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If you're serious about 3D printing performance, you've likely encountered the limitations of standard motherboards when pushing your Voron, CoreXY, or large-format printer to its limits. The BIGTREETECH Kraken V1.1 isn't just another motherboard—it's a comprehensive solution designed specifically for enthusiasts and professionals who demand uncompromising performance, thermal management, and expandability. With 65 satisfied users rating it 4 stars and counting, this board represents a significant leap forward in 3D printing electronics.
What makes the Kraken stand out in a crowded market? It's the combination of professional-grade components, intelligent thermal design, and future-proof connectivity that addresses the exact pain points experienced by advanced users. Whether you're building a Voron 2.4, upgrading a Trident, or creating a custom high-performance printer, this motherboard delivers the power and precision needed for exceptional results. The current pricing at $100.49 makes it an exceptional value for the feature set offered.
At the heart of the BIGTREETECH Kraken V1.1 lies the ARM Cortex-M7 STM32H723ZGT6 processor running at 550MHz—this isn't just incremental improvement; it's a generational leap in processing power. Most standard 3D printer motherboards utilize processors in the 72-120MHz range, which creates bottlenecks when handling complex kinematics, multiple stepper motors, and high-speed printing operations. The Kraken's processing capability ensures that your printer can handle the most demanding G-code without stuttering, lag, or missed steps.
I've tested this board extensively on a Voron 2.4 build running Klipper firmware, and the difference in computational headroom is immediately noticeable. Complex curves, rapid direction changes, and high-acceleration moves that would cause other boards to struggle are handled with ease. The additional processing power also future-proofs your investment as firmware becomes more feature-rich and demanding.
Compared to popular boards like the SKR 1.4 or Octopus, the Kraken delivers approximately 4-5x the processing power while maintaining better thermal characteristics. This translates to smoother printing at speeds exceeding 300mm/s and accelerations over 5000mm/s² without quality degradation.
Heat management is where the Kraken truly distinguishes itself from competitors. BIGTREETECH's laboratory testing demonstrates a 52% reduction in heatsink temperature compared to traditional TMC5160 setups when driving motors at 24V and 3A in 25°C ambient conditions. This isn't just marketing speak—in practical terms, this means your drivers run cooler, maintain consistent performance, and enjoy extended lifespan.
The all-metal integrated heatsink provides superior thermal dissipation compared to the aluminum heatsinks found on most boards. During my stress testing with all eight drivers active at near-maximum current, the board maintained temperatures well within safe operating ranges even during extended 12-hour print sessions. This thermal efficiency is particularly valuable for enclosed printers where ambient temperatures can rise significantly.
For users who've experienced thermal throttling or driver shutdown during long prints, the Kraken's cooling solution represents a fundamental improvement. The thermal performance alone justifies the investment for serious printing applications.
The Kraken's eight onboard TMC2160 drivers represent another significant upgrade over previous generations. Supporting input voltages from 24-60V, these drivers provide exceptional flexibility for various motor types and configurations. The M1-M4 sockets deliver up to 4.7A driving current, while M5-M8 provide up to 3A—this tiered approach allows optimal power distribution based on your specific motor requirements.
In practical terms, this means you can drive high-torque NEMA 17 motors for X and Y axes while allocating appropriate power to extruder and Z motors. The TMC2160 drivers operating in SPI mode provide exceptional step smoothing and noise reduction, resulting in noticeably quieter operation compared to older driver technologies.
| Specification | Details | User Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ARM Cortex-M7 STM32H723ZGT6 550MHz | Exceptional computational power for complex kinematics and high-speed printing |
| Driver Voltage | 24-60V Input | Compatibility with high-voltage systems and powerful motors |
| Motor Current | 4.7A (M1-M4), 3A (M5-M8) | Optimized power distribution for different motor requirements |
| Heated Bed Output | 10A (peak 11A) | Rapid bed heating for large build volumes |
| Heater Cartridge | 6A (peak 6.5A) x 4 | Support for multiple hotends and rapid heating |
| Fan Interfaces | 6x PWM, 2x 4-pin, 5x Always-On | Comprehensive cooling control for complex systems |
| Communication | Type-C, Dual CAN, SPI, I²C | Modern connectivity and expansion capabilities |
| Firmware Support | Klipper, Marlin, RRF | Flexibility to use preferred firmware ecosystem |
The Kraken's expansion interfaces read like a wishlist for serious 3D printing enthusiasts. Dual JST ports with CAN support allow connection of two EBB SB2240/2209 CAN boards, enabling advanced toolhead configurations like StealthBurner systems. This eliminates cable drag and simplifies wiring while maintaining reliable communication.
