Compare: Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition vs Kraken-X53

Design and Aesthetics:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

The Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition is a popular air cooler from Cooler Master designed for mainstream CPUs. As an upgrade from the original Hyper 212 EVO, it features several improvements in both aesthetics and performance.

The RGB element of the cooler is the 120mm fan, which comes with customizable RGB lighting. This allows you to personalize the lighting effects and colors to match your PC's overall theme, adding a touch of flair to your build.

Kraken-X53

Sporting an all-black aesthetic, this cooler presents an innovative infinity screen showcasing the NZXT logo. While it provides subtle RGB accents on the AIO pump, it avoids overwhelming RGB effects, appealing to users seeking a tastefully subdued lighting rather than an overpowering RGB setup.

Install Notes:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

One of the biggest downsides of this cooler is the installation process. It's pretty tedious, similar to other CoolerMaster cooler installations. There are many parts that can be difficult to piece together, and figuring out how the various attachments connect with the cooler can be challenging. So, with this cooler, you're pretty much asking for a puzzle during the installation process.

Kraken-X53

Installing this AIO is relatively straightforward, especially when compared to some other AIO models. When it comes to mounting the radiator, the initial step involves attaching the fans to it. However, it's worth noting that the screws used to secure the radiator to the PC case are relatively short and may not be sufficient for cases with thick materials. As for the pump installation, it follows a conventional process with four screws connecting it to the backplate, ensuring the AIO pump is securely placed on the CPU. Additionally, the AIO tubes offer flexibility, allowing for convenient adjustments to achieve an optimal setup placement.

Cooling Performance:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

he Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition has a quad heat pipe design with direct contact technology, which helps improve its cooling efficiency. The cooler is capable of handling most mainstream CPUs, making it suitable for everyday tasks, gaming, and some overclocking. However, it might not be the best choice for extreme overclocking or high-end CPUs with high TDPs, as there are more powerful coolers available for those purposes.

Kraken-X53

The NZXT Kraken x53 stands out as a cooling solution capable of handling high temperatures, delivering excellent cooling performance that can rival top-tier air coolers like the NH-D15. It's perfectly suited for setups seeking remarkable cooling efficiency , all without the bulkier dimensions often associated with larger air cooling solutions. However, much of the performance gained from this cooler is driven by the high RPM fans.

Noise Performance:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

In terms of noise, this cooler has a slightly above average noise profile. That means it's a bit louder than some other coolers on the market. If you're sensitive to noise or want a quieter PC setup, you might want to look for a different cooler with a better noise profile.

Kraken-X53

Equipped with dual 120mm fans capable of reaching high RPMs, this cooler may exhibit more noise compared to its counterparts. Nonetheless, this characteristic offers a wider array of choices for optimizing cooling performance during CPU-intensive tasks. It's worth noting, however, that there are alternative cooling solutions, both in the air and all-in-one (AIO) categories, which deliver better noise-to-performance ratios.

Summary:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

The Hyper 212 EVO V2 cooler has its pros and cons. It's got a cool design with RGB lighting, but its performance, noise, and installation are not the best. There are other options available that offer a similar look and feel with better metrics, like the DeepCool AG400 BK. So, before making your decision, consider your priorities and whether the cool design is worth the trade-offs in performance, noise, and installation.

Kraken-X53

The NZXT Kraken x53 delivers strong cooling performance, thanks to its dual high-RPM 120mm fans. However, it can be noisier compared to alternatives in both air and AIO categories that offer better noise-to-performance ratios. Sporting an understated all-black design with subtle RGB accents, it appeals to those seeking tasteful lighting options. Its compact form factor suits setups prioritizing efficient cooling without excess bulk, although it's important to note that a significant part of its performance hinges on the high RPM fans.