Can You Use Just the Screen with No Coolers in the NZXT Kraken?

Many enthusiasts and gamers wonder about the versatility of the NZXT Kraken coolers, especially regarding the screen feature. Can you use just the screen without the cooling components? This article aims to clarify the situation based on the details provided and offers additional insights on how to achieve a no-cooling setup using the NZXT Kraken.

Understanding the NZXT Kraken Design

The NZXT Kraken series is known for its sleek design and powerful performance. The cooler is integrated with a screen that displays various system metrics, such as temperature and fan speeds. However, the screen is not just a display; it is built in with the cooling components, making it extremely fragile.

Attempting to separate the screen from the cooling components is not recommended. Doing so will likely result in the screen breaking, making it non-functional. Even if you manage to separate the parts, attempting to reuse the screen without proper repair is not advised.

Technical Feasibility and Practicality

While it might be technically possible to separate the CPU block from the cooling components and retain only the screen, there are several practical considerations:

1. Electrical Connection: The CPU block of the NZXT Kraken has two wires: one for the pump and the other for the display. Removing the cooling components means you would need something to power the display part of the connection.

2. PC Power Supply: Most PCs require some form of signal to confirm that the CPU fan is operational. If there is no signal from the fan, the PC will not power on. Using the screen alone without the cooling component means you would need to find an alternative way to trigger the PC to power on.

3. Cooling Requirements: The CPU needs to be properly cooled to function efficiently and prevent overheating. Without cooling, the CPU could overheat quickly, leading to potential damage or system instability.

Alternative Solutions

While it is technically possible to use the screen in a no-cooling setup, it may not be the most practical or wise solution.

Mini-Display for Monitoring: If you are interested in using a small screen for monitoring purposes, you can explore alternative solutions. YouTuber JayzTwoCents has a video demonstrating how to set up a small display panel within your PC to be used as a sensor panel.

For a detailed guide, follow the steps in the video mentioned by JayzTwoCents:

Identify a small LED display or screen that can be mounted within your case. Determine where you want to place the sensor panel and how to secure it. Connect the display to the appropriate pins within your case (e.g., motherboard headers). Ensure that the display is powered and connected to the necessary signals from your CPU and other components.

This setup allows you to monitor critical system metrics without the need for active cooling, providing a more practical and less risky solution compared to using just the screen of the NZXT Kraken cooler.

Conclusion

While it is technically possible to separate and use just the screen of the NZXT Kraken cooler, the risks and practicalities involved make it a less advisable approach. A mini-display setup or a sensor panel as demonstrated by JayzTwoCents offers a better and safer alternative for monitoring critical system metrics within your PC.

Stay tuned for more tips and guides on PC building and customization. Happy building!