NZXT Kraken 280 Elite RGB setup guide with push pull (Intel 1700 and AMD AM5)

Prawn here with an unboxing and setup guide on the NZXT Kraken 280 Elite RGB, where I am showing you the standard installation process for both Intel 1700 and AMD AM5 socket motherboards as well as the logic for push pull setup with eight fans.
In this video I'm showing you all the steps for installing the NZXT Kraken 280 Elite RGB, as well as the logic of fan wiring and the setup in NZXT cam so you can control the pump head and RGB lighting too. So be sure to stick around to the end to see that!
Please note links listed here include affiliate links which may earn me a commission. Find out more below.*
Amazon US - amzn.to/3r09Hoh
NewEgg - newegg.io/ncd17041b5
Best Buy - bestbuy.7tiv.net/k0avod
Amazon UK - amzn.to/3Jz8pau
Amazon FR - amzn.to/441XM8f
Amazon IT - amzn.to/44iRKzQ
Amazon DE - amzn.to/3r6UCRZ
Amazon CA - amzn.to/440CPu6
Corsair USB hub - go.corsair.com/5gM1Pj
Specs of this build:
Case - NZXT H7 Flow RGB
Motherboard - Gigabyte Aorus Z790 Elite AX kzbin.info/www/bejne/boiuaImjqt15rtE
CPU - Intel Core i5-13600K
RAM - Crucial Pro 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR5-5600
NVMe SSD - Corsair MP600 GS (go.corsair.com/gbmMY2)
PSU - Corsair RM1000e PSU (kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIbRl6h8a9OGjNk)
GPU - Gigabyte RTX 4070 TI 12G OC kzbin.info/www/bejne/lV7FpmmnedaYjaM
Fans - NZXT Core RGB
AIO cooler - NZXT Kraken Elite 280mm kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWbVZIZ9aKZ2rac
Features of this cooler:
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, RGB, pump speed, and zero-noise fan curves with NZXT CAM software.
Specs of the NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB
CAP
Material:Aluminum, 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)
WATER BLOCK
Dimensions:Diameter: 81.9mm H: 59.5mm
Material (Block):Copper
Material (Housing):Plastic
PUMP
Motor Speed:800 - 2,800 ± 300 RPM
Power:12V DC, 0.3A
RADIATOR
Dimensions:143 x 315 x 30mm
Material:Aluminum
TUBE
Length:400mm
Material:Ultra-low Evaporation Rubber with Nylon Braided Sleeve
FAN SPECS
Model:F140 RGB Core Fans
Quantity:2
Dimension:140 x 140 x 26mm
Speed:500-1,500 ± 150 RPM
Airflow:90.79 CFM
Air Pressure:3.22 mm H2O
Noise:34.48 dBA
Bearing:Fluid Dynamic Bearing
Power Consumption:12 V DC, 0.24 A, 2.88 W
Fan Connector:4-pin PWM
Life:60,000 hours / 6 Years
RGB CONTROLLER
Dimensions:63.2 x 53.2 x 12.8mm
Weight:52.8g
Mounting:Magnet and 3M Dual Lock
Connection Cables:1x USB 2.0 internal connector 1x SATA power cable
Input Connector:12V DC / 2.6A
RGB Lighting Channels:3
Output Channel Voltage:5V DC
NZXT RGB Channel Output LED Qty.:Up to 40 LEDs per channel and up to 120 LEDs combined total for the total 3 channels
COMPATIBLE SOCKET & CPU
Intel:Intel Socket LGA 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
GENERAL
Warranty:6 Years
Model Number:RL-KR28E-W1 (White) / RL-KR28E-B1 (Black)
0:00 Hello
1:36 Kraken unboxed
3:04 Fan installation tips
3:47 pump breakout cable
5:18 RGB controller
6:46 How to connect cables
8:24 Intel LGA 1700 setup
10:08 AMD AM5 setup
12:36 Push Pull logic
15:51 Cabling
18:03 USB hub
19:35 Mounting problems
20:25 NZXT Cam software
23:44 RGB lighting and display demo
🏆Big thanks to my super awesome KZbin members:
SirSpawnsALot, Meatykeyboard, Rawrr483, Aaron Yarden, Space Cannons, Riggs79, Mike S, Jay Shank 007, Jason Morgan, Starastin, Charles Latrom, McFarty, Chief Hao, Kraken Tortoise and Megan Schafer.
📸 Recorded with amzn.to/3kYrhGP
PLEASE NOTE
Affiliate links*:
Disclosure: Shopping links within the description of this video generate a commission at no extra cost to you. These are added for your convenience but other retailers are available. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Products:
Products featured may also have been sent for free for review/testing purposes. Often these have to be returned by me, but not always. I endeavour to avoid bias in my videos wherever possible and try to give honest, subjective opinions.

