NZXT Kraken Plus 280 – AIO CPU Liquid Cooler – 280mm Radiator – 2 x F140P Fans – Customizable 1.54" Square LCD – AMD® AM5, AM4 – Intel® LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X – Black
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AI Verdict
This 280mm AIO with a 1.54" square LCD and 30 dBA fans offers strong cooling for modern CPUs, but its CAM software can be finicky.
This AIO is a strong performer for CPU cooling with its 280mm radiator and NZXT Turbine pump, capable of handling high-end CPUs under load. However, the recurring issues with NZXT CAM software and potential pump noise mean it's not a universally seamless experience, requiring some user tolerance for software quirks.
If software stability is a top priority, look for AIOs that offer robust hardware control or have a reputation for more reliable companion software.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- The NZXT Turbine pump and 280mm radiator provide effective cooling, keeping a 16-core AMD Ryzen 9 5950x 'reasonably cool' and an overclocked 9900k at 65-70°C under full load.
- Features a Zero RPM Mode that stops fans completely at low loads for silent operation when not under thermal demand.
- The 1.54" square LCD screen is customizable through NZXT CAM software, allowing display of real-time system temperatures, animated GIFs, or web integrations like Spotify.
- Installation is streamlined with pre-applied thermal paste and a single breakout cable from the pump cap, reducing cable clutter.
- Includes tool-free mounting brackets and supports a wide range of current CPU sockets, including AMD AM5, AM4, and Intel LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X.
- The NZXT CAM software offers quick responsiveness, a simple editor for media, and the ability to report liquid temperatures.
Cons
- The 1.54" LCD screen is considered small and less capable compared to the Elite model, with limited customization like inability to configure background colors.
- Users report a 'buzzing sound' from the pump, which can be noticeable and uncomfortable for some.
- NZXT CAM software frequently experiences issues such as not starting with Windows, getting stuck on loading screens, JavaScript errors, or failing to recognize the device after resuming from low power states.
- Fan control within CAM can be problematic, with some users experiencing fans running at full speed even when set to 1% or losing communication, causing fans and pump to ramp to 100%.
- The colors displayed on the LCD screen may not accurately match what is set in the CAM software, with yellow appearing to have a green tinge.
Dimension Scores
The NZXT Turbine pump and 280mm radiator effectively cool high-end CPUs, keeping a 9900k overclocked to 4.8GHz at 65-70°C under full load.
While it features Zero RPM Mode for silent low-load operation and fans rated at 30.00 dBA, some users report a noticeable 'buzzing sound' from the pump.
The cooler features reinforced rubber tubing with nylon-braided sleeving and an aluminum radiator, contributing to its perceived durability.
Installation is simplified by pre-applied thermal paste and a single breakout cable from the pump cap, which helps reduce cable clutter.
Best For
- PC builders prioritizing a clean aesthetic with a customizable display for system monitoring or personalization.
- Users with high-end AMD AM5 or Intel LGA 1851 CPUs needing effective cooling for demanding workloads without extreme overclocking.
- Systems where a 280mm radiator fits better than a 360mm, offering comparable cooling performance in a smaller footprint.
Not Recommended For
- Users who are sensitive to subtle pump noises or high-pitched sounds.
- Builders who prefer a 'set it and forget it' approach and want to avoid potential software troubleshooting for fan curves and display customization.
- Those seeking the largest, most vibrant LCD screen available on an AIO, as this model's screen is smaller and less advanced than the Elite version.
Watch Out For
- The pump can produce a 'buzzing sound' that some users find uncomfortable, even when paired with quiet fans.
- NZXT CAM software can be unstable, with reports of it not starting with Windows, getting stuck on loading, or displaying 'GPU driver update required' errors.
- Fan control through CAM has issues; some users report fans going from 0% to 100% speed when set to 1%, or the software losing communication and defaulting fans/pump to 100%.
- The 1.54" LCD screen, while customizable, is smaller and has fewer features than the Elite model, and its color accuracy can be off, with yellow appearing greenish.
- Some users have experienced the cooler not being recognized by CAM, requiring troubleshooting steps like running CAM as administrator and updating firmware.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 810074845298 |
| ASIN | B0F5SJS2JB |
| Brand | NZXT |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 2.16 watts |
| Material | Plastic, Aluminum, Metal, Glass |
| Item Weight | 5.1 pounds |
| Manufacturer | NZXT |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | RL-KN280-B2 |
| Compatible Devices | supports the latest AMD and Intel CPU sockets, including AM5 and LGA 1851 |
| Product Dimensions | 15.2 x 7.32 x 6.1 inches |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 05056547205205 |
What Buyers Say
The NZXT Kraken Plus 280 is a solid performer for CPU cooling, often praised for its ability to keep high-end processors cool even under heavy loads. The customizable 1.54" LCD screen is a definite draw for personalization, letting you display system stats or GIFs. However, the CAM software is a recurring pain point, with users frequently reporting issues like device recognition failures, fan control glitches, and inconsistent color representation on the screen. There are also mentions of a distinct pump buzzing sound that can be distracting for some.
