NZXT Kraken and Kraken Elite AIO (2023) Review

[@madant7777]

Bought the Kraken Elite White RGB 360, great looks, great performance with little fan noise and no pump noise, although costly. I actually always look at stats so it was worth it for me to get the bigger screen. Also, the Elite version has a bigger and heavier (metal) pump part, it is more visible on the white version.

[@uprise.6183]

How’s your experience so far, I’m thinking of getting it especially with the parts I got i9 14k with asus rog z790 but the price of that cooler is way too expensive It retails for 330$ with tax in my place, and the normal one goes for 260$ So yeah 70 dollar difference only which makes me kinda go and stop with it at the same time. But I ain’t building a strong system every year so I probably go with it.

[@madant7777]

@@uprise.6183 I'm completely satisfied, it has great performance, both versions should be the same performance wise. The CAM software works normally for me, no problems. When I see how much ASUS wants for their LCD AIO, this is cheap. And still better looking and cools better ;-)

[@zaraza.]

Honestly I prefer the old infinity mirror version than the new non-elite variant. The screen is just too small and dim, also as you have said the fans are better in the old version.

[@csn2300]

But as always you can change the fans

[@zaraza.]

@@csn2300 Why should I pay extra for something that is already overpriced.

[@garrett9418]

The Aer RGB 2 fans in the Kraken X are better than the new F series fans? In what way?

[@m.rod6751]

Just bought the white kraken 360 elite and installed it yesterday (keeping my 13900k cool) . I've always liked the NZXT AIO Coolers and use them in all my builds .

[@KmpzVFX]

@iosoyGia updates? have the temps been good? and how has it held up over time?

[@AlAl-rw9ux]

hi,and how is pair with 13900k? can you tell pls wich temps you have while gaming and idling ?

[@yyll8393]

@@AlAl-rw9uxkraken elite will be able to cool any cpu even 14900ks

[@ouki4925]

The pump is very quiet at around 65% pump speed. Once you set the pump speed, you can just uninstall the crappy NZXT CAM software and it'll stay at 65% forever.

[@joek81981]

Good info.

[@CriticalTakesSW]

what’s the temp difference when set at 65%? is it a difference

[@ouki4925]

@@CriticalTakesSW increased by 1C... probably margin of error

[@KaIero]

Where are the settings saved? Because the software is resource intensive.

[@ouki4925]

@@KaIero It seems to save the changes in the AIO itself. I just tested it again and the Kraken still runs AIO at 2.3k RPM and connected fans at 850 RPM.

[@SelcukAbiOfficial]

Hello. I'm just looking for a cooler for my 13600kf. Which one do you advice? This one or be quiet dark rock elite air cooler? Thanks :)

[@daviniarobbins9298]

I got the 280 elite version. Paid £240 for it from Scan. Very happy with it so far. Haven't tasked my new build much yet as it is still a work in progress. The included fans are very good and easy to set up.

[@jamiekelly6851]

The fans I got were ridiculously loud. I wonder if I got a defective set.

[@madant7777]

@@jamiekelly6851 Nope, just don't use them at 100%. I use the silent profile for both pump/fans, and the fans are always on cca 710rpm.

[@joemarais7683]

Woo, so glad NZXT is releasing coolers 3x the price of comparable coolers, it’ll make it easier to identify the dumb people by their build posts.

[@luups5250]

@@joemarais7683some people tend to enjoy the aesthetics of their pc when spending thousands of dollars on it. sure there are cheaper ones that will do the job just as well. but they don’t have LCD’s which some people want

[@MRevilBASS]

@@joemarais7683 I guess you never buy an Samsung, iPhone, Adidas, Nike, Levi's or whatever brands and you buy everything only from the market place, because there's no way those Adidas snickers are 10x times better then on the market place, so that's why they're so much expensive. It's a sarcasm of course. Because you are smarter but what do you choose to do with it? To mock others. That's the sign of a high IQ, right? Right. Lmao. Enjoy life and have great day Joe.

[@crest1k210]

I have NZXT Kraken Elite AIO and permanent "safely remove hardware" icon with it annoys me. Support replied that they were aware of the problem, but they couldn't solve it at the moment. At the same time, it is almost not searched on google. Owners of AIO with a screen, can you share if you have this problem?