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Specs of this build: Case - NZXT H7 Flow RGB Motherboard - Gigabyte Aorus Z790 Elite AX kzbin.info/www/bejne/boiuaImjqt15rtE CPU - Intel Core i5-13600K RAM - Crucial Pro 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR5-5600 NVMe SSD - Corsair MP600 GS (go.corsair.com/gbmMY2) PSU - Corsair RM1000e PSU (kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIbRl6h8a9OGjNk) GPU - Gigabyte RTX 4070 TI 12G OC kzbin.info/www/bejne/lV7FpmmnedaYjaM Fans - NZXT Core RGB AIO cooler - NZXT Kraken Elite 280mm kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWbVZIZ9aKZ2rac See deals on this CPU cooler (note these are affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you): Amazon US - amzn.to/3r09Hoh NewEgg - newegg.io/ncd17041b5 Best Buy - bestbuy.7tiv.net/k0avod Amazon UK - amzn.to/3Jz8pau Amazon FR - amzn.to/441XM8f Amazon IT - amzn.to/44iRKzQ Amazon DE - amzn.to/3r6UCRZ Amazon CA - amzn.to/440CPu6 Corsair USB hub - go.corsair.com/5gM1Pj

[@Shawner666]

Do you think this can cool i9 13900kf ? I have a z790 motherboard and a phanteks g500 Case.

[@TheSwayzeTrain]

Great video. It was very well laid out and informative.

[@MrVoayer]

Detailed walk through video with many important information and pay attention tos ! Cables are nightmare - no denying it. But watching this video several times helps immensely in sorting them all out and connecting them properly ! Great job, you brilliant legend you, PP ! P.S. If I may suggest an idea for a future video: Deepcool LT 720 in Push-Pull configuration with your (our) beloved Lian Li SL 120 fans !

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Glad it was helpful! I do need to do more DeepCool content.

[@tekkenman7]

You’re a life saver. Your videos helped me do my first custom build! Now it’s all working perfectly.

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Glad to help

[@jjdreggie7219]

Love your videos man. Anytime i get an upgrade i check to see if you have an install video 😂

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Thanks! Hope I've helped then

[@wkeyser0024]

Thank you, helped me get mine installed.

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Glad to help

[@geertbr6727]

very good information best video i have seen im building my first pc you show and give the info like it needs to be thank you

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Glad to help. Hope you enjoyed enough to subscribe 🦐

[@Simon-op7qm]

For the USB cable does it matter where I plug it into the usb 2.0 because I have one that says USB_1011 and USB_1213 for my ASUS z790 motherboard

[@gijsoerlemans7738]

Isnt mounting your pump higher than your radiator very bad for the pump? Air will get in it...

[@flightoftheflightless6733]

Happy to help clear this up. You have to look at the full loop. Not just where the tubes are. Even though the tubes are going down the top of the radiator is above the pump. Because of that, any air in the radiator it trapped at the very top and can’t get down into the bottom where his tubes are. The problem you are referring to usually only is an issue when you are talking about 240 or 120 rads as you can mount them in a way where the highest point of the radiator is below the pump. There’s a great video on this on the jayztwocents KZbin Chanel if you want more info!

[@DellaroyEngineering]

The pump is below the top of the radiator

[@lucaschenJC]

It’s fine, pump is still lower than the top of the radiator.

[@michaelsexton5624]

@@DellaroyEngineering the top of the radiator doesnt mean where the tubes come out it means either side of the radiator needs to be higher than the pump which is located on the cpu

[@OsamaBinballin1]

@@lucaschenJC no it isn’t. The pump is the circle thing mounted on the CPU and the radiator is on the right and the output for the tubes is below the circle cooler

[@thomask1424]

According to the cryptic instruction sheet, attaching the 3-pin connector to the AIO-pump header may give you a cpu_fan_fail warning and you have to go into BIOS and set ignore on CPU fan. I assume if you connect it to the cpu-fan header, you don't get the warning.

