NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB – AIO CPU Liquid Cooler – 360mm Radiator – F360 RGB Core Single Frame Fan – Customizable 1.54" Square LCD – AMD® AM5, AM4 – Intel® LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X – White
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AI Verdict
This is a 360mm AIO liquid cooler with a 1.54" square LCD and single-frame RGB fans, ideal for users prioritizing aesthetics and easy setup over extreme overclocking.
This AIO is a situational fit because it offers a compelling blend of aesthetics with its 1.54" LCD and simplified installation, making it attractive for many builders. However, its cooling performance under extreme loads and the reported issues with NZXT CAM software mean it's not a universal recommendation for every high-performance build.
If you need top-tier thermal performance for extreme overclocking, look for AIOs with higher CFM fans (above 73.47 CFM) and lower reported pump noise levels.
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Pros
- The NZXT Turbine pump is engineered for high flow and head pressure, delivering efficient cooling.
- Features a customizable 1.54" square LCD (240x240px resolution, 30Hz refresh rate) for system stats or GIFs.
- The RGB Core single-frame fan design simplifies installation with only four screws and one cable.
- Comes with pre-applied thermal paste and tool-free mounting brackets for quick setup.
- Offers wide compatibility with Intel LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X and AMD AM5, AM4 sockets.
- Backed by a 6-year warranty, indicating manufacturer confidence in durability.
Cons
- NZXT CAM software is reported by users as bloated, containing 'NZXT spam,' and potentially causing frametime spikes.
- The 1.54" LCD screen is considered small by some users, especially compared to the larger screens on Elite models.
- The pump can be noticeably loud at 50% fan speed, impacting acoustic performance under load.
- Performance under heavy loads, particularly with heavily overclocked CPUs, may not be a top choice compared to other coolers.
Dimension Scores
The NZXT Turbine pump provides high flow and head pressure, and the split-flow copper cold plate optimizes heat transfer, resulting in 'exceptional noise-normalized performance' and 'impressive thermals at full speed'.
While it 'operates silently by default' at low loads, the pump can be 'noticeably loud' at 50% fan speed, with fans rated at 30.0 dBA.
Features reinforced rubber tubing with nylon-braided sleeving and an aluminum radiator, backed by a 6-year warranty.
The single breakout cable from the pump cap and the single-frame fan unit significantly reduce cable clutter and simplify installation.
Best For
- PC builders who want a visually customizable AIO with a display for system monitoring or personalized GIFs.
- Users seeking a streamlined installation process due to the single-frame fan and pre-applied thermal paste.
- Gaming setups where aesthetic integration and moderate to high CPU cooling are priorities.
- Systems requiring broad compatibility with current Intel (LGA 1851/1700) and AMD (AM5) sockets.
Not Recommended For
- Enthusiasts pushing extreme CPU overclocks under sustained heavy workloads, where peak cooling performance is paramount.
- Users who prioritize absolute silence, as the pump can produce noticeable noise at higher speeds.
- Those who prefer open-source or less intrusive control software, given common complaints about NZXT CAM.
Watch Out For
- NZXT CAM software can be 'bloated' and cause 'frametime spikes,' requiring users to manage its impact on system performance.
- The 1.54" LCD, while customizable, is smaller than screens on higher-end AIOs, which might disappoint users expecting a larger display.
- The pump's noise level can be 'noticeably loud' when running at 50% fan speed, potentially disrupting quiet environments.
- While performing well for most uses, it 'doesn't perform quite as well under heavy loads' compared to some competitors, which could be an issue for intense benchmarking or sustained maximum CPU usage.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 810074845359 |
| ASIN | B0F5SCG6QC |
| Brand | NZXT |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Wattage | 2.16 watts |
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Item Weight | 5.4 pounds |
| Noise Level | 31.9 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | NZXT |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | RL-KR360-W2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 18.46 x 7.4 x 5.47 inches |
| Power Connector Type | 3-Pin |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 05056547205267 |
What Buyers Say
Many users point out that while the Kraken Plus 360 RGB looks fantastic with its customizable 1.54" LCD and clean RGB fans, the NZXT CAM software is a recurring pain point, described as bloated and potentially causing system issues. Installation is frequently praised for being straightforward due to the pre-applied thermal paste and single-frame fan design. However, some users note the pump can be audibly present at higher speeds, and it might not be the absolute best for CPUs under extreme, sustained heavy loads. The small size of the LCD screen is also a common observation.
