HOW TO Install NZXT Kraken Elite 240/360 RGB on AMD AM4,AM5 & Intel LGA 115x, 1200, 1700

Sub: / @gearseekers
In this step-by-step tutorial video, we will show you how to install the NZXT Kraken Elite 240/360 RGB liquid cooler on both AMD AM4, AM5 and Intel LGA 115x, 1200, 1700 processors. This powerful and stylish cooler not only provides excellent cooling performance, but also adds a beautiful touch of RGB lighting to your PC build.
We will guide you through the installation process from start to finish, including the preparation of the mounting hardware, the installation of the cooler block and radiator, and the connection of the RGB lighting. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have your NZXT Kraken Elite installed and running in no time!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced PC builder, this video is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their cooling solution and add some extra style to their system. So, grab your Kraken Elite, a screwdriver, and let's get started!
Chapters
0:00 - New NZXT Coolers!
0:28 - Why does this guide exist?
0:57 - Answering your questions
3:05 - Whats in the box?
4:41 - Plug in the main cable first
5:08 - Intel Installation
8:15 - AM4/AM5 Installation
11:54 - RGB & Fan Wiring for all installations
14:11 - NZXT CAM Software Setup
18:49 - We hope this guide helped you!

[@NZXTglobal]

Thanks for the video! 💜

[@sesisesi2027]

And also very niceley explained , btw im planning to upgrade to this one in an #NZXT H5 Flow :)

[@TreyJays]

This is literally the exact pump, and radiator as the previous kraken. What is the point of this "new" AIO? Because the cables are on top now instead of the side with cheaper looking fans?😂 You can use the same software on both the old, and new kraken AIOs. If it's not supported, it's a shady move by the company.

[@sesisesi2027]

@@TreyJays LOL , is it like this? I mean i like the rgb now better than the circle one ...

[@BluEhui09]

Hi @NZXT , I have purchased this product for some time, I found that the issue with CAM and Armoury Crate have bugs and they do extremely affecting my PC I don't know why but once I have installed CAM, my PC starts to have blue screens and random freeze for no reason. Can you help check it out?

[@elteylord5189]

Will there be a splitter for the led rbg so that I can plug in 6 F140 core LEDs in one rbg controller

[@lockjaw333]

I'm installing my first AIO after 20+ years of building with air coolers. Just want to thank you so much for this video, its phenomenal. Appreciate how slowly you filmed everything, and how detailed you explained each step. Great video!

[@TechTesseract]

Can always count on you guys for the most thorough installation tutorials! I always look them up when I inevitably lose the manual lol xD

[@captainthrall]

Thanks so much for this video. Like most people watching I had a specific type of installation I was referencing (AM5). I kinda-sorta understood what I had to do, but being able to watch someone else do it made me feel 100x more comfortable about the entire process. Thanks!

[@GearSeekers]

Glad it could help! Enjoy your new cooler!

[@bivs_setup]

The first truly instructional cooler installation guide on KZbin. Thank you 👏🏼👏🏼

[@GearSeekers]

Thanks mate!

[@lixereign5760]

I just put together my first build last night and if it weren't for your video I would have been stumped with my cooler. Thank you so much for your knowledge and clear explanations 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@dylanguerrero8053]

Thank goodness they simplified the branding on their AIOs.

[@jwaye89]

Banger of an Installation video fams, very clear instructions. Keep up the hard work

[@super73glasgow]

Aw man I'm sure I watched your old video on how to install the older version of this. Literally just ordered the new one for tomorrow and I'm glad this video is uploaded! Thanks!

[@exsosus5002]

A quick update, I came back to this video to you all here including you Gear Seekers to tell you what I've built! Thank you for such an awesome video for us building our own systems! Here you go: A few facts to get you on the right path first. 1) You get a few degrees less if you have the fans blow down into the sys, rather than out, exhaust. This is the because the way the radiators are designed, they were meant to have the air flowing better threw them if being sucked in rather than blowing out. I got about 3, maybe 3-4 degrees cooler running fans down compared to fans blowing out of the case. 2. I personally recommend ceiling fans blowing down if possible. This gives the best pump flow with the two water pipes coming down to the pump. This is not necessary but recommended and only if your case is big enough to accept the fan radiator up top. 3. Do Not, and I repeat: DO NOT feel bad if you cannot control the lights in the NZXT software on the first or 5th-10th boot up. I had to re-plug some of the NZXT lighting cables before all three of the radiator fans plus the pump showed up at the same time in the NZXT software and I am now closing my ticket with NZXT support that they did not show up. This was the most difficult for me of my entire build. You'll get there, use trial and error if all 4 components don't show under Lighting in NZXT software first run. Installed the RGB 360 Elite Kraken on my Ryzen 7 3700x 8-Core (16 logical) CPU, and am running a max of 75 deg C on 100% CPU with an OC of 4.4Ghz on this stock: 3.6Ghz processor. Running sooooooooooooo cool. It should be showing 80's... to 90's but its at the very least 15 degrees below 80. I am so very happy. I hope you guys like this AIO cooler also. Now to try to get it to... 80 deg C by unplugging some of the fans... Hope you like the NZXT coolers also. I heard Liang is good also, but I think NZXT looks better aesthetically! Pic of max load CPU speed at OC, and temp for CPU: imgur.com/a/Xs6kyMV

