Kraken Elite 280 (2023)

I've had a lot of NZXT AIO's - originally an Z63, a Kraken Elite RGB (pre 2024 model) and two Kraken Elite 280 RGB (post 2024) models. The reason I've had 2 2024 models is because the first one I received made a constant grinding noise at lower RPM. This was exchanged for another one - which did exactly the same. Checking online and this appears to be a common issue/defect with them and I was never convinced they would rectify the clear design flaw - so have kept it and ran it at higher RPM.

Hardware issues aside - where the overall solution is so drastically let down is in their software (CAM). It's riddled with bugs and imagine my surprise to find out that when I upgraded my GPU to an AMD RX 9070 XT that CAM did not support reading it's temperature. Upon further investigate this is due to NZXT allegedly sacking or letting go of their entire development team. This is primarily why the last release for this software was in January 2024 (almost 9 months ago now) - it clearly isn't in active development any longer and this is further evidenced by the fact that they have closed down their official NZXT CAM ideas forum.

If you're lookinf for an AIO - I'd strongly advise you look elsewhere - this is overpriced junk supported by outdated and bug riddled software. I've personally opted for a Lian Li HydroShift II and once that arrives - this will end up in the bin!

I had the previous model of the nzxt kraken aio pump and it was most likely faulty from the day I built my pc but it didn't start showing prominent issues until recently. Nzxt had me send it in under warranty but since that model was discontinued, they sent me out this one. The latest, upgraded model and it is 100% better than the last model. The installation was more simple and quick, the set up was easy to figure out and the screen displays so much more clearer photos and gifs. I absolutely love this aio pump and I appreciate nzxt customer support. They were very kind, patient and quick to respond to help me resolve my warranty replacement.

DO not buy any NZXT AIO if you have an AMD RX 9070 series card as CAM SOFTWARE has not been updated to show the GPU temps on the screen and NZXT have told me themselves that a fix is not coming any time soon!!

Don't buy!!

Its great but the hoses are shorter by an inch or more.

Makes it difficult to fit.

Otherwise great.

But I returned mine

This is the endgame of AIO - everything you could want here. I've used the Kraken series for years now and never a complaint. With the latest Elite series they finally have an issue that makes me go 'eh...' That sleeved cable that comes out between the tubes on the radiator. Ugly and impossible to manage and make look decent or able to hide it. Maybe the Elite+ will have a solution for it.