I had one for the CPU and one that comes with the GPU. The last 6 months or so I switched to an air cooler for my CPU because NZXT software is crap and the pump died. My EVGA hybrid GPU is still going strong and has easy software. It's nothing special, you just buy a water cooler that fits your CPU and case (don't get a radiator that's too big) and install software if needed. GPUs typically come aircooled or with a built in water cooler, both of which are best for first timers, or you can make you own watercooling loop, but it's very time and money intensive. You only really need a water cooler for your CPU if you're going to overclock, air coolers do just fine for stock speeds depending on the chip, and they cant fail like a watercooler can (pump dying). A water cooled GPU is worth it in my opinion, because intensive games will always push a card to its temperature limits and slow it down if it runs too hot, and air coolers get really noisy except maybe ASUS cards.
From the reviews I've seen, they're good quality fans, less static pressure than their HD counterparts, so not as great on radiators (by a small margin), with more lighting effects. The price is the killer, though. If you've got money to blow, sure, it's a nice visual upgrade, but that's about it.
They're both good choices. People have issues with CAM software running properly, but that's usually with the strips rather than the fans or kraken coolers. Their fans aren't bad either, I just prefer the frosted look and higher static pressure of the corsair fans. It would be nice to see another contender or maybe a new software from corsair or nzxt with even more control over the LEDs. Have fun!
Sorry for the late reply. Overall, if you already have the HD120/140s or are set on buying them, It's definitely nice to have software control and more lighting modes. However, they could've done way more with it for the price. They may add more modes in the future, but it felt lacking for the price compared to a Hue+. That said I like these fans more than the Aer RGB from NZXT. I'd give the Node Pro a 7.5/10, and the fans a 9/10.
I tested with balanced setup vs this setup and I got better temps. This case has some poor qualities when using the top fans as exhaust, and it was causing my GPU to heat up more than it should. In this configuration the entire rear grate acts as an exhaust vent so there's no issue with air getting stuck inside.
A lot of people have less in mind when they plan their build and end up shelling out a lot more because they get into the 'gotta have it all' craze. I know I did. Also people might just have a lot of disposable income and want their first venture into the scene to stand out.
At its core I put a lot of thought into part selection, Without monitor and extras it's about 2200, the rest was necessary accessories and aesthetics. Well worth it, thank you!
Not for me due to the way my mouse cord sits. It would get caught on the edge of my monitor base and the back of my desk, causing inconsistent movement in game. I agree there's no performance increase, it just stops accidental ****-ups which I found extremely annoying.
Only because I prefer having few softwares running in the background, being able to map and change settings on your mouse without downloading and running software is great.
