I remember from several years ago using my electronic maintenance skills on assembling water cooler systems for my computers. In those days most liquid systems were assembled from separate components, so you had to make sure you bought a radiator, circulating pump and heatsink that all used the same tube diameter. After setting up these water cooler systems on my bench to make sure they did not leak and ruin my computer system, I would then move the water cooler into my case. Over the next couple of years I improved my skills and began assembling more elaborate cooling systems, even (unsuccessfully) adding a peltier to the system for more cooling potential.

As these assemblies began to get more time consuming, I started to use the new and more popular heatpipe designs emerging onto the market. I even have one of those old water cooler systems in a box that I believe would still be functional with a little work. But I digress, for we are here to look at one of the newer style of water cooler systems, the closed loop or all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler.

The closed loop system we are looking at today is the smallest liquid cooling offering from NZXT. The Kraken X31 uses a 155x120x30mm radiator, cooled by a 120mm fan and a state-of-the-art variable speed circulating pump. Using the NZXT's CAM software to control the system, you can make sure your computer stays cool as it handles your work or gaming needs. So, as usual, let's get into the X31.