[@grimly8352]

Slight correction, I have the NZXT Kraken 280, you can infact use GIFs on it, either custom ones off your pc, or it has a built in search with tenor

[@mariogorilla]

Good day! nice video. So since there is a newer version for the kraken elite (RGB and NON-RGB), could you please also do some reviews on them? Much appreciated!

[@johna2640]

I'm reluctant to buy any more NZXT Kraken hardware due to the CAM software, I'm still waiting for the CAM software to operate correctly with the Kraken X - i eventually gave up with NZXT support.

[@scottmiller7284]

See and I'm here looking at nzxt, because corsair icue software is bunk right now. Haha

[@Hoacakes]

LIAN LI L-connect very buggy too lol 😅

[@jamiekelly6851]

The cooler itself seems great even if its a bit all over the place because the 5800x i have is a hot boi. But to anyone who wants to buy it, if you hate having a really loud pc you MUST REPLACE the fans that come with it. Arctic p14s will do the job because the fans that come with them the equivelanet of having a hate crime committed on your ears.

[@MrRem7600]

it seems then NZXT are still providing rubbish fans with their AIO's then. The last Kraken AIO I bought 6 years ago was the same and one ended up failing completely in short time

[@eduardomaldonado5793]

Bought the 360 no rgb elite cooler swapping out the fans for lían li infinity fans as the go with my build I know stupid but it’s a passion

[@Adem.940]

how does it perform? I am also thinking of getting non rgb version and use my thermaltake toughfans.

[@eduardomaldonado5793]

@Adem.940 oh my PC runs perfectly but it might be due to the 10 fans lol I have a h9flow case and my Temps on my cpu never go about 75 and I have a 7700 they are known to get hot so It's very good and the lian li fans and perfect

[@Adem.940]

@@eduardomaldonado5793 I got View 51 case, it also has 10 fans, 13 with AIO fans, thanks for the info!

[@Serkong]

​@eduardomaldonado5793 where did u plug the lian li fans?

[@EMB_Killer_QuEen]

Love their naming strategy - Kraken is such a cool name.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

any naming will look cool if it performs well

[@Kaptain31]

I have the 360 elite, and the display freezes after I wake my PC up from sleep. I searched the internet everywhere for this issue, and have yet to find a solution. Other than that, it works perfectly on my 13900k.

[@TehDevineable]

Hey mate, looking at the 13900K and pairing with the elite - what’s your temps like? Lower than the Rzyen 9 shown in the video? Cheers

[@Kaptain31]

@@TehDevineable I have my CPU running at stock, and it idles around 40, and around 55 to 60 while gaming.

[@alexc9584]

Having owned the Z73 I don’t see the point in these because if you have your case on your desk say to the right of you the screen is going too far back for you to see it. The display needs to be mounted on a 45 degree angle above the pump for it to be of any use.

[@MaxTheLazyCat]

I'm going to have an NZXT H7 Flow RGB case, 3 fans included on the front, is it okay that I want to use the Kraken Elite 360mm as the top radiator, because I am going to be using an rx 7900xtx

[@KitGuruJames]

Yep that's fine.

[@ThelleTV]

debating between the NZXT Kraken 360mm and the DeepCool LT720 Premium 360mm. If any1 has any advice id appreciate it!

[@RadialSeeker113]

High end 360mm coolers need to be tested on a 13900K. 200w is not enough to saturate most beefy air coolers let alone 360mm rads.

[@KitGuruJames]

13900K test bench is coming very soon.

[@braxatoris7757]

pls where is the test on 13900K ?? @@KitGuruJames

[@vedomedo]

I'm using a Kraken X72 still, from 2018. Considering getting the new one just because I'm getting kind of worried that mine will die soon lol.

[@MrGivesuccess]

bought this NZXT Kraken and Kraken Elite 360 AIO and cant wait to get it in a few days! Also the NZXT Mobo. All wihte.

