Two aftermarket solutions which provide thermal performance improvements to PC enthusiasts who need superior GPU cooling performance beyond what stock cooling systems provide. The Raijintek Morpheus series and the NZXT Kraken G12 serve as two solutions which PC enthusiasts should investigate. The two systems operate different methods to achieve their goal of enhancing GPU cooling efficiency. Morpheus functions as an extensive air-cooling heat sink while Kraken G12 serves as a mounting system which enables AIO liquid coolers to be used with GPUs. The process of selecting the appropriate graphics card upgrade solution requires users to comprehend these two distinct aspects of their system.
Design Philosophy
Feature | Raijintek Morpheus | NZXT Kraken G12 |
| Cooling Type | High-performance air cooling | AIO liquid cooling adapter |
| Basic Concept | Large heatsink designed for GPU air cooling | Bracket that mounts a CPU AIO cooler to a GPU |
| Fan Setup | Supports two user-selected 120 mm fans | Includes a 92 mm fan for VRM and memory |
| Core Cooling Method | Copper base and heatpipes transfer heat to large fin stack | AIO pump block cools the GPU core directly |
| Customization | High – users choose their own fans | Depends on chosen AIO cooler |
| Additional Components | VRAM and VRM heatsinks included | Requires separate AIO liquid cooler |
The Morpheus focuses on maximizing air-cooling performance with a massive heatsink and customizable fans. The Kraken G12 instead converts the GPU into a hybrid liquid-cooled system using an AIO cooler.
Cooling Performance
Aspect | Raijintek Morpheus | NZXT Kraken G12 |
| Cooling Type | Air cooling | Liquid cooling (AIO) |
| GPU Core Temperature | Typically around 10°C lower than stock cooler | Often drops temperatures dramatically |
| Example Result | GTX 1080 Ti about 10°C cooler than stock cooler | GTX 1080 Ti around 45°C instead of 80°C |
| Community Reports | Strong air-cooling performance | RX 580 reported around 50°C instead of 85°C |
| Overall Cooling Strength | Excellent air cooling | Extremely strong GPU core cooling |
In general:
Summary |
| Kraken G12 + AIO → lowest GPU core temperatures |
| Morpheus → powerful air cooling without liquid components |
Noise Levels
Factor | Raijintek Morpheus | NZXT Kraken G12 |
| Noise Sources | Only the fans chosen by the user | AIO pump, radiator fans, and VRM fan |
| Idle Noise | Usually very quiet with low-RPM fans | Pump noise may be noticeable |
| Load Noise | Depends on fan choice | Often quiet if radiator fans run slowly |
| Overall Noise Potential | Potentially quieter due to simple fan setup | Quiet under load but pump may add noise |
Because Morpheus relies only on standard case fans, it often provides a simpler and potentially quieter setup.
Installation Difficulty
| Installation Step | Raijintek Morpheus | NZXT Kraken G12 |
| Remove stock GPU cooler | Required | Required |
| Install VRAM/VRM heatsinks | Required | Sometimes required |
| Mount main cooling system | Attach large heatsink | Install mounting bracket |
| Additional hardware | Install two 120 mm fans | Mount AIO pump |
| Case installation | None required | Radiator must be mounted in case |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate | More complex |
The Kraken G12 setup is generally more complicated because it involves both GPU modification and liquid cooling installation.
Compatibility
| Factor | Raijintek Morpheus | NZXT Kraken G12 |
| GPU Support | Universal design for many GPUs | Depends on GPU PCB layout |
| Cooler Compatibility | Works independently | Requires compatible AIO cooler |
| Modern GPU Support | Often works with many models | Limited official support for newer GPUs |
| Designed GPU Generation | Multiple generations | Mainly GTX 10-series and RX 500-series |
Compatibility should always be checked carefully before purchasing either solution.
Pros and Cons
Category | Raijintek Morpheus | NZXT Kraken G12 |
| Pros | Strong air cooling performance | Extremely low GPU temperatures |
| Highly customizable fan setup | Enables AIO liquid cooling | |
| No pump or liquid components | Good overclocking potential | |
| Potentially very quiet | Compatible with many AIO coolers | |
| Cons | Large size | Requires separate AIO cooler |
| Fans must be purchased separately | Installation is more complex | |
| VRM heatsink placement requires care | VRAM/VRM cooling must be monitored | |
| Limited compatibility with newer GPUs |
Final Verdict
User Type | Recommended Option |
| Users who prefer simple and reliable air cooling | Raijintek Morpheus |
| Users who want the lowest GPU temperatures possible | NZXT Kraken G12 + AIO |
| Quiet PC builders | Morpheus with low-RPM fans |
| Overclocking enthusiasts | Kraken G12 with strong AIO cooler |
In simple terms:
| Cooling Preference | Best Choice |
| Quiet, customizable air cooling | Morpheus |
| Extreme cooling with AIO liquid systems | Kraken G12 |
Both solutions remain popular among PC modders who enjoy pushing their graphics cards beyond the limits of standard GPU cooling.
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.
