the socket
- ✗ Single 140mm radiator trails 240mm and 280mm AIOs on high-TDP CPUs
- ✗ Lighting and fan curve control require installing NZXT CAM software
- ✗ 140mm radiator mounts are less common than 120mm in budget cases
Manufacturer description
The closed-loop design pairs a performance-engineered pump with an included Aer P 140mm radiator fan, a static-pressure blade profile NZXT designed specifically for pushing air through dense radiator fins without the turbulence noise you get from a repurposed case fan. What separates the Kraken from cheaper AIOs is CAM. NZXT's desktop and mobile app lets you tune fan and pump curves, cycle through the infinity mirror's RGB lighting modes, and watch pump RPM and coolant temperature in real time rather than guessing whether your loop is healthy. The rubber tubing is wrapped in a fine nylon…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored NZXT Kraken X42 140mm using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cooling & fans category. NZXT's cooling & fans lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for cooling & fans of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What radiator size do I need in my case for the Kraken X42?
The X42 uses a single 140mm radiator with one Aer P 140mm fan included. Check your case spec sheet for a 140mm radiator mount, typically at the rear or top, before buying.
Will the Kraken X42 clear my RAM?
NZXT lists 35mm RAM height clearance for this cooler. Measure your memory modules, since many RGB kits with tall heat spreaders exceed 35mm.
Do I have to install NZXT CAM to use this cooler?
The pump and fan run without it, but CAM is how you change the infinity mirror lighting modes, set custom performance curves, and monitor pump speed and liquid temperature from desktop or mobile.
Is the Kraken X42 loud under load?
NZXT engineered the pump and the included Aer P fan for low noise at high cooling output, and CAM lets you set your own fan curve to trade acoustics for temperature.
Which CPU sockets does the Kraken X42 fit?
The retail box ships with NZXT's mounting hardware, but socket support varies by production run and newer sockets may need a separate bracket. Confirm your socket against the current product listing before ordering.
Key Features
- ADVANCED LIGHTING MODES: With an infinity mirror design, add amazing color and lighting to your CPU cooler for a fully dynamic lighting experience
- ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE: Engineered to achieve superior cooling while keeping noise levels to a minimum
- MASTER YOUR CONTROL: Using CAM, manage the performance with precision and make changes quickly, using the desktop or mobile app. You can even monitor pump speed and liquid temperature.
- ALL-NEW RADIATOR FANS: The Aer P radiator fans included are designed for liquid-cooling perfection; providing silent operation, durability, and powerful cooling performance
- REINFORCED EXTENDED TUBING: Fine nylon sleeves are added to strengthen the rubber tubing and act as a protective layer, shielding your Kraken cooler tubes from potential damage during handling
- RAM Height Clearance : 35mm
Full Specifications
| Brand | NZXT |
|---|---|
| Model | RL-KRX42-02 |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 2.4 watts |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Noise Level | 21 Decibels |
| Part Number | RL-KRX42-02 |
| Material Type | Polycarbonate |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Item Type Name | CPU Cooler |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| RAM Height Clearance | 35mm |
| ALL-NEW RADIATOR FANS | The Aer P radiator fans included are designed for liquid-cooling perfection; providing silent operation, durability, and powerful cooling performance |
| ADVANCED LIGHTING MODES | With an infinity mirror design, add amazing color and lighting to your CPU cooler for a fully dynamic lighting experience |
| ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE | Engineered to achieve superior cooling while keeping noise levels to a minimum |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 05060301693740 |
| Full listing title | NZXT Kraken X42 140mm - All-in-One RGB CPU Liquid Cooler - CAM-Powered - Infinity Mirror Design - Performance Engineered Pump - Reinforced Extended Tubing - AER P140mm Radiator Fan (Included) |
Ready to buy?
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