[@canadiangoose1451]

got a 240 elite for 170 cad after fucking up my older one and im really exited to play with that lcd display

[@topbanana4013]

so confusing all the kraken stuff. if you go to there website they have the new 240 rgb lcd display. you can have animated giffs and the rest but this review says you cant on a non rgb 240 but its same on web site you can

[@alain_marlowe]

Im planning to upgrade my aio, since my aio it's a cheaper likely around 40-50$, maybe ill get the kraken elite 360. Will check more reviews thank you very much 😊

[@NonLegitNation2]

I think in a week or two I'm going to get the regular kraken 240. I currently have a Corsair H100i Platinum 240 and I just don't like the two-clip mounting on the pump, it's harder to get on and I personally don't think it provides enough even pressure on the cpu. I want a pump with a 4-point mounting system and the regular kraken 240 seems to be a VERY good option and it's not too expensive. IMO the elite isn't worth the extra $100usd just for a slightly better pump lcd screen. If the elite actually performed better than the non-elite it would be worth it but since it performs exactly the same as the non-elite version I don't see the point in paying the premium.

[@fireinfireout]

Did you get it? How loud is it?

[@NonLegitNation2]

@@fireinfireout no. Like 2 days after this comment I ended up having to spend $200 on a new mobo. So I'm still rocking the Corsair AIO.

[@solaraustin3456]

I have the elite 240 and everything power on and runs smooth but my kracken display doesn’t show up to change

[@arjanvink9361]

Can the Kraken Elite cpu-unit get mounted horizontal? My motherboard is mounted horizontal (flat) in a tv kabinet, currently with a Noctua tower standing straight up. Love to upgrade to watercooling but it is a waste of time if this it not possible at all.

[@madant7777]

It can be mounted in many directions, 15 or 20 degrees increments, and then You can rotate the LCD picture acordingly.

[@tsujimasen]

Can we request a head to head test between the NZXT Kraken RGB 280 and the Endorfy Navis F280 ARGB?

[@boltsandbraces6261]

great review there james, would expect no less in regards to detail and testing. Can I ask you a simple question, what AIO would you buy if you were given one? have you a favourite AIO after reviewing so many now?

[@historianfabulousio5128]

has to be deepcool im guessing

[@justindavis7600]

@@historianfabulousio5128 yeah james like deepcool, im reckoning deepcool too

[@insanejustice7922]

Too Spence and still cant. Cool down a 13700k 😅

[@KitGuruJames]

For high end I would probably buy the EK-Nucleus as it's the best performer. For budget it would be either Deepcool LS/LT720, Endorfy Navis or Liquid Freezer II.

[@dreamversestore]

What's the best AIO cooler? Ryujin II 360 or that Kraken Elite 360? I have a opportunity to sell my Ryujin, here, at Brazil, to purchase the Ryujin III later.. But how it dont't disponible in my country, I should buy another, but it needs have a well performance and the Kraken Elite already dipsonibile meanwhile I'm waiting the another.. Is Kraken Elite equal to the Ryujin 2 or better??

[@thinkforyourself5672]

Nzxt Kraken 320mm or Artic Liquid Freezer 3 420mm in a Lian Li Dynamic Evo XL???

[@maxzoRHD]

I mean come on, do ppl rly care about screen specs on the aio pump ? Why arent they focusing on upgrades on preformance (like radiator upgrades,fans,pump , tubes.. etc) rather then un needed stuf, then name it a new model ? Good thing about this is that old models will be cheaper. NZXT is not the only company doing it obv.Lian Li is a great example with their new model,something worth considering to upgrade based on how much they improved the preformance on their new AIO.

[@rikus6201]

These things are nearly good as it gets. How do u expect them to improve these things performance other than cranking up the fan speed. The looks are very important nowdays

[@emo137]

hello sir,can i instal nzxt kraken elite to motherboard gigabyte h510m ?

[@Vialli100.]

I paid £129 for my Deep Cool LT720 and it is brilliant with Lian li ST120 fans. Ryzen 7 5800x 32 - 38c idle..

[@maxzoRHD]

LT720 is one of the best preforming ones, good choice.Lian Li did a great preformance bump with their new model.

[@Vialli100.]

@@maxzoRHD Lian li bringing the new ones out is a problem lol.. I will probably have to have the LED screen one 🤣

[@maxzoRHD]

@@Vialli100. yaas sir, make sure to get one with a high res 60hz lcd display 🤣

[@skittlescopes4832]

when are they out@@Vialli100.

