NZXT Kraken Elite 280
NZXT Kraken Elite 280 Review & Specifications
The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 by NZXT is a Liquid CPU cooler designed for compatibility with LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 sockets.
This liquid cooler uses a high-efficiency CPU block made of Copper for optimal heat transfer. It features a 280 radiator with dimensions of 321 x 137 x 27 mm, paired with 2 fan(s) of 140 mm each. The fan(s) operate at a maximum speed of 2000 RPM with a noise level of 34.0 dBA, achieving a total airflow of 99.0 CFM. Please ensure your PC case can accommodate the radiator size and mounting configuration. You can check compatibility with our PC Builder, which filters cases based on radiator size. Aesthetically, this CPU cooler includes RGB lighting for customizable illumination, adding visual flair to your system build. The cooler is backed by a 6-year warranty, providing long-term reliability and manufacturer support.
Performance
NZXT Kraken Elite 280 is a high-end performance liquid CPU cooler built for CPUs with a TDP exceeding 200 W, delivering an excellent relative cooling performance score of 97.00%. It is particularly well-suited for high-end gaming PCs, as it helps exhaust heat directly outside the case, improving internal airflow and thermal headroom for powerful GPUs. While it can be used in workstation builds, caution is advised due to inherently lower reliability compared to air coolers. Liquid coolers offer top-tier thermal performance, often unmatched by air coolers, but come with increased complexity, more moving parts (such as the pump), a risk of coolant leakage, and a higher likelihood of requiring maintenance over time.
Cost-Effectiveness
The performance-per-price ratio of NZXT Kraken Elite 280 is 15.8%, placing it in the lower value segment among liquid cooling solutions. However, this is a high-performance liquid CPU cooler, and it remains a viable choice for users focused on maximum cooling potential and visual appeal, regardless of budget.
CPU Cooler Information
Manufacturer: NZXT
CPU Cooler Name: NZXT Kraken Elite 280
Current Price Amazon: $270
Amazon Price Updated: 1 day, 5 hours ago.
CPU Cooler Available: True
Cooler Type: Liquid
Socket Compatibility: LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4
CPU Block: Copper
Fan Size / Number: 140 mm / 2 fan/s.
RGB: True
CPU Cooler Dimensions: 321 x 137 x 27 mm
Cooler Height: 27 mm
Warranty: 6 years
Performance
Fan Speed / Noise / Airflow: 2000 rpm / 34.0 dBA / 99.0 CFM
Relative Performance: 97.00%
Calculated Performance
Performance per Price: 15.8 %
NZXT Kraken Elite 280 Compared to CPU Coolers with Similar Performance
CPU Cooler Price / Performance Table
| CPU_Cooler (Desc) | Price (Desc) | Performance (Desc) | Perf/Price (Desc) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$289
|
0.0%
|
100.0%
|
15.2%
|
|
|
$179❗
|
0.0%
|
99.0%
|
24.3%
|
|
|
$270
|
0.0%
|
97.0%
|
15.8%
|
|
|
$129
|
0.0%
|
97.0%
|
33.1%
|
|
|
$278❗
|
0.0%
|
96.1%
|
15.2%
|
|
|
$219❗
|
↓
-15.4%
|
95.0%
|
19.1%
|
|
|
$119
|
0.0%
|
95.0%
|
35.1%
|
|
|
$119❗
|
0.0%
|
94.2%
|
34.8%
|
|
|
$249
|
0.0%
|
93.2%
|
16.5%
|
CPU Cooler Specification Table
| CPU_Cooler (Desc) | Cooler Type | Radiator Size | Height/Weight | Fan Size/Speed/Airflow | Noise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZXT Kraken Elite 360 | Liquid | 401 x 120 x 27 mm | 27 mm / None kg | 120 mm / 2400 rpm / 75.0 CFM | 30.0 dBA |
| NZXT Kraken 360 | Liquid | 121 x 394 x 27mm | 27 mm / None kg | 120 mm / 1800 rpm / 78.0 CFM | 30.0 dBA |
| NZXT Kraken Elite 280 | Liquid | 321 x 137 x 27 mm | 27 mm / None kg | 140 mm / 2000 rpm / 99.0 CFM | 34.0 dBA |
| NZXT Kraken 280 | Liquid | 321 x 137 x 27 mm | 27 mm / None kg | 140 mm / 2000 rpm / 99.0 CFM | 34.0 dBA |
| Corsair H150i Elite LCD XT | Liquid | 397 x 120 x 27 mm | 27 mm / None kg | 120 mm / 2600 rpm / 65.57 CFM | 34.1 dBA |
| NZXT Kraken Elite 240 | Liquid | 123 x 275 x 30mm | 27 mm / None kg | 120 mm / 1800 rpm / 78.0 CFM | 30.6 dBA |
| NZXT Kraken 240 | Liquid | 123 x 275 x 30mm | 27 mm / None kg | 120 mm / 1800 rpm / 78.0 CFM | 30.6 dBA |
| Corsair ICUE LINK H150I RGB | Liquid | 397 x 120 x 27 mm | 27 mm / None kg | 120 mm / 2400 rpm / 63.0 CFM | 37.0 dBA |
| HYTE THICC Q60 | Liquid | 288 x 120 x 52 mm | 52 mm / None kg | 120 mm / 3000 rpm / 105.8 CFM | 47.3 dBA |
Additional CPU Cooler Information
Additional Information:
Display:
Colors:16.7 million
Resolution:640 x 640 px
Brightness:690 cd/m²
Panel Type:IPS
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Orientation:Software adjustable