NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB 2024 - AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - 240mm Radiator - 2 x F120P Fans - Customizable 2.72" IPS LCD - NZXT Turbine Pump - AMD® AM5, AM4 - Intel® LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X - White
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AI Verdict
This 240mm AIO with a 2.72-inch IPS LCD and 690 cd/m² brightness is for PC builders prioritizing visual customization and quiet, efficient cooling.
This AIO is a strong fit for users prioritizing a visually striking build with a highly customizable 2.72-inch IPS LCD and efficient, low-noise cooling. Its 690 cd/m² display and 10% pump performance boost cater to those who value both aesthetics and thermal management.
If you need even more cooling capacity for extreme overclocking or hotter CPUs, look for a 360mm or 420mm radiator AIO with similar pump technology.
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Pros
- The NZXT Turbine pump delivers a 10% performance boost compared to the previous model, efficiently cooling heat-prone CPUs.
- The 2.72-inch IPS LCD features a crisp 640 x 640 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and an ultra-bright 690 cd/m² backlight for clear visuals.
- The pump and fans operate quietly, with the pump being described as 'dead silent' and fans offering a Zero RPM Mode for silent operation under low loads.
- Installation is simplified with pre-applied thermal paste, a single breakout cable, and tool-free mounting brackets for AMD AM5/AM4 and Intel LGA 1851/1700/1200/115X sockets.
- The display supports extensive personalization, including GIFs, images, real-time system performance monitoring, and integration with Google Photos, Spotify, and YouTube.
- The 240mm version provides cooling performance comparable to larger liquid coolers, including some 420mm models.
Cons
- The NZXT CAM software is required for full customization and control, potentially locking users into the NZXT ecosystem.
- The price point is considered high by some users, suggesting alternatives offer similar performance for less.
- While installation is simple, the single breakout cable still requires management behind the motherboard tray.
- The fans have a maximum noise level of 30 dB, which, while low, is not entirely silent under full load.
Dimension Scores
The custom-designed NZXT Turbine pump offers a 10% performance boost and the 240mm radiator with static pressure fans provides cooling comparable to larger AIOs.
The pump is described as 'dead silent' and the fans feature a Zero RPM Mode for silent operation at low loads, with a maximum noise level of 30 dB.
It features durable rubber tubing with braided sleeving and a 6-year warranty, indicating confidence in its construction.
The 'single breakout cable' simplifies connections but still requires careful routing to be aesthetically pleasing.
Best For
- PC builders who want to display system metrics, custom GIFs, or media directly on their CPU cooler pump.
- Users seeking a quiet PC build, especially during low-load tasks due to Zero RPM fan mode.
- Enthusiasts building a white-themed PC, matching the cooler's aesthetic.
- Gamers or content creators running heat-prone CPUs who need efficient liquid cooling.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious builders who prioritize raw cooling performance over aesthetic features like an LCD screen.
- Users who prefer to avoid proprietary software ecosystems for hardware control.
- Small form factor (SFF) PC builds that may not accommodate a 240mm radiator.
Watch Out For
- The required NZXT CAM software can be a point of frustration for users who prefer minimal software installations or encounter occasional bugs.
- The cooler's premium price tag, which some users feel is not fully justified by performance alone compared to less expensive options.
- Cable management, despite the 'single breakout cable,' still involves routing a cable that some users find visually unappealing if not tucked away.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 810074844246 |
| ASIN | B0DCFNKXKY |
| Brand | NZXT |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Wattage | 2 watts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 2.11 pounds |
| Noise Level | 30 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | NZXT |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | RL-KR24E-W2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 11.41"L x 4.92"W x 7.48"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1000 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Users are consistently surprised by the cooling performance of this 240mm AIO, reporting thermals similar to much larger liquid coolers. The standout feature is undoubtedly the 2.72-inch IPS LCD, praised for its brightness, resolution, and extensive customization options, including playing videos and displaying system stats. While the NZXT CAM software is essential for these features, it's generally seen as well-integrated. The main points of contention revolve around its premium price and the necessity of managing the breakout cable.
“Man, this thing looks sick in my white build, and my CPU temps are actually lower than my old 360mm AIO, but my wallet definitely felt it.”
Common Praise
- The 2.72-inch IPS LCD is bright (690 cd/m²) and clear, capable of displaying GIFs, videos, and detailed system information.
- Cooling performance is unexpectedly strong for a 240mm radiator, rivaling larger 360mm and even 420mm AIOs.
- The pump operates with minimal audible noise, often described as 'dead silent.'
- Fans are quiet, especially with the Zero RPM mode engaging during low CPU activity.
- Installation is straightforward due to pre-applied thermal paste and tool-free mounting.
Common Complaints
- The price is a bit steep, making some question its value compared to performance-only focused coolers.
- Reliance on NZXT CAM software for all display and fan controls, which some users prefer to avoid.
- The single breakout cable, while simplifying connections, still needs to be routed and hidden for a clean build.
Ownership Tips
- The LCD screen remains vibrant and clear even after extended use, with no reported dead pixels or flickering.
- NZXT CAM software updates regularly, sometimes introducing new features or improving stability.
- The pre-applied thermal paste is sufficient for initial use, but some users eventually re-paste with their preferred compound.
- The RGB lighting on the fans and pump cap syncs well with other NZXT components, creating a cohesive look.
- The Zero RPM fan mode genuinely keeps the system silent during web browsing or light tasks, only spinning up under load.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets is this cooler compatible with?
It's compatible with a wide range of Intel sockets including LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115X, as well as AMD sockets AM5 and AM4.
Does it come with thermal paste pre-applied?
Yes, the cooler comes with thermal paste pre-applied to the cold plate, simplifying the installation process.
Can I display custom images or GIFs on the screen?
Absolutely, the 2.72-inch IPS LCD allows you to display your favorite GIFs, images, real-time system performance, and even integrate with services like Spotify and YouTube.
How quiet is this cooler?
The NZXT Turbine pump is designed for low-noise operation, and the fans feature a Zero RPM Mode, allowing them to shut off completely during low CPU loads for silent performance. The maximum fan noise is 30 dB.
What is the warranty period for this product?
The NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB 2024 comes with a 6-year warranty covering both parts and labor.
Buying Guide
When looking at an AIO liquid cooler like this, you're essentially buying a self-contained cooling system for your CPU. It moves heat away from your processor to a radiator, where fans then dissipate that heat. The radiator size (like this 240mm one) indicates how much surface area is available for cooling, and the pump is the heart of the system, circulating the liquid. The display here is a major aesthetic feature, letting you personalize your build beyond just RGB.
240mm Radiator
This refers to the size of the heat exchanger. A 240mm radiator is a common size that fits in most mid-tower cases and offers a good balance of cooling performance for many modern CPUs without being overly bulky. Think of it like the size of the cooling fins in your car's radiator – bigger usually means more cooling capacity.
2.72-inch IPS LCD (640x640, 690 cd/m²)
This is the screen on the CPU block. The '2.72-inch' is its physical size, 'IPS' means it has wide viewing angles and accurate colors, '640x640' is its resolution, making images and text look sharp, and '690 cd/m²' is its brightness, meaning it will be very visible even in well-lit rooms. It's like having a tiny, bright, high-resolution monitor on your CPU.
NZXT Turbine Pump
This is the engine that circulates the cooling liquid. A custom-designed pump like the Turbine pump aims for both high flow rate (how much liquid moves) and head pressure (how much force it can push the liquid with), which translates directly to how effectively it can pull heat away from your CPU. A more efficient pump means better cooling and often quieter operation.
Zero RPM Mode
This feature means the radiator fans can completely stop spinning when your CPU is under light