[@Dreska_]

A shame nearly everything comes with fans... Want the big screen on the Elite but want all Phantek D30 fans in my build

[@ssanc6]

Yup, I will probably get the non RGB, and set as push pull, but I will probably need more screws

[@HCGonzalezJr87]

The elite pricing is insane. If you don't look at your PC the Nucleus 360 Dark is $20 cheaper than the Kraken and is cooler and quieter too.

[@NonLegitNation2]

or just go with the regular Kraken non-elite versions. I was looking at the 240 elite and it's $240usd while the regular Kraken 240 is $140usd and the only difference is a better display on the pump which i don't care about. That better pump screen is not worth the extra $100usd. I'm probably going to purchase the regular kraken 240 in a week or two to replace my Corsair i100H 240 Platinum which is about 5yrs old and I think slowly dying since it can't seem to keep my R9 5900X under 60C at idle.

[@Iridiumcosmos]

I mainly love the Krakens because they utilize the stock motherboard bracket. Idk anyone else who reuses the stock bracket.

[@PerversePoster]

Can you give me a step by step, or directions to one, to get Gifs working on the 360 Elite? Currently it's limiting me to Jpg or Png and a max size of 47kb, I can't figure out why. Edit: Your radiator was upside down when you began testing.

[@JamieR]

The RGB version of 240 also supports user-defined GIFs and animations. The 240 without RGB does not, and has only the pre-defined options. At least according to the main web shop in Norway.

[@DerpTheatre69]

From the couple of reviews I went over today the non rgb version of the new Kraken's still has the display. Its just the base version screen doesn't take up the whole top of the pump where as the elite models display uses up the entire surface.

[@JamieR]

@@DerpTheatre69 Yeah, you're absolutely right! Thanks for clarifying 😊👌🏻 The info they provided was incorrect. I didn't spend any time looking it up as I'm only on a cellphone until the new case arrives 😂 parts all over the desk. Delayed 4 times now 🤯 I'm torn between glacier one 280 and a 240 elite Kraken...

[@DerpTheatre69]

@@JamieR I had to double check after I noticed your comment as I'm about to order the non-rgb Kraken 280mm in like 15min.

[@JamieR]

@@DerpTheatre69 Though I'm not sure if you can actually do gifs on the base model. Did you figure that out?

[@DerpTheatre69]

@@JamieR According to one of their reps you can do gifs on the base one now

[@joek81981]

I just got the elite 280. I think its nearly perfect. The fans look terrible. Some real 2012 style lighting going on. Imagine putting all that work into the new, better, brighter display and then just bung those fans in the box at the end.

[@hustlinmagic]

It always amazes me that no reviewer ever really talks about the problems with NZXT AIO's. Screen's not working properly, CAM not working properly, rattling pumps after short term use, very hit and miss support. No doubt they look pretty, but they are most certainly not trouble free for a lot of people.

[@Iridiumcosmos]

I have the older X53 with the infinity mirror that’s constantly getting pushed to the limits by a 5900X. No issues for the past year.

[@ThaAlumniMusicGroup]

No issues. Just because you had issues just like any other product doesn’t make it the standard

[@miZuTiERia]

I would say rattling pumps are happening to every brand by chances, I have a Lian Li GA II Performance 360 which works perfectly well and unbelievably cool. After two month of use the pump start rattling now. It is a known issue for this AIO and they actually stopped selling it for a while because of this. I could try to RMA it I couldn't bear the wait, and now here I am looking for alternative lol.

[@riquegamer6804]

My Water cooler elite, is stopping spinning by itself, does anyone know what it could be? 9 9850x3d processor and b650x aorus motherboard

[@darkezowsky]

I have older Kraken Z73, temps are good with 7950X3D, but god damn it's pump is the loudest part of my whole pc. I hope this new one is better...

[@KitGuruJames]

It's the same pump. It's always been quiet for me unless there's an air lock.

[@maxzoRHD]

get a new one , you will have a same pump with 60hz and better res scren 🤣

[@F2P6942O]

Does the non-rgb verison have rgb on the outside of the fan

[@BoomerPlusUltra]

Get the version without RGB to save $30 and replace with vastly superior fans.

[@MHAAAAANZ]

Artic p14?

[@Iridiumcosmos]

That’s what I did with my X53 lol. Replaced the fans with A12x25s with the radiator seal on them.

[@elvinsmith]

Just got 280 kraken elite and no hub is included

[@personguy8839]

Heard the Kraken is quite popular among the Linux community.

