NZXT Kraken M22 Review - Introduction

Going Mainstream LCS with the NZXT Kraken M22
The affordable Kraken AIO Liquid Cooling kit

NZXT has released a budget-friendly 120mm rad based Kraken series liquid cooler, meet the M22. This new cooler is compatible with CAM software for that funky LED display and the radiator is armed with one 120mm PWM fans. It looks to be a handy quick drop-in solution, but does it perform and is it silent? let's find out. You know, in the world of CPU coolers nothing ever stops developing. These days you can pick a gazillion different heat-pipe based coolers, where many are shaped, formed and priced the same. The better heat pipe based coolers are good though. Next in line are LCS systems (liquid cooling), the entry-level products are affordable, easy to install pre-fab liquid cooling kits. We've seen and tested many of them as Corsair, Asetek, Cooler Master and of course NZXT is kicking it hard with the Kraken series.

  
The product we test today is the Kraken M22, an updated small form factor design (120mm). While the fan and PUMP are fed by your motherboard FAN headers, it is a cooler series that is easy on the eyes as it also is fitted with that funky mirror LED at the cooling block. The M22 will offer decent enough performance, the product is compatible with NZXT CAM software (but just for the LED unit). You hook up the LCS unit towards a USB port and then the software allows you to alter the colors and animations. NZXT holds the crown when it comes to LCS RGB bling.

Above a video of the X62, not the M22. But the cooling block is 100% the same thing, so what you see in the above video LED options wise, is what you get so that you can understand and grasp the LED lighting system as this is a premium feature on this LCS kit. So without further ado, let's have a peek at the Kraken M22 from NZXT and then head onwards into the review.