“Ugh, the cooler looks sick with those RGB fans and the little screen is cute, but CAM software is still a nightmare, seriously, it's so clunky and makes me want to pull my hair out every time I open it!”
Common Praise
- Installation is 'really straightforward' especially for top mounting, thanks to the single-frame fan.
- The 1.54" LCD screen allows for displaying 'real-time system temps, animated GIFs, custom images'.
- The 'NZXT Turbine pump is engineered for high flow and head pressure,' providing efficient cooling.
- The single breakout cable from the pump cap 'speed[s] up installation and reduce[s] cable clutter'.
- The cooler 'operates silently by default' at lower loads.
- The RGB Core single-frame fan delivers 'strong airflow and vibrant, customizable lighting'.
Common Complaints
- NZXT CAM software is 'bloated, has too much nzxt spam, causes frametime spikes'.
- The 1.54" LCD is 'small' and 'not the full circular screen found on the Elite versions'.
- The pump is 'noticeably loud' at 50% fan speed, impacting quiet operation.
- It 'doesn't perform quite as well under heavy loads' compared to some other coolers reviewed.
- Some users find the price 'crazy expensive' compared to other value-oriented AIOs.
Ownership Tips
- The single-frame fan unit truly makes cable routing and fan mounting much less of a headache than individual fans.
- Customizing the LCD screen is fun at first, but the small size means you're mostly limited to simple stats or small GIFs, not elaborate displays.
- You'll spend more time tweaking CAM settings than you'd like, especially if you're sensitive to background processes or frametime consistency.
- The pump noise, while not constant, can be a real factor during intense gaming sessions or heavy CPU tasks, even if fans are quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets does this cooler support?
It supports Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X and AMD AM5, AM4 sockets, covering most modern desktop CPUs.
Can I customize the LCD screen?
Yes, the 1.54" square LCD is fully customizable through NZXT CAM software to display system temps, animated GIFs, custom images, or web integrations.
Is thermal paste pre-applied?
Yes, thermal paste is pre-applied to the cold plate, speeding up the installation process.
How many fans are included and what size are they?
It includes three 120mm F360 RGB Core single-frame fans, integrated into one unit for easier installation.
What is the warranty period for this cooler?
The NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB comes with a 6-year warranty.
Buying Guide
When looking at AIO liquid coolers, you're essentially buying a self-contained water cooling loop for your CPU. The main goal is to move heat away from your processor more efficiently than air coolers, especially for higher-end CPUs. You need to consider the radiator size (like this 360mm one) to ensure it fits your case, and the fan configuration, as these directly impact cooling capacity and noise. Don't forget the software, as it controls everything from RGB to pump speeds.
Radiator Size (360mm)
This refers to the length of the radiator. A 360mm radiator, like this one, has space for three 120mm fans. Generally, a larger radiator means more surface area for heat dissipation, leading to better cooling performance, similar to how a bigger car radiator cools an engine more effectively.
NZXT Turbine pump
The pump circulates the coolant through the system. A pump engineered for 'high flow and head pressure' means it can move a lot of liquid quickly and overcome resistance in the system, which is crucial for efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the radiator, much like a strong heart pumping blood.
1.54" Square LCD
This is a small display on the pump block. It lets you monitor CPU temperatures, display custom images, or even animated GIFs. It's purely for aesthetics and quick information glances, adding a personalized touch to your build without affecting cooling performance.
F360 RGB Core Single Frame Fan
This describes the fans and their design. 'RGB' means they have customizable lighting. 'Single Frame' means the three 120mm fans are integrated into one physical unit, which simplifies installation and cable management by reducing the number of individual components and wires you need to connect, making it less like untangling holiday lights.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't fit your needs, look for AIOs with larger LCD screens (if that's a priority), higher CFM fans for maximum cooling, or those known for quieter pump operation and less intrusive control software.
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