NZXT Kraken 280 RGB and Kraken Elite 360 RGB Review

Rating: 8.0.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been updating the CPU cooler test bench from the previous Ryzen 9 5950X system to a new AM5 X670 Aorus Elite motherboard and Ryzen 9 7950X CPU. We are also adding an Intel Z790-based test system to compare cooler performance on both platforms, and that will be coming soon. The first coolers to be reviewed on the 7950X test system are new NZXT Kraken AIOs. These new liquid coolers come in various shapes and sizes and we have both the Kraken 280 RGB and Kraken Elite 360 RGB. But will they handle the heat of the 7950X? Let's find out.

Timestamps:

00:00 Start
01:10 Details and pricing / Displays
04:37 Tech details / fans
05:48 Some features
07:00 Warranty and more fan details
07:42 Two samples / connectors and cables
11:47 Installation process / Cam software
15:29 Performance results
17:47 Closing thoughts

NZXT has launched new Kraken AIO CPU coolers with a whole stack of SKUs to choose from. The previous Kraken X and Z series are set to be replaced with new Kraken and Kraken Elite models, available with or without RGB fans and in either black or white colour schemes. The new coolers are still based on Asetek generation 7 platforms however the Kraken’s all come with LCD screens now and newly designed F120/F140 Core RGB fans.

Because the coolers are designed around the Asetek gen 7 pump/radiator design we don’t expect any improvement in performance to come from these parts, however, new fans may squeeze a little more cooling performance out of the gen 7 platform so it’ll be interesting to see how they perform. Besides the new fans, NZXT has also added an LCD screen on the CPU block top of both the new Kraken and Kraken Elite.

The only difference between Kraken and Kraken Elite is the LCD screen, the flagship Elite model has the higher spec display screen out of two with a 2.36-inch wide-angle LCD, 640×640 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate. The cheaper Kraken (non-elite) features a 1.54-inch square LCD with 240×240 resolution and 30Hz refresh rate, significantly reducing the Kraken cost compared with the Kraken Elite.

You can also buy them in black or white, with or without RGB fans and in 240mm, 280mm and 360mm sizes. The non-elite Kraken with regular black or white non-RGB fans starts from £119.99 while the most expensive is the top-of-the-range Kraken Elite 360 RGB which will set you back a cool £259.99, so there’s an LCD-clad cooler for almost every price range. The Infinity mirror design from the previous Kraken X series has gone.

NZXT Kraken and Kraken Elite features:

• Both the Kraken and Kraken Elite are available in black and white, with RGB or regular non-RGB fans in 240mm (2 x 120mm fans), 280mm (2 x 140mm fans) and 360mm (3 x 120mm fans) with differing LCD displays mounted on top of the CPU block/Pump unit.
• Kraken and Kraken Elite are both based on an Asetek generation 7 platform with a 27mm thick aluminium radiator, a solid copper cold plate with micro-skived fins and a powerful pump motor with a speed of up to 2800RPM
• The coolers are equipped with NZXT F series static pressure and Core RGB fans that feature full PWM control with a speed range of 500-1800 RPM (F120 120mm) controlled via NZXT CAM with a Zero RPM mode for silent operation.
• NZXT Kraken coolers support all current desktop CPU sockets from Intel including LGA 1700, 1200 and 115X and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets plus some high-end desktop platforms such as AMD Threadripper (bracket available separately).
• The tubing Length of 400mm is manufactured from a low evaporation rubber with a high-quality nylon braided sleeving and 90-degree articulating fittings at the CPU block side to aid installation.
• On the Kraken display users can show system information, web integrations such as Google Photos or showcase custom images while exclusively to the Kraken Elite LCD display are custom or GIPHY GIFs, GIFs with a system overlay on top and an audio visualiser that reacts to audio input in real-time as well as system information.

Kraken Elite 360 RGB Specifications:

• CPU Compatibility: Intel LGA 1700, 1200/115X, AMD Socket AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 (Threadripper bracket not included)
• Water Block Material: Copper (block), Plastic (housing)
• Pump Motor Speed: 800 – 2,800 ± 300 RPM
• Pump Power: 12V DC, 0.3A
• Radiator Dimensions: 121 x 394 x 27mm
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Tube Length: 400mm
• Tube Material: Ultra-low Evaporation Rubber with Nylon Braided Sleeve
• Fan Model: F120 RGB Core Fans
• Fan Speed: 500-1,800 ± 180 RPM
• Fan Airflow: 86 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure: 57 mm H2O
• Fan Noise: 88 dBA
• Fan Bearing: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• Display Orientation: Software adjustable Default, +90, +180, and -90 Degrees
• Display Panel Active Area: 36” (60mm) diameter
• Display Resolution: 640 x 640 px
• Display Brightness: 690 cd/m²
• Display Colour: 24-bit true colour LCD
• Warranty: 6 Years

Become a Patron!