Liquid CPU coolers are some of the most popular additions to any PC setup. As part of heat management, the coolers function to keep down temperatures in the internal space of the CPU. Without a proper cooler, your setup may have raging temperatures, and cooler room temperatures may not be enough.
As such, NZXT devises a lot of products that fit CPU models. Part of the company’s product lines are liquid CPU coolers that help keep the CPU at manageable temperatures. The Kraken Z63 and Kraken Z73 are part of liquid cooler product lines of NZXT.
If you’re looking to upgrade current coolers, or you want to elevate the look of your PC setup, why not consider Kraken Z63 and Kraken Z73? Any model is an investment in the durability and value of the gaming PC. The sooner you install higher-end coolers, the sooner you can use cooler PCs with lower heat generation.
Let this guide help you choose between the two models.
Main Differences
The NZXT Kraken Z63 and the NZXT Kraken Z73 are identical in terms of technology and construction. Basically, the Z73 is the larger version of the Z63. Accordingly, it has a larger radiator, an additional fan and thus more cooling capacity. However, that is the only real difference.
Comparison – NZXT Kraken Z63 vs Z73
NZXT Kraken Z63 | NZXT Kraken Z73 | |
 |  | |
Radiator Size | 280 mm / 11.02" | 360 mm / 14.17" |
Fans | 2 | 3 |
Fan Size | 140 mm / 5.51" | 120 mm / 4,72" |
Fan Thickness | 26 mm / 1.02" | 26 mm / 1.02" |
Fan Speed | 500 to 1,800 rpm | 500 to 2,000 rpm |
Maximum Airflow | 98.17 CFM | 73.11 CFM |
Fan LED | ||
Pump LED | LCD Display | LCD Display |
Noise Level | 21 to 38 dBA | 21 to 36 dBA |
Control Method | 4-Pin PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) | 4-Pin PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) |
Power Consumption | 4.56 W | 3.84 W |
Intel LGA 115X | ||
Intel LGA 1200 | ||
Intel LGA 1366 | ||
Intel LGA 2011-3 | ||
Intel LGA 2066 | ||
AMD AM4 | ||
AMD sTRX4 | Threadripper bracket not included | Threadripper bracket not included |
AMD TR4 | Threadripper bracket not included | Threadripper bracket not included |
Warranty | 6 years | 6 years |
NZXT Kraken Z63 | NZXT Kraken Z73 |
| | |
Radiator Size 280 mm / 11.02" | Radiator Size 360 mm / 14.17" |
Fans 2 | Fans 3 |
Fan Size 140 mm / 5.51" | Fan Size 120 mm / 4,72" |
Fan Thickness 26 mm / 1.02" | Fan Thickness 26 mm / 1.02" |
Fan Speed 500 to 1,800 rpm | Fan Speed 500 to 2,000 rpm |
Maximum Airflow 98.17 CFM | Maximum Airflow 73.11 CFM |
Fan LED | Fan LED |
Pump LED LCD Display | Pump LED LCD Display |
Noise Level 21 to 38 dBA | Noise Level 21 to 36 dBA |
Control Method 4-Pin PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) | Control Method 4-Pin PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) |
Power Consumption 4.56 W | Power Consumption 3.84 W |
Intel LGA 115X | Intel LGA 115X |
Intel LGA 1200 | |
Intel LGA 1366 | Intel LGA 1366 |
Intel LGA 2011-3 | Intel LGA 2011-3 |
Intel LGA 2066 | Intel LGA 2066 |
AMD AM4 | AMD AM4 |
AMD sTRX4 Threadripper bracket not included | AMD sTRX4 Threadripper bracket not included |
AMD TR4 Threadripper bracket not included | AMD TR4 Threadripper bracket not included |
Warranty 6 years | Warranty 6 years |
Installation and Compatibility
Each computer model and part are unique. As such, you can’t expect a standard one-size-fits-all cooler, especially if the CPU case is not vacant enough to house these gadgets. There is a lot of consideration from the user for easier installation.
There are many models that the Kraken Z63 and Kraken Z73 can cater to. You may want to measure the CPU case first to determine which model works best for you as well. You don’t have to worry about not getting any cooler from NZXT that works best for your system.
