The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 (2023) is a black liquid CPU cooler with dual large fans and a wide-angle LCD showing 32° Liquid in white. This sleek unit features visible tubes for optimal system cooling.

The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 (2023) is a black liquid CPU cooler with dual large fans and a wide-angle LCD on the circular pump head, displaying 32° Liquid in white and purple, designed for optimal cooling and NZXT CAM integration.

The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 (2023) is a black dual-fan liquid CPU cooler with a wide-angle LCD displaying NZXT 32° Liquid in white text, two tubes, CAM software support, all shown on a white background.

A black NZXT gaming PC case features visible cooling fans, internal components, and a Kraken Elite 280 (2023) CPU cooler with an illuminated wide-angle LCD display showing a temperature of 32°C for optimal cooling.

An NZXT Kraken Elite 280 (2023) desktop features a transparent side panel displaying internal parts, wide-angle LCD showing 32°C liquid for cooling, cooling tubes, cables, and NZXT components.

The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 (2023) features a brushed copper circular center, black housing with multiple screws, and two black tubes for optimal cooling in high-performance setups.

Kraken Elite 280 (2023)

280mm AIO Liquid Cooler with LCD Display

3.9

Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars

3.9 Stars (107 Reviews)

$212.49

$249.99

$37.50 Off

Color:Black

Variant

Key Specs

Dimensions: 143 × 315 × 30 mm

Connector: 4-Pin PWM

Cooling Method: Water

Compatible Devices: Desktop

Noise Level: 19.4 – 32.1 dBA

Material: Aluminum

Speed: 500 – 1,500 ±150 RPM

Airflow: 33.22 – 99.68 CFM

Air Pressure: 0.91 – 2.75 mm-H₂O

Inside the Box

Kraken Elite 280 (2023)
F 140P Fan x2
Installation Accessories
Breakout cable set

Warranty & Return Policy

NZXT Product Warranty Length click here
NZXT.com Store Returns/Exchange Policy

Eligible products qualify for a refund or exchange only with an authorized RMA number and the item is returned to the NZXT.com Store inventory within 30 days of purchase. Returns are not allowed beyond 30 days of the purchase date.

The NZXT.com Store reserves the right to deny any return or exchange. Refunds will be credited to the original method of payment. To initiate a return, simply submit a request.

Resources

Manuals & Documentation

Overview

Get high-performance cooling, display a favorite animated GIF or static image, monitor real-time PC performance metrics, see music that's currently playing, stream browser content and more with NZXT CAM software.

2.36” diameter wide-angle LCD display with 640x640 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate provides a sharp image from any viewing angle
Screen supports the display of custom images, animated GIFs, and CAM system info with adjustable orientation
Powerful Asetek pump provides optimal cooling and up to 2,800 RPM whisper-quiet operation
Includes F140/F120 RGB Core fans
Includes RGB Controller, RGB Fans, & USB Y-Cable
Single breakout cable simplifies installation
Rubber tubing is reinforced with nylon-braided sleeves to prevent leaks
Control custom screen content, pump speed, and zero-noise fan curves with NZXT CAM

Close-up of a computer motherboard with an NZXT liquid cooling system displaying a temperature of 32°C on a circular digital screen; black cables and RAM slots are also visible.

Wide-Angle LCD Display

2.36" diameter LCD display with a wide viewing angle, 640x640 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and ultra-high brightness.

A circular NZXT liquid cooling pump with a digital display reading 32° Liquid is shown. The front displays the screen, while the back reveals a copper base with multiple screw holes.

High-Performance Pump

The powerful Asetek pump circulates coolant efficiently and quietly.

A black dual-fan computer liquid cooling system with digital display on the pump; arrows indicate cool air entering and warm air exiting through the radiator.

Powerful Cooling

Static Pressure Fans with fluid dynamic bearings provide powerful cooling with minimal noise.

A close-up view of the interior of a desktop computer case, featuring a liquid cooling system with a digital display showing 32°C, three vertical fans, and neatly managed cables.

Installation Made Easy

A single breakout cable from pump to motherboard streamlines installation.
Includes compatible mounting brackets for Intel (LGA 1700/1200/115X/1851) and AMD processors (AM4, AM5).
Pre-applied NZXT High-Performance Thermal Paste.
Extended rubber tubing with durable nylon-braided sleeves for worry-free handling.