“Look, it cools my 7950X3D like a champ, but man, the CAM software is a headache sometimes, and that little screen is kinda meh for the price. Still, my CPU isn't melting, so there's that.”
Common Praise
- Keeps high-end CPUs like a 16-core Ryzen 9 5950x 'reasonably cool'.
- The 1.54" LCD display is a fun way to personalize your build with GIFs or system temps.
- Installation is straightforward thanks to pre-applied thermal paste and a single cable from the pump.
- Fans are quiet, especially with the Zero RPM Mode at low loads.
- CAM software is responsive and easy to use for basic monitoring and customization.
Common Complaints
- NZXT CAM software is prone to bugs, including not starting, freezing, or losing connection to the cooler.
- The pump can emit a 'buzzing sound' that some users find irritating.
- Fan control in CAM can be erratic, with fans sometimes jumping to full speed unexpectedly.
- The LCD screen is smaller and less vibrant than higher-tier models, and colors might not match CAM settings.
- Some marketing images for the pump head are misleading, showing the LCD covering the entire circle, which isn't the case for this model.
Ownership Tips
- The pump's buzzing sound can become more noticeable over time or in quiet environments.
- You might need to run NZXT CAM as an administrator initially to ensure proper device recognition and firmware updates.
- Expect to occasionally troubleshoot CAM software issues, especially after system updates or waking from sleep.
- The LCD screen's smaller size and lower resolution compared to the Elite model might feel like a compromise if you're used to more detailed displays.
- While installation is easy, managing the cables can still feel 'overwhelming at first' due to their number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets does the Kraken Plus 280 support?
It supports a wide range of current AMD and Intel CPU sockets, including AMD AM5 and AM4, and Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X, 1150, 1151, 1155, and 1156.
Can I customize the LCD screen?
Yes, the 1.54" square LCD screen is fully customizable through NZXT CAM software, allowing you to display system temperatures, animated GIFs, custom images, or web integrations like Spotify.
Does it come with thermal paste pre-applied?
Yes, the Kraken Plus 280 comes with thermal paste pre-applied to the cold plate, which helps speed up the installation process.
Are the fans loud?
The F140P fans have a stated noise level of 30.00 dBA at maximum speed. It also features a Zero RPM Mode for silent operation during low CPU loads.
What if the NZXT CAM software isn't working correctly?
Users have reported issues like CAM not starting, getting stuck, or not recognizing the cooler. Troubleshooting often involves ensuring GPU drivers are updated, running CAM as administrator, and sometimes reinstalling the software or updating firmware.
Is the Kraken Plus 280 good enough for high-end CPUs?
Yes, many users find the 280mm radiator effective for high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5950x and overclocked Intel chips, often performing comparably to 360mm AIOs.
Buying Guide
When buying an AIO liquid cooler, you're looking for a balance of cooling power, noise levels, and features. The radiator size (like this 280mm) dictates how much heat it can dissipate, while fan speed and static pressure affect how effectively air moves through that radiator. Pump design impacts both cooling efficiency and potential noise. Software control, like NZXT CAM, lets you fine-tune performance and personalize aesthetics, but its stability is crucial for a smooth experience.
280mm Radiator
This refers to the size of the heat exchanger. A larger radiator, like 280mm (which uses two 140mm fans), generally allows for better heat dissipation than smaller options, meaning your CPU can run cooler or your fans can spin slower for less noise. Think of it like a bigger car radiator keeping an engine from overheating more easily.
F140P Fans (93.20 CFM, 4.45 mm H₂O static pressure, 30.00 dBA)
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures how much air the fan moves, important for overall cooling. Static pressure (mm H₂O) indicates how well the fan pushes air through restrictive spaces like a radiator. Higher static pressure is better for AIOs. dBA is the noise level; 30.00 dBA is audible but not excessively loud, especially compared to some high-performance fans.
1.54" Square LCD (240x240 resolution, 30 Hz)
This is a small display on the pump. The size and resolution determine how clear and detailed images or information will appear. A 240x240 resolution on a 1.54" screen is functional for basic stats and small GIFs, but don't expect photo-realistic quality or smooth video due to the 30 Hz refresh rate.
NZXT CAM Software
This is the control center for your cooler. It lets you monitor temperatures, adjust fan and pump speeds, and customize the LCD screen. A good software suite makes managing your cooler easy, but a buggy one can lead to frustration and inconsistent performance.
Alternatives
If you need more advanced LCD features or a larger display, look for AIOs with higher resolution IPS screens and faster refresh rates. If software issues are a dealbreaker, consider coolers that rely less on proprietary software for core functionality or have a reputation for rock-solid software stability.
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