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NZXT · 280 mm liquid cooler · 280 mm radiator

NZXT Kraken Elite 280

2 fans · 34 dBA · RGB

Performance: 94%
Perf / price: 18
Acoustics: 56
Amazon: $232

View NZXT Kraken Elite 280 Gallery in high resolution

Available on Amazon Updated Aug 30, 2026 Prime FBA

Performance94.0%

Performance / price17.8

Acoustics55.9

$232 on Amazon Cooler table Compare this cooler

Check this cooler in a buildSelect a CPU and case first so socket, height, and radiator support can be evaluated. Start with the CPU

Written analysis

NZXT Kraken Elite 280 at a glance

The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 is a 280 mm liquid cooler cooler listed as 280 mm radiator. It is listed with 2 140 mm fans.

Review-derived relative cooling performance is 94.0%. Recorded noise is 34 dBA, for an acoustics score of 55.9. Airflow is listed at 99 CFM. Warranty is 6 years.

Best fit: High-TDP CPUs and sustained workloads where cooling headroom matters most.

Fitment and sockets

Radiator class is 280 mm — confirm case radiator support. Socket compatibility includes LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4. CPU block / cold plate: Copper.

Current value

At $232, performance / price is 17.8. Compare nearby coolers of the same type below; quieter acoustics and fitment can outweigh a small score gap.

Cooler data

Full specifications

Cooling type, fitment, sockets, fans, acoustics, features, and value in one technical sheet.

General

Manufacturer: NZXT
Cooler: NZXT Kraken Elite 280
Warranty: 6 years
Launch price: —
Amazon price: $232
Amazon availability: Available
Price updated: Aug 30, 2026

Cooling type & fit

Type: 280 mm liquid cooler
Size class: 280 mm radiator
Height: 27 mm
Radiator class: 280 mm
Radiator dimensions: 321 x 137 x 27 mm

Value

Amazon price: $232
Relative performance: 94.0%
Performance / price: 17.8
Acoustics: 55.9

Sockets & block

Socket compatibility: LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4
CPU block: Copper

Fans & acoustics

Fan size: 140 mm
Fan count: 2
Fan speed: 2000 rpm
Noise: 34 dBA
Airflow: 99 CFM
Acoustics score: 55.9

Features

RGB lighting: Yes
Thermal paste included: No
Display: Diameter:2.72 in (69 mm) Colors:16.7 million Resolution:640 x 640 px Brightness:690 cd/m² Panel Type:IPS Refresh Rate:60 Hz Orientation:Software adjustable
Color: White

Additional information

Also listed as: Kraken Elite 280
Additional info: Display is better compared to non elite version

Amazon

Price history

Nearby performance

Similar coolers

Coolers close to NZXT Kraken Elite 280 on relative performance. Open the cooler table to sort, filter, and compare side by side.

NZXT NZXT Kraken 280 280 mm liquid cooler · 280 mm radiator

94.0%

23.2

55.9

$178

NZXT NZXT Kraken Elite 280 This cooler

94.0%

17.8

55.9

$232

Thermalright Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2 360 mm liquid cooler · 360 mm radiator

94.0%

77.2

67.9

$54

Thermalright Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 360 mm liquid cooler · 360 mm radiator

94.0%

74.7

67.9

$55

Corsair CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS 360 mm liquid cooler · 360 mm radiator

95.0%

41.8

52.8

$100

Corsair CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGB 360 mm liquid cooler · 360 mm radiator

95.0%

32.4

52.8

$129

Thermalright Thermalright Frozen Warframe 360 BLACK ARGB 360 mm liquid cooler · 360 mm radiator

95.0%

49.8

63.3

$84

Thermalright Thermalright Frozen Warframe 360 SE ARGB V2 BLACK ARGB 360 mm liquid cooler · 360 mm radiator

95.0%

51.8

70.4

$81

Thermalright Thermalright Frozen Warframe 360 SE ARGB V2 360 mm liquid cooler · 360 mm radiator

95.0%

49.2

70.4

$85

Compare these in the cooler table

Discussion

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Vendor copy

Amazon listing details

Marketplace feature text kept for reference. Structured specifications above are the source for scores and comparisons.

SUPERIOR COOLING: The custom-designed NZXT Turbine pump efficiently cools even the most heat-prone CPUs with its high flow rate and head pressure, resulting in a 10%* performance boost with less noise.

BIGGER, BOLDER DISPLAY: Enjoy stunning visuals on the large 2.72-inch IPS LCD featuring crisp 640 x 640 resolution, smooth 60 Hz refresh rate, ultra-bright 690 cd/m² backlight, vibrant 24-bit color, and wide viewing angles.

MORE PERSONAL THAN EVER: Display your favorite GIF or image, monitor real-time system performance, and integrate with Google Photos, Spotify, and YouTube. Sync the RGB LED ring with on-screen content and other RGB devices for a cohesive look.

SIMPLE INSTALLATION: Get set up quickly with pre-applied thermal paste, a single breakout cable, and tool-free mounting brackets for the latest AMD (AM5, AM4) and Intel (LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X) CPU sockets.

VIBRANTLY COOL: The RGB Core single-frame fan on the radiator provides optimal airflow and vibrant lighting, along with a sleek, integrated design for easy connectivity and control.

NZXT Kraken Elite 280 at a glance

Fitment and sockets

Current value

General

Cooling type & fit

Value

Sockets & block

Fans & acoustics

Features

Additional information

Price history

Similar coolers

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Amazon listing details

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