[@stickyfingers9710]

really? why? or is this some kind of word play joke im missing lol

[@vincentvega3093]

@@stickyfingers9710 the joke is a CAMeo

[@personguy8839]

@@stickyfingers9710 It's one of the few hardware that actually has software support on Linux.

[@Calmdownjamaldontpulloutthe9]

I can’t find a single comparison of the z63 and the new 280 elite

[@Abdulkader-pq7cj]

Does it have the same performance as Kraken X73 ????

[@ryanbuster4626]

Im new to AIO's as ive always built custom loops. How the hell is this thing reporting GPU temp, as its only routed to the cpu?

[@RHYMA24]

The software probably detects the gpu temps as well like other softwares as (icue, lian li, msi etc..) and then just outputs that info

[@rikus6201]

I mean it is connected to the motherboard which is connected to everything

[@awesomedudeplayz3950]

I he can’t you overlay with the kraken regular version it’s not like it’s limited hardware wise but software wise

[@jasonp883]

I got the 240 elite non rgb on a Ryzen 7800x3d and it's amazing!

[@madant7777]

I got the Elite 360 for my 7800X3D. Chills most of the time, silent profile (conf. for liquid) on pump/fans. I got it max to 81°C on max load and max pump/fans (Cinebench loop).

[@onetwothree642]

Does the cam software work for you? I have the non rgb version too and i dont know what it is but the cam software isnt able to find the aio

[@madant7777]

@@onetwothree642 It should find it immediately (Windows finds it also), and then update the firmware automatically. Since the connection is USB 2.0, unplug it from the current USB 2.0 header and try the other one (if you have two). I connected mine separately, both pump and the RGB controller are in their separate USB 2.0 headers, so maybe it is the USB 2.0 splitter cable you get in the box (if you use it)? CAM does tend to hick-up from time to time (a little stutter when changing GIFs, sometimes one of them shows as black screen) but it didn't crash or similar. It seems that happens when you have 4 or more pump-faces with GIFs, and it stopped when I reduced them to just 2 with GIFs. I have a feeling CAM is streaming those GIFs constantly through USB 2.0 and that is why it sometimes glitches.

[@engahmedelfakahany]

Does non elite version ( normal version) accept Gif Photos in the smaller LCD screen?

[@otakugirlneko]

Sorry for the late reply, if I don’t believe it does ~

[@tavus9276]

it does i have it myself

[@SpeedBoostRC]

I got the Kraken 360 to cool a 14900K and it didn't seem to perform that well. My temps always spiked high and stayed around 85c during game play. I tried to repaste the CPU but it didn't help. I then started hearing what sounded like air bubbles, the radiator was on top so I don't know how the air was making it to the pump. I ended up getting rid of it and installing the Asus ROG Ryujin III 360, now my temps stay around 37-50c during game play.

[@Chingy474]

Probably just air left in the system from improper bleeding of the circuit.

[@insanejustice7922]

Why you didn't put the old kraken in the chart ??

[@KitGuruJames]

I did. The X73 RGB is in there. 👍

[@powermaster5004]

great analysis James - love your content, very underrated - should be more here watching yoru content

[@gogopowerrangers6596]

Kitguru's best reviewer 😎

[@jsally1278]

Man is had bad luck with my kraken The screen went black went back

[@Jojo-yw4ly]

I wish they restock kraken z73

[@IT10T]

Thats cool if you find yourself staring into your pc side window a lot I suppose??

[@madant7777]

I actually do now that I have a glass sidepanel, and I love the quick glance at the specs anytime. And of course, the memes on the display... ;-)

[@charlesmurray6677]

cheers m8 you just made my mind up to get one

[@Vonklieve]

Oh dear, I hope you guys have got amazing thermal grease removal. The AM5 socket, is silly. The gaps beg to have thermal paste leak on to the CPU....In fact vendors are selling protectors to prevent leakage into the gaps. Plus the Intel's socket 1700 13900k pumps out far more heat and would be a better way to test those AIO's, and air coolers.

[@KitGuruJames]

Intel 13900K test bench is coming soon. 😊

[@mr.electronx9036]

"John Connor, come with me if you want RGB!"