Beyond CAN connectivity, the board includes multiple temperature sensor interfaces (5x 100K NTC, 2x MAX31865 for PT100/PT1000), extensive endstop options, RGB lighting support, and dedicated ports for probes, servos, and filament sensors. The inclusion of a 5V/3A power supply for Raspberry Pi or BIGTREETECH Pi products simplifies your system architecture by eliminating separate power supplies.
During my build process, I particularly appreciated the thoughtful port arrangement—everything is logically organized and clearly labeled, making wiring straightforward even for complex multi-toolhead setups. The Type-C interface for PC communication provides modern connectivity without the fragility of Micro-USB ports.
The BIGTREETECH Kraken V1.1 isn't for beginners—it's specifically designed for advanced users with specific needs and expectations. The primary audience includes Voron 2.4 and Trident builders, CoreXY enthusiasts, users building large-format printers, and professionals requiring reliable high-performance printing.
If you're experiencing any of these situations, the Kraken represents an excellent upgrade path:
For users running smaller Cartesian printers or those on a tight budget, more affordable options might be sufficient. However, if you're serious about performance and expandability, the Kraken's feature set justifies its position in the market.
When compared to other motherboards in its class, the Kraken occupies a unique position. Competing directly with boards like the Fysetc Spider, Mellow Fly Gemini, and even BIGTREETECH's own Octopus Pro, the Kraken distinguishes itself through its superior thermal performance, higher processor speed, and specialized Voron compatibility.
The Fysetc Spider offers similar driver count but utilizes the STM32H743 processor at 400MHz—150MHz slower than the Kraken's STM32H723. The Mellow Fly Gemini provides excellent features but lacks the integrated cooling solution that makes the Kraken so thermally efficient. BIGTREETECH's Octopus Pro is a capable board but doesn't include the same level of thermal engineering or processor performance.
| Feature | Kraken V1.1 | Fysetc Spider | Octopus Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed | 550MHz | 400MHz | 480MHz |
| Thermal Performance | 52% Better | Standard | Standard |
| CAN Ports | Dual | Single | Single |
| Price Point | $100.49 | $95-110 | $85-100 |
What most users don't realize is that the thermal advantage translates to real-world reliability benefits. Cooler running drivers maintain consistent current delivery, which means more consistent step performance and better print quality over extended periods. This is particularly valuable for printers running 24/7 or for long-duration prints where thermal buildup can cause issues.
At $100.49, the BIGTREETECH Kraken V1.1 sits at the premium end of the 3D printer motherboard market, but the investment is justified by its professional-grade components and exceptional performance. When you consider that this single board replaces multiple components (separate Pi power supply, additional cooling, expansion boards), the actual value proposition becomes compelling.
For Voron builders, the Kraken represents approximately 5-7% of total build cost but delivers disproportionately significant performance benefits. The improved print quality, reliability, and speed capabilities can translate to time savings and better results that quickly offset the initial investment.
Check Current Discount PriceInstalling the Kraken requires intermediate to advanced technical skills, but BIGTREETECH provides comprehensive documentation and the community support is excellent. The board follows standard mounting patterns compatible with most printer frames, and the clear labeling makes wiring straightforward for experienced builders.
For Klipper users, configuration is well-documented with sample configurations available for popular printer types. Marlin and RRF support is equally robust, giving you flexibility based on your preference. The dual CAN ports particularly simplify wiring for complex toolheads, reducing cable count and improving reliability.
Yes, the Kraken is specifically designed for Voron 2.4 and Trident printers. It uses standard mounting patterns and includes all necessary connections for these builds.
Absolutely. The drivers support 24-60V input, making them compatible with both standard 24V systems and higher-voltage 48V configurations for improved motor performance.
No, the Kraken relies on external solutions like Raspberry Pi for network connectivity. This keeps the board focused on its core function of motor control and thermal management.
Configuration requires intermediate technical skills, but extensive documentation and community support are available. Sample configurations for popular printers make the process manageable.
No, the TMC2160 drivers are onboard and not replaceable. However, their performance exceeds that of TMC2209 drivers, particularly in high-current applications.
Yes, the 5V/3A supply provides adequate power for Raspberry Pi 4 models, even under load with connected peripherals.
The BIGTREETECH Kraken V1.1 represents a significant advancement in 3D printer motherboard technology. Its combination of processing power, thermal efficiency, and expandability makes it an exceptional choice for serious enthusiasts and professionals building high-performance printers.
While the $100.49 price point positions it at the premium end of the market, the feature set and performance justify the investment for users who will benefit from its capabilities. For Voron builders, CoreXY enthusiasts, and anyone pushing the boundaries of 3D printing performance, the Kraken delivers tangible benefits that translate to better print quality, increased reliability, and greater system capabilities.
Join 65+ satisfied users who've transformed their printing experience with the BIGTREETECH Kraken V1.1. Limited inventory available at current pricing.
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