Tech Specs

Material

Aluminum and plastic

Display Orientation

Software adjustable Default, +90, +180, and -90 Degrees

Display Panel Active Area

2.36” (60mm) diameter

Display Color

24-bit true color LCD

Display Resolution

640 x 640 px

Display Brightness

690 cd/m²

Display Panel Type

TFT-LCD (Wide Viewing Angle)

Dimensions

Diameter: 81.9mm H: 59.5mm

Material

Block: Copper; Housing: Plastic

Motor Speed

800 - 2,800 ± 300RPM

Power

12V DC, 0.3A

Dimensions

143 x 315 x 30mm

Material

Aluminum

Length

400mm

Material

Ultra-low Evaporation Rubber with Nylon Braided Sleeve

Model

F140P Static Pressure Fan

Quantity

Dimension

140 x 140 x 26mm

Speed

500-1,500 ± 150 RPM

Air Flow

33.22 - 99.68 CFM

Air Pressure

0.91 - 2.75mm-H2O

Noise

19.4 - 32.1dBA

Bearing

Fluid Dynamic Bearing

Power Consumption

12V DC, 0.28A, 3.36W

Connector

4-pin PWM

Life

60,000 hours / 6 Years

Intel

Intel Socket LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X Intel Core i9 / Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3 / Pentium / Celeron

AMD

AMD Socket AM5, AM4, sTRX4*, TR4* (*Threadripper bracket not included) AMD Ryzen 9 / Ryzen 7 / Ryzen 5 / Ryzen 3 / Threadripper

Warranty

6 Years

Model Number

RL-KN28E-B1

UPC

810074842211

EAN

5056547202211

3.9

Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars

Based on 107 reviews

71%would recommend these products

Total 5 star reviews: 64 Total 4 star reviews: 12 Total 3 star reviews: 6 Total 2 star reviews: 5 Total 1 star reviews: 20

AI Reviews Summary

Customers say this cooling system offers impressive display customization and cooling performance. Many reviews mention the quiet operation and sleek RGB lighting. Common feedback includes issues with cable thickness and management, with some noting the cords are bulkier than expected. While most praise the easy setup and temperature control, some report missing parts or software compatibility challenges. The customizable screen is a standout feature that users particularly enjoy.

107 reviews

Sort

SG
Stephanie G.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Kraken Elite 360 RGB
I do not recommend this product
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
2 weeks ago
Did not receive
Did not recieve
Was this helpful?
T
tyer
Reviewing
Kraken Elite 360
I do not recommend this product
Product Standouts Ease of use
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
3 months ago
its an ok aio for looks
i went from a lian li ga 2 lite and it preformed better around 8c but then ive seen it get to 60 degrees and the liquid get up to 38c idling and i dont like that after like 30 percent fan speed they dont really go any faster
Was this helpful?
TH
tyler h.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Kraken Elite 360
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
3 months ago
its ok
its looks cool lbut my 80 dollar lian li aio ran aio ran like 8c cooler
Was this helpful?
P
Paul
Verified Reviewer
Reviewing
Kraken Elite 360
I do not recommend this product
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
3 months ago
NZXT destroyed my PC's cooling and offered no solution
I am writing this because NZXT’s support has left me with an unusable workstation. I originally owned a Kraken Z73 that worked perfectly with my sTRX4 (Threadripper) setup. Following a warranty claim, NZXT support instructed me to permanently destroy my functional Z73 before they would ship a replacement.
They sent me the Kraken Elite 360, only for me to discover—and for them to later admit—that this unit is physically incompatible with the sTRX4 socket. The cold plate is too small to cover the CPU, and they do not offer a bracket for it.
The result? I followed their instructions, destroyed my original cooler, and now I have a "replacement" that doesn't fit and a dead computer. Instead of sending a compatible unit or offering a refund, they told me to "contact AMD" for a bracket that doesn't exist for this model.
If you are on a high-end platform, be very careful: NZXT’s RMA department does not seem to check compatibility before asking you to destroy your hardware. I am still waiting for a professional resolution.
Was this helpful?
C
Chandler
Reviewing
Kraken Elite 360 RGB
I do not recommend this product
Product Standouts Performance
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
4 months ago
Be better NZXT
Everything works fine, expect, it came with a defective breakout cable preventing
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N
NZXT
3 months ago
Hi Chandler,

Thank you for your review. We’re sorry to hear that your unit arrived with a defective breakout cable.

We were able to locate your support ticket and previously reached out regarding a replacement for the cable. However, we haven’t received a response yet. We’d still be more than happy to send a replacement—please reply to our ticket when you have a moment so we can proceed.

We look forward to assisting you.