[@makeupminx6103]

Agh yes thank you!!! Just bought this cooler and I’m also building my first PC so this video was extremely helpful and well paced!

[@TomRevill]

Thanks I recently bought my first radiator water pump. I bought the 240 kraken. This guide really helped.

[@amisehwa]

My first pc build and I’m super nervous even though I’ve seen so many videos.. glad this video was the one that actually was able to show me what to do and where to plug these in!!

[@mogeescottage]

Everytime I get new parts, I go to your channel and I’m just so happy you have the videos for them! 😂

[@countdavis]

Thank you Gear Seeker. I have just bought my first Liquid Cooler (Kraken Elite 360 RGB) and this is the perfect video for me. Fantastic tutorial. Clear and precise ❤

[@austinbecker1108]

i truly may sound like an idiot but is the liquid just already in it no need to put it in yourself?

[@countdavis]

@@austinbecker1108 Absolutely not! Your question is good because we have all been there, wondering how the PC liquid cooler works. For the model I have, Kraken Elite 360 RGB, the liquid is already in the radiator. You do NOT have to do anything once installed 😉

[@TheBlooperGamer]

Just installed mine following this guide - it was very helpful for my top mount setup! The only thing I have to add is that if you're experiencing some sort of clicking almost like a fan hitting a cord, gently tip your case back and forth to work the air bubbles out of the pump and into the radiator.

[@gyberz]

Thank you brother, I really like how you demonstrate this nzxt cooler step by step and how to install. Specially for those first timer building there setup. 👍🏼 Good job and have a blessed day 🙏

[@Dannosuke25]

It's good to note that all the new CAM features work on the older Krakens too.

[@jonbuggins5575]

Great vid, this 360 was a bit more involved than the old 240 non rgb one I had previous but this guide made it a cake walk!

[@brianl4137]

What was the difference?

[@aaronmehta5201]

Thanks for this. Made everything so straight forward. Swapped out my fractal design aio for the kraken elite 240. This cooler is incredible.

[@dwaynericardo1749]

bro love how you broke this down brilliant for those who don't really know what they are doing. this will really help them. bravo you got a new sub

[@5liqs]

ordered mine yesterday. didn’t bother going with rgb version due to planning on just using the 3 front fans in my case already. can’t wait to get it!

[@camotech1314]

Did you get it? How do you like it?

[@5liqs]

@@camotech1314 haven’t gotten it yet, was supposed to be here on the 28th but didn’t come in. waiting on any sort of update from ups, the last one i have is from the 26th :/

[@fatboy6154]

I love the am4 bracket change

[@prainmantis]

I really loved this whole instructional video.

[@ronscott51]

You rock!!!! You did a hell of a job explaining this. Before looking at your video, I was trying to find one like yours that went step by step. I found a few that were not as complete as yours. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

[@theirene]

Much appreciated - walkthrough of AMD setup and everything - you’re an absolute BEAST at explaining it thoroughly and clearly, Thank you!

[@azorecalz6322]

You saved my sons computer with these clear instructions. Thanks!

[@GearSeekers]

Thanks so much for your support! Absolute legend! Glad the video helped!

[@sebastiangaibur737]

Your video was super helpful! Thanks again 🙏

[@seth-mata]

This was so informative thank you!

[@donprudenzio]

The new feature of mixing an infographic with a gif is really cool.

[@jdzitro]

very well done instructions!

[@proflashrtist]

This helped me feel better. I just installed mine but there's no way to tell that it matched up and flush. Looks like I did it right. Great vid.

[@jacklack4562]

Installing my first aio and this really helped!

[@wimdellie]

Great video, great install guide, this helped me a lot!

[@letstry4200]

Thanks for the detailed installation ❤❤❤

[@entity_303unknownalt5]

This helped me out, thanks!

[@miekboy13]

Looks so easy to do. Gonne buy it next week

[@mirkodiciano4647]

nicely done guys very useful video especially with the new display abilities

[@GearSeekers]

Thanks Mate

[@thatstreaminbdoee.7985]

Upgrading from a tower air cooler to this next month for my early birthday gift to myself 😊

[@LookintomyBarrel]

Thanks So Much....Nicely explained for us simple folk...