[@wiwi7677]

Can you actually mount the Kraken 280 on top of the H7 flow case? I saw somebody on reddit saying that it will block the motherboard but not quite sure

[@ronald0122]

configure for liquid or cpu temp in cam software and what do you prefer silent/performance? what is best?

[@carolinanumber1830]

Great Video.. Question.. I am in a build for a month now (long story) and I decided to get rid of the Corsair H115i RGB Platinum (slight damage from ebay seller (long story) and bought the nzxt kraken 280mm aio cpu liquid cooler. I also have the ICUE Commander XT installed. I can run the say 4 fans from the radiator (front mounted or wherever) with "Y" connectors to the breakout cable. I would have the NZXT Cam Software to run the aio/4 fans and can I install the ICUE software to use the Commander XT for the other fans. Would there be a conflict or problem as far as you can tell. Now that I have thoroughly confused you..Thank you :) I don't have the rgb stuff cause I am the only one seeing it and I really don't care about all that althought they are fascinating to see. Your builds are absolutely stunning. Greets and Best Wishes.. I had to replace motherboard Asus TUF z790 and Kraken coming today. I am 73 and this is my 5th or 6th build and a H5 Flow NZXT case.

[@Foundavrinmars]

Please help I got the pump breakout cable stuck in the top of the cpu cooler and it’s half out, it’s just the back that’s stuck and I can’t get it out

[@andypuddle]

I have cooler master halo fans with cooler master arbg controller. How would I make the connections for this?

[@spenc8829]

I really like the hardware lighting for the cpu cooler, but i after nzxt cam starts running it over rides the varient i like. i cant recreate it in the lighting tab because it only gives the gradient option.

[@Rafe552]

Does this not have that 2nd cable that was used on the previous gen to be able to use the lcd display and put gifs on it?

[@GRcruiser]

WHAT DO I DO I DONT HAVE A SPLITTER CABLE FOR MY NZXT ELITE 360MM ELITE RGB

[@sanfordolson7661]

Excellent. Thanks!

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Thanks for watching. Hope you enjoyed enough to subscribe

[@PetePhillipsDrums]

great video, thank you! question.. could I use lian li fans attached to the radiator instead of the supplied nzxt fans, and leave the fan connectors coming from the nzxt pump head blank? The lian li fans would be joined with other lian li fans around my case via lian li lighting controller hub. would the aio pump and radiator still work as normal with this set up? thanks!

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g56bZqSDer6feqs

[@OriginalMergatroid]

Yes.

[@momentomc]

will i need argb mother board for the rgb to work?

[@10secondsrule]

That’s one of the best looking motherboards out there bar the stupid eagle logo.

[@kanalniekohoznameho]

Is it actually possible to put 280 radiator easily to top side? or it is just same fail as H5 Elite?

[@SLIMETO__]

Does the non elite version allow gifs of kraken 280 RGB?

[@miltmiltlu]

If I am using SL INF 120 Fans with this cooler, how do I connect the RGB cable to the Lian Li controller? Will I need an ARGB Cable kit? That's what another of your videos seemed to suggest but it was a corsair cooler as the example so wanted to make sure. Thanks in advance!

[@OriginalMergatroid]

If you are not using NZXT fans, then you need to either plug them into your motherboard or you need the controller made for the fans you're using.

[@hectorzm97]

If i want to connect some Lian Li Unifans v2, i could apply the same logic that you showed with the kraken z73 right? i got confused with those 3 pin fan connectors haha. Nice video!

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Yeah you can. Connect them to the four pin.

[@hectorzm97]

@@TheProvokedPrawn thank you!

[@saphics.]

would this cooler be good for 7800x3d and i9-13900k

[@WiseSilverWolf]

What toolkit did you use?

[@Crni2k9]

have intel 1700 and standoff screws have a gap (i can move bracket in and out few mmm, screws are in but not all the way trough) is it normal, i've tightened them by hand do i need to apply more force with some tools or is it normal?

[@OriginalMergatroid]

If the screws don't move around it should be OK. I just purchased one myself. If I find the screws are a little loose, I will add some paper washers to the back under the backplate.

[@snowi8281]

hi i was thinking of buy it is it possible to use am4 moth4r boards? (edit) can the non elite version change to custom images as well or is it only a elite feature

[@Crispy198]

Yes you can use am4 motherboard I installed a kraken elite 360 on a am4 motherboard

[@LaGoldi777]

I have a question for that cooler master, it works for any Ryzen processor, you don't have to put thermal paste to control the temperature, excuse my ignorance, but I wanted to know.