CPU Compatibility
NZXT has a list of compatible CPUs for liquid cooler installation models. For the Kraken Z63 and Kraken Z73, the following models are compatible for installation:
- Intel LGA: 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066
- Intel Series: i9, i7, i5, i3, Pentium, Celeron
- AMD Socket: AM4, sTRX4, TR4
- AMD Series: Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 3, Threadripper (bracket not included)
Installation Guide
The product inclusions of both models range from the individual cooler units up to the necessary hardware. In packages, you will find the following: cooler, documentation such as installation guide and warranty, brackets, backplate, screws, washer, cable, cable ties, and different socket types.
Refer to the installation guide for a comprehensive and step-by-step guide of installation. The installation guides cover all the compatible CPU models. These guides are also available in different translations for global access.
Cooling Power
Cooling power means the ability to remove heat. As the liquid CPU cooler works, the generated heat from working CPU parts is removed from the inside of the CPU. Liquid CPU coolers prevent overheating potential and lessen expenses from possible energy insufficiencies of the process.
The Kraken Z73 is a much bigger model than the Kraken Z63. It has an additional block of fans that can help cool CPU units faster and more efficiently. However, the benefits present in the Kraken Z73 may disadvantage the model in terms of price and size. Since the model is bigger, there should be more vacant room for installation.
Number of Fans
The Kraken Z63 has two fans, and the Kraken Z73 has three fans.
Fan Size
The fan size of the Kraken Z63 has 140 mm fans, while the Kraken Z73 has 120 mm fans. The thickness of the fan blades is 26 mm.
Fan Speed
Fan speed is measured via Revolutions Per Minute or RPM. The Kraken Z63 has 500 to 1800 RPM and the Kraken Z73 has an RPM of 500 to 2000. Allow for slight deviations of up to ± 300 RPM.
Radiator Size
The Radiator size of the Kraken Z63 is 315.0 x 143.0 x 30.0 mm. On the other hand, the radiator size of the Kraken Z73 is 394.0 x 121.0 x 27.0 mm. The radiator is made of aluminum material.
Pump Power
Pump power for both models is the same at 800 to 2800 RPM. Allow for ± 300 RPM. Both models power at 12V direct current with 0.3A.
Look
CPU builds elevate with RGB lights. The fading lights in a dark room can make your gaming PC the focal point of any space. As such, many gamers also invest not only in the performance of PC parts but the looks as well.
LED Fans or no LED Fans
Both liquid cooler models sport a full LCD. Both the Kraken Z63 and Kraken Z73 have LED lights on the side enclosure of the fans. You may see spinning fans in various light variations.
Color (Differences)
The liquid CPU coolers are only available in matte black material. There is no other for the material color of the models.
Pump Head Display
The pump head display of the Kraken Z63, and Kraken Z73 has a full LCD and is RGB Ready.
Pump Head LED
The pump heads make use of a 2.36″ LED display with 24-bit color. This display is present for both the Kraken Z63 and Kraken Z73.
RGB Sync
Modification is key to getting the settings that work for your liquid CPU coolers. You can access these controls and functions via the NZXT CAM software from the NZXT website.
Noise Level
The liquid cooler models only produce faint noise, and it’s not something that would cause a lot of distraction, standing at around 21 to 38 dBA for Kraken Z63 and slightly lower for the Kraken Z73 model at 21 to 36 dBA.
Power Consumption
Many gadgets consume power efficiently. The Kraken Z63 and Kraken Z73 draw about 4.56 Watts and 3.84 Watts of power, respectively.
Price
The Kraken Z63 costs around 259.99 USD, and the Kraken Z73 costs 289.99 USD. There is only around 30 USD difference for one package order which means the prices are not very far.
Conclusion – NZXT Kraken Z63 vs Z73
The Kraken Z63 and Kraken Z73 are very close in function and features. The only difference is that the Kraken Z73 model has one more fan than the Kraken Z63. There is no clear winner since both models fit only in appropriate settings.
The Kraken Z63 is smaller in size but has a bigger fan size. There is more exit for airflow from inside the CPU as compared to the Kraken Z73. The airflow rate of the Kraken Z63 is higher at almost 100 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) at maximum function.
The Kraken Z73 has a lower CFM rate at almost 25% less than the maximum of the Kraken Z73. However, there are more fans with smaller sizes, which means more fans airing out the heat.
Depending on what your CPU can accommodate in size, the more suitable model will fit your setup.