[@KitGuruJames]

😂

[@MHAAAAANZ]

HELL YEAH JUST WHEN I NEED IT!!!!!!🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@historianfabulousio5128]

excellent looking coolers IMO

[@overclockingdemon7179]

great review james. thanks

[@darkzzyy]

WHY IM GETTING 80 CELSIUS ON IDLE BRO

[@KitGuruJames]

You've done something wrong 😅

[@canarychrome7012]

Never had one of these, looks not bad. not sure id buy NZXT - with all their quality control issues in the last 2 years.

[@kwesiwilliams1188]

This or Asus ROG Ryujin iii argb?

[@markbangug469]

Def go Asus ROG Ryujin III. They got newer Asetek Pump gen.

[@kwesiwilliams1188]

@markbangug469 Thank you very much for your response and suggestion.

[@iwilltouchyourtoes]

@@markbangug469 I thought newer gen is worse/louder?

[@MrErball]

The Lian Li Galahad performance is the only 'new' AIO to pay attention to. Unless all you care about is looks, then a silly LCD may be a viable way to waste money and lose performance.

[@nyiceone2075]

Cooler is ok. Price sucks. Deep cool LT720 is much better for almost half the price.

[@massoudwazir6389]

Does it make noise?

[@fr3ak1shh]

Why didn't they use halos for the RGB on these? They don't match their other case fans they sell.... kind of lame! Bad!

[@alikos4528]

wow, holding hostage gif support on the non-elite model is such a red flag and anti consumer behavior, it's making me dislike them

[@RubiconRambo]

Bore off 😂

[@TheGrace020]

Truly epic stuff!!! :D

[@J-J-TL]

I need a 420mm system. LOL

[@spewp]

My last Kraken AIO, purchased in 2022, barely lasted a year before pump failure. Fool me once NZXT... Never again.

[@hairsprungdutchtechnique9626]

did you get it replaced? did it completely fail? were they asetek units back then>? I cant remember

[@RadialSeeker113]

Did you mount it at the bottom of ur case?

[@larwiemcdonnel5322]

my last NZXT cooler is fine, its important how you mount em too

[@KitGuruJames]

That's interesting. I have been running a Kraken X73 non RGB version since launch in one of my systems, not had a problem yet.

[@Alice58302]

some aios can work for years, guess it's just how you put them in case

[@leobjergvang3235]

du ødela dagen min takk

[@stevencharette7918]

do not buy any of these CLC's folks dont fall for the new look, unless they come up with better cooling solulation do not jsut buy it because of displays rgb and now single cable mods these AIO's cannot keep up with these high core count and high Freq i have an X73 paired with 10900k and i hit 100c tjmax @ 5.3 all cores, silly these companies arent willing to invest into a new method to once and for all replace the old obsolete fan/rad design and come up with cooling that will work, instead they keep modifying it adding in displays more RGB and now reducing cables, its not worth it unless it has an inpact on these out of control temps the sad part is, people will keep paying for eye candy, and reviews like this one will keep pushing you in to buy it, x73 to elite 360 probably wonbt even see more the a degree or 2 down

[@leobjergvang3235]

jeg liker ikke deg

[@antong3987]

"Look cheap..." is totally subjective. Stopped watching when you spewed that!

[@giraffeorganic]

He made an unbiased observation and you were indirectly offended. Therefore, you being triggered by his word is an indication you are projecting a past unresolved mental trauma unto him. I’d suggest you go to a shrink and get sorted out, cuz you are overreacting 😂

[@useduction]

Gen7 pump? No thanks!

[@vincentvega3093]

Anybody buying this over a $100 liquid freezer II is a clown

[@MHAAAAANZ]

Aesthetics is important

[@TheSwayzeTrain]

It comes down to a person's specific user case and their budget. The Liquid Freezer is a fantastic budget AIO, both in price and performance. However if you have a big budget and want an aesthetically pleasing build, that's where all these LCD AIOs come into play.

[@historianfabulousio5128]

vincentvega Dont agree with you. People buying hardware have different opinions and budgets - if you want a fancier looking cooler, fair play IMO

[@iwilltouchyourtoes]

Where's the white version of the liquid freezer again?

[@Alice58302]

To poor to buy one?

[@thearttheftsituation]

Wake me when they write a manual for this POS. NZXT Kraken coolers are my BIG REGRET in my build. The software sucks.