[@ricosuave115]

Subscribed, Thank you!

[@chills_tiny_mom]

This tutorial makes the most sense to me, especially the wiring part tysm

[@cdmarshall7448]

Thanks never put an AIO in before love air flow, but these guys forced my hand. Can't air cool an AMD 7700x gave me no choice. My AMD RX 6950 XT surprisingly runs cool in 1440p was NOT expecting that.

[@y.l.3491]

just got the am5 bracket for my 5 years old kraken x62 (great support from NZXT btw.), but there was no explaination how to use the spacer and the mounting bolts. Thanks to your video, solved my problem.

[@SlimHaleyLP]

Thank you so much, you're a beast.

[@zzzJOEB]

This is the exact same case as mine this is a huge help ty

[@camotech1314]

Great video thanks GS!! I am planning to buy the new NZXT Kraken (non-Elite) in the next day or two since its now in stock on Amazon UK, hopefully all the stuff included is the same as in this video.

[@brianl4137]

Was it the same??? Plz lmk building tommorow

[@Jiggisghoul]

Thank you! For cable information

[@stefanpanayotov3857]

Ty for the amazing video all straight to the point verry well explained

[@mr.sushi2221]

Highly appreciated hope u have a great day when u see this comment👍🏾

[@fixedeyes5559]

it's very helpful video for me, thanks a lot!

[@robertmendez4352]

Thank you for the video. One question does this work with other NZXT RGB hub? Or do I need to use the one provided?

[@alexyt75029]

Interesting. Between keaken elite, corsair 150i lcd what is better in terms of lcd customization and performance cooling?

[@andy9023]

Whatever...... love it - nice work.

[@lufe556]

Man that's a lot easier than the Z73's daisy chaining!

[@ArtFiendz]

Does the none RGB version come with the same connectors? so I could connect my own RGB fans if I wanted?

[@Xithugx]

Good stuff ❤

[@gypsysneakerhead3091]

11:37 just wondering if you can explain in more detail why you suggest to connect into the cpu fan header instead of pump fan header. I have the black version of the msi board you have in this video and I believe in the manual they say to connect aio cooler to pump fan header so I just want to know why you did that thanks

[@zacharyong315]

Hi Geek Seeker, thanks for the complete and detailed instruction video! Would like to ask you, does the new Kraken support memory function or changing the default colour setting? Meaning do we need to load NZXT CAM software every time to load the customized colour profile?

[@cdog25z]

Just discovered this on my new build. You have to leave CAM open or it won’t even detect the temps let alone display a custom screen.

[@bjornstoop5490]

I want to use Lian LI INF fans. Can I also use the RGB functions like the screen without the NZXT controller?

[@SquidLS]

I was confused about the am4/am5 spacers and didn’t even use any of the new stuff in the box because i had the kraken x53 or something close to it so I didn’t feel like it was necessary but i will keep in mind to use it when upgrading my motherboard to am5 soon

[@uthot_g6854]

Just finished installing thanks for the help G, simple . Except kind of confused me on the usb splitter since I purchased the non rgb fans but then figured it out I don’t need to connect those since there’s no rgb ! Just only issue I’m having right now is the gpu temp is accurate but the cpu temp is a couple numbers of gpu-z numbers or wich one is the real number. I lean more towards gpu-z

[@miodjukic]

Hi, is there any posibility you can measure the approximate diameter of water block with pipes? I want to install on Aorus Z790i mini ITX board but NZXT is not providing any details about total dimensions or model drawing so I can't see if this can fit. Thank you

[@woodylongwood8018]

If I already have a nzxt case that has a RGB controller already, do I just plug the fans in to that one? Or do i use the rgb controller that was included with the aio?

[@benjyharris1244]

Just fitted mine and followed the instructions to the T.. However my BIOS wasnt picking up that there was a pump and after few choice swear words it was the USB controler at the bottom.. It wasnt plugged in fully, even tho I pressed it in hard.. Anyways after a few hours, I swapped it from my USB 78 to my USB 56 and pushed it realy hard (Little too hard) and works like a charm.. Alot of people are having this issue for some reason.. I will give a hint.. Make sure you have a tube of thermal paste on the side.. The plastic cover fell off and I touched the thermal and removed half of it with my size 10 thumb.. So I removed the paste and redid my own..

[@VLRS_Aya]

This video was so helpful. I was wondering, since I am getting the UNI FANS SL120 from Lian Li instead of the stock fans, would I still need the NZXT hub for the pump?

[@user-hr6rr1xg2l]

I dont have the picture/GIF option in the AIO screen setting. Does the GIPHY integrated feature only work for the kraken ELITE and not for the basic kraken?