[@OriginalMergatroid]

What Cooler Master? He is showing an NZXT cooler, not Cooler Master. Cooler Master is a brand name. And yes, you need thermal paste. No two surfaces are perfectly flat. Thermal paste takes up any gaps between the two surfaces. You ALWAYS need thermal paste between CPUs and CPU coolers. Most of these types of coolers come with thermal paste already applied, or with a tube included in the box.

[@MatrixProHD]

I’m using the 360mm version of this and also using LGA 1700. Is it just me or the backplate is still a bit loose even after tightening the standoffs on the front of the board? It’s not completely loose but it does shimmy around depending on how it’s moved

[@MrMisanthrope1RBjr]

IM WONDERING THE SAME THING, the back plate is really loose even when stand offs are tightened down,.

[@photocycle4568]

i am facing the same issue at the moment aswell. any updates from you guys? is that alright or what did you do? :S

[@OriginalMergatroid]

I have just ordered on of these, but I had extensive experience installing AIOs. The important thing is that the screws are not wondering around. If it's just the backplate, but the screws stay put, everything is good. If the screws are moving as well, then I would have the same questions you have. If the temperatures are good, then everything is fine.

[@photocycle4568]

@@OriginalMergatroid yup thank you i mounted the AIO and its all looking good!

[@wopWZ]

Can I use p28s on this aio?

[@RADkate]

i know its probably dumb but can you mount the pump at and 45 degree angle and have the display rotated that way ?

[@OriginalMergatroid]

You can rotate the display, so you can orient it any way you like.

[@tekk9995]

Thanks. If I were to use Lian Li's Uni Fan's V2's on the radiator can I still hook them up to the NZXT pump head so that the pump controls the Lian Li's? Cheers!

[@tekk9995]

Got it, thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g56bZqSDer6feqs

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Yes you can!

[@tekk9995]

@@TheProvokedPrawn Love your content m8!

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

@@tekk9995 thank you

[@jorgebarrera3117]

I have a doubt, dont understand very good how fans work, the white fans in the radiator are pushing the air outside the case? And the black fans on the case front are pulling air to the outside too ?

[@Voltomess]

I think they all push the air in from the outside only the fan at the back push out? i think every PC shour have all fanf to push in and back fan always push out

[@kev2427]

Great video as always! I think I finally have the confidence to install an AIO now(I’ve always just used the stock coolers on my 3 previous builds. One question: if I have this cooler and want to sync the ARGB up with my case fans, how can I do it since the AIO fans are plugged into the NZXT controller?

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

hmmm, what case is it? With the H7 case in this video there was an RGB splitter cable that chained the pre-installed RGB core fans into a header cable that would connect to the motherboard, but there's no such cable with the cooler. So you've posed an interesting question. I'll see if I can find an answer.

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Here's the response from NZXT. Hope it's helpful. “You will be able to see the NZXT RGB Core Fan (CASE VERSION) on CAM and control the lighting modes. The cooler's fans can also be controlled on CAM either with the RGB Controller or the RGB & Fan Controller. “

[@sleepwell7718]

Mine didn’t come with a nzxt box like in the video

[@nicorwx]

how do you combine the intake fan with the radiator 280?, bolt it together with the bracket?

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Yes

[@haydnrayturner1383]

Do you HAVE TO use that controller or can i use the standard Montec controller in my Sky Two??

[@MatrixProHD]

I don’t think you need to use the NZXT controller for fans. I built a PC for a friend of mine who has this and I plugged the fans into the Lian Li controller for RGB

[@haydnrayturner1383]

@@MatrixProHD Cheers dude!! much appriciated ☺☺☺

[@tamir5940]

I just installed this liquid cooler after following your instructions. It turns on and reads 27 degrees. I’m still in the bios with no windows installed yet. My question is that I didn’t feel any liquid running running thru the hoses or nor do I hear anything. Is that normal?

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Should be fine

[@LetsG0Champ]

I didnt know you could mount the AIO radiator like that. I thought the tubes should be on top? And, no thermal paste?

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4LGqox-fNl0qNU

[@LetsG0Champ]

@@TheProvokedPrawn thank youuuuuuuu!! Im noob so I'm learning all of this over time. :))

[@10secondsrule]

Does it matter which way tubes come up from the pump on the cpu?

