All-in-one liquid cooler NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB

The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB is an all-in-one liquid cooler designed to provide efficient CPU cooling while adding a customizable visual element to a PC build. It features a bright 2.36" wide-angle 640x640 LCD display on the pump head for custom images and animated GIFs, a 7th-generation Asetek pump operating up to 2800 RPM, and two 140 mm F Series RGB Core fans with eight individually addressable RGB LEDs per fan. The cooler comes in a white finish and supports a wide range of CPU sockets.

Advantages

The Kraken Elite offers a high-resolution wide-angle display that remains vivid from different viewing angles and supports custom content, including animated GIFs and CAM telemetry with particle-style animations thanks to an upgraded microcontroller. Cooling performance is supported by a 7th-gen Asetek pump running up to 2800 RPM and quiet F Series RGB Core fans with individually addressable LEDs. Installation is simplified by a single breakout cable and reinforced nylon-braided tubing for durability. The unit integrates with NZXT CAM software for screen personalization and fan/pump control.

Suitable for

• Gaming PCs requiring effective CPU cooling and visual customization
• Content-creation rigs where thermal stability and display personalization are desired
• PC builders who want a white-themed cooler with RGB lighting and display features

Key specifications

• Type: All-in-one liquid cooler
• Display: 2.36" wide-angle LCD, 640 x 640 resolution
• Fan diameter: 140 mm (F Series RGB Core fans)
• Pump: 7th-gen Asetek, up to 2800 RPM
• RGB: 8 individually addressable LEDs per fan
• Supported sockets: sTRX4, sTR4, AM5, AM4, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1156, LGA 1155, LGA 1151, LGA 1150
• Colour: White
• Weight: 1.63 kg

How to use

Mount the radiator and two 140 mm fans in an appropriate location inside the PC case, attach the pump head to the CPU socket following the socket-specific mounting procedure, and connect the single breakout cable to power, fan, RGB, and USB headers as instructed in the manual. Install NZXT CAM software to customize the LCD content, control fan and pump speeds, and configure RGB lighting. Use recommended thermal paste where applicable and ensure the tubing is not kinked during installation.

Recommendations

Use NZXT CAM to configure display content and cooling profiles; enable 0 RPM fan mode at low temperatures to reduce noise. Inspect tubing and fittings periodically and ensure adequate case airflow for optimal cooling performance.