Keeping your PC cool is one of the most important factors in maintaining performance and longevity. If your processor gets too hot, it slows itself down to prevent damage—a process called thermal throttling. This results in choppy gameplay and lower frame rates.

While traditional air coolers use metal fins and fans, All-in-One (AIO) liquid coolers like the NZXT Kraken series use a liquid coolant to move heat away from the CPU more efficiently. In this guide, we will break down how these coolers work, why the Kraken AIO Cooler is a favorite for builders, and which model fits your specific gaming goals.

A liquid cooler might look complicated, but the "All-in-One" designation means it is a closed-loop system that comes pre-assembled. You don't need to worry about cutting tubes or filling reservoirs. The Kraken AIO cooler consists of a pump block that sits on your CPU, tubes that carry liquid, and a radiator with fans that dissipates the heat. 

The pump circulates a specialized liquid over a copper plate attached to your processor. This liquid absorbs the heat and travels to the radiator. Once there, the fans blow air through the radiator fins, cooling the liquid before it heads back to the CPU to start the cycle again.

Why liquid cooling matters for gamers

Liquid has a much higher thermal conductivity than air. This means it can soak up more heat and move it away from your hardware faster. For gamers, this results in more consistent clock speeds. Whether you are in a high-stakes match or rendering a video, a Kraken AIO cooler helps ensure your hardware stays within its "boost" clock range for longer periods. 

Beyond performance, liquid coolers are often quieter than air coolers. Because the radiator has a large surface area, the fans don't have to spin as fast to move the same amount of heat. This makes the Kraken an excellent choice for players who want a silent setup or creators who record audio near their PC.

Choosing a cooler depends on two main things: your CPU’s heat output and your case’s size. NZXT offers the Kraken in several radiator sizes, typically measured by the length of the fans (e.g., 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm).

Small form factor cooling: 120mm

The Kraken 120 is designed for compact builds where space is at a premium. It features a single Aer P120 Fan and an updated pump chamber for improved thermal performance. While it is our smallest liquid AIO cooler, it still provides the signature Kraken look with an RGB cap and an infinity mirror design. It is an excellent choice for small form factor (SFF) cases or entry-level CPUs where a larger radiator won't fit.

Entry-level cooling: 240mm

A 240mm Kraken is a great entry point. It uses two 120mm fans and fits in almost any mid-tower case. This size is ideal for mid-range processors like those found in the Player One. It provides a significant upgrade over a stock air cooler without requiring a massive amount of space.

Mid-range performance: 280mm

The 280mm Kraken uses two 140mm fans. Because these fans are larger, they can move more air at lower speeds, making this one of the quietest options available.This is a "sweet spot" for gamers using high-performance chips who want a balance of silent operation and thermal headroom.

High-end thermal management: 360mm

The 360mm Kraken features three 120mm fans. This is the standard for high-end builds using flagship processors. If you are running a build similar to the Player Three, a 360mm radiator provides the massive surface area needed to keep temperatures low even during intense 4k gaming or heavy multitasking.

A Kraken AIO cooler provides superior thermal management by moving heat away from the CPU more efficiently than traditional air cooling.

Kraken Core

The Kraken Core is the perfect starting point for builders who want reliable liquid cooling with a focus on simplicity. It features a high-performance 3,100 RPM pump with vibrant RGB lighting on the pump cap. Instead of an LCD, the Core uses a radiant RGB ring that connects directly to your motherboard's 5V ARGB header, making it an easy "plug and play" option for those who want to skip extra software.

Kraken Plus

The Kraken Plus bridges the gap between performance and personalization. It features the powerful NZXT turbine pump for high-flow cooling and a 1.54-inch square LCD screen. This display allows you to show real-time system temperatures, custom images, or animated GIFs via NZXT CAM. It's the ideal choice for builders who want the data-tracking benefits of an LCD without the premium price of the Elite series.

Kraken Elite

The Kraken Elite is the flagship of the lineup. It features a stunning 2.72-inch IPS LCD display with a 60 Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth animations and detailed system stats. With the Elite, you can even integrate web-based content like Spotify or YouTube directly onto your pump head. It often powers our most advanced builds, providing the ultimate thermal headroom for powerful CPUs.

The Kraken AIO cooler is more than just a visual upgrade for your PC - its a vital tool for maintaining peak performance. From the compact Kraken 120 and streamlined Kraken Core to the flagship Kraken Elite, NZXT offers a cooling solution for every budget and playstyle. By using liquid to whisk heat away from your processor, it ensures a quieter, faster, and more reliable gaming experience.