[@OriginalMergatroid]

Not with this configuration. I would have put the hoses on the top. As long as the top of the rad is higher than the top of the pump you're good. This install is very unattractive.

[@BETTERDAYZog]

Sorry i have a quick question I'm replacing 240 kraken with this 280 Is it the same hardware installations for cpu also cords are they the same

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Yes

[@BETTERDAYZog]

Just wanted to check one more time I'm able to use my 240 cords with 280 pump? Sorry im new and nervous lol​@TheProvokedPrawn

[@wasd_DB]

My pump works but no display on the lcd what can I do to fix it I’ve done everything the website says to do

[@Voltomess]

any solution? was that cooler broken or something?

[@joek81981]

So if you're not using their fans, can you skip that little box entirely? It has NOTHING to do with the pump and the display, its JUST lights and fans, right? Also, can I just peel back the fan connectors a good ways on the breakout and cut them? Lil dab of whatnot to prevent shorting? Waaaaay too many wires as it is and the Riing quad box is doing the light and the wind, so can I just say skip it? You've made videos about lian li stuff but Thermaltake has their own thing, quite different than others. Two wires in one propri plug.

[@MrBlakmax]

Corsair ICUE link eco system next? ☺

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

I am waiting for it to arrive :) Watch this space!

[@wolverineapurva]

Is 90c normal while gaming I have the aio and my cpu is the i9 14900k

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

That's very hot for gaming. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYeoiZdjjNVrfLs

[@wolverineapurva]

@@TheProvokedPrawn oh yea what temperature do I listen to the nzxt cam or the ones that show on my formula z790 Maximus because they both show different temps

[@Le_tarnished]

Can I use Lian li fans with this

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g56bZqSDer6feqs

[@Ttblondey]

Nice

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Thanks

[@Cooper3312000]

It’s a shame they made the pump housing both taller and wider compared to the last Gen and won’t fit in my SFF case like the Kraken Z53.

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Really? Now I need to check that.

[@OriginalMergatroid]

Well they added the display. I bet if it was removed, the pump would be very close to the same height as the old one was.

[@AmazingTonyYT]

My 360 version of this came dead on arrival 💀🤦‍♂️

[@Voltomess]

Is this enough to cool i7 13700k or i9 14700??

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

In theory yes. It depends on your fans and case as well though. Plus your motherboard/bios settings in terms of any overclocking settings that might be applied. kzbin.info/www/bejne/laKtoWt7hKZsi80

[@22oreos]

logic

[@NZXTglobal]

👀

[@monkeywhipper420]

Woah official NZXT channel found this video prawn!

[@10secondsrule]

Geez… this is such a complicated setup! - have a similar one but no led’s which I despise. Liquid freezer from arctic is a single cable to pump or cpu fan socket - A single tiny cable. That’s what I call an easy, idiot proof install. Unfortunately it did not fit in my case as their radiator is 1cm thicker.

[@tamphan5562]

0

[@user-cq9tm9gr6w]

Jesus what the heck is wrong with your voice is that ur natural voice or you just made it? Jesuss!

[@thegrandduke1076]

that cable management is awful

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Thanks for the engagement

[@OriginalMergatroid]

What a horrid, unattractive way to mount that cooler. I would have put the hoses on the top. As long as the top of the rad is higher than the top of the pump, the install is good. You routed the hoses around the gpu. This is really unattractive.

[@TheProvokedPrawn]

Thanks

[@SeaKnight12]

Exactly what I needed to know. Putting Corsair fans on my rad so the info on how to connect to motherboard was 🫰🏽

[@Hella_Butters]

Is it normal that the screen does not turn on after powering on a newly built pc? I noticed that the screen on yours didn’t turn on right after connecting it and mine did the same thing. The screen was not there when I was in my BIOS screen for the first time. Is that normal? @NZXTglobal @TheProvokedPrawn

[@johnkidd1694]

I had the same experience. Did you find the answer? Do you need to install the software in order to make it work. I saw the same thing in this video and rewound it a half dozen times.

[@TheArthurxz]

I have the same problem. Did u find a fix

[@johnkidd1694]

@@TheArthurxz Interestingly the problem seems to have fixed itself. After running my new computer for a while the CPU cooler has started behaving itself. The firmware updates automatically and I think that is what fixed it.