[@IcH6646]

the LCD Screen makes it so great! Iam gonna overcool my Ryzen 5 5600 with this just because of the LCD haha

[@ReminiscingIs]

Saved me! I received the AM5 bracket kit today and was just... what do I do now???

[@7Im8O66]

Great Vid guys thank you 😎

[@ayo009]

I have a question, is it okay to plug my rear fan to the additional pumps 3 way pin?

[@muammerulutas2478]

thank you the video it helped a lot ! but there is small problem I have Elite 240mm and I have an intel CPU I used an intel bracket but accidentally used amd screws and now I completely installed the cooler. Do you think this will cause any problems? it feels nice and tight and doesn't jiggle around.

[@leeclark7151]

Do you have to use the usb splitter cable? Im using 2 nzxt v2 rgb controllers and not using the rgb controller that came with the cooler. Thanks

[@nchenn19]

hey should those fan screws come with the cpu cooler or the case?

[@joaocampos7174]

Appreciate the guide it’s working perfect only issue is that it isn’t being detected by the NZZT Cam any tips?

[@notnguyen8942]

i have a motherboard that has more than 1 usb2.0 slots do i have to use the splitter or is it better to use the individual ones

[@duckylequack_]

Do I still need to connect the usb port cord from the pump to the motherboard if I’m using Lian Li SL infinity fans with the lian li controller?

[@fireballs]

does the kraken 240 rgb come with a usb splitter for the motherboard?

[@XerXxezs]

If your not using rgb fans for this cooler do you still need that rgb fan controller?

[@javierbuenrostro1162]

What do I use to mount the spacer and screws to the back of the motherboard

[@acedikson2690]

Thank you very much

[@mindaugasgilys]

Hey can you recommend for i5 13600kf aio cooler? Asus rog strix have alot problems with noisy and color issues thats true?

[@ijustwanttovanish7473]

so i got the kraken 240 last night and in nzxt can i can add image, web integrations but i have no gif options and it only gives me options to rotate the screen in 90 degree intervals

[@brianl4137]

How different is this set up from the regular NZXT Kraken 240 rgb?? (Not elite)

[@vinoalviano2877]

Anw, I already have other rgb connector to go with 3 aer rgb fans, should I use 2 rgb connector for my setup then?

[@TheHisenBurg411]

Is this about the same as the normal kraken 240? I can’t seem to find ANY video anywhere on it.

[@Iwon.izy.]

Do I need more then 1 for the pump and radiotar

[@augustusmaximus891]

Can i use a splitter to the motherboard usb and mix the Nzxt aio, and a 4 fan lian li rgb controller? 2 to> 1 motherboard usb?

[@ssamerop]

So the nzxt kraken elite 360 (non-rgb) Only needs 2 wires to work which is USB and aio pump right?

[@Daemoknife]

Heyy thank you (For welcoming me) 😂😂

[@lilsquidgaming39]

when posting does the screen turn on or does it stay off till software gets involved asking because waiting on my ssd to arrive and it doesnt turn on when posting

[@meleciomartinez3513]

Hey! Thank you so much food the tutorial! I got an issue tho. My CPU and my GPU are still running really hot. Any suggestions to try and solve this problem?

[@Phalaxis83]

First off, who uses programs in light mode yuck 😂 Dark mode FTW Banger of an install guide fams. Love my Z73 and got some of the software updates to try out so that's nice. Keep up the awesome work.

[@GearSeekers]

Thanks fams! Light mode is the devil 🤣

[@aubreyshoffner]

Hey man great video but it's not being recognized by my pc at all I've watched the video about 5 times and made sure everything was right but still nit being picked up any way I can fix that?

[@GungHoSourdough]

How would one be able to top mount the 280 if the IO shield, CPU cable and heat sink on my mobo are in the way?

[@thomask1424]

I used the non-RGB in a new build last week. The screen shows up in CAM no problem but I hooked the fans to the ribbon cable and they don't show up (the fans are greyed out in CAM) though they are spinning. The mobo complained there was no CPU fan and I had to set it to ignore in BIOS. I'm going to try hooking them up to the CPU fan header instead.

[@Raytenk]

If my Kraken has pre applied thermal paste that means I dont need to add any more to the chip itself?

[@joshingu32]

Nice video! Do both the kraken and kraken elite have the same features for customization within cam software or is the base model limited?

[@GearSeekers]

That's a great question. Not sure. I haven't fired up any of the newer ones with the smaller screens. I'll probably mention it soon in an upcoming video. Keep your eyes peeled and sub if you haven't already :)

[@iamvenk0]

Can i swap the F120P fans with The NF-A12x25 PWM because i want to have matched fans in all the case ?

[@okulr]

so question my motherboard only has 12v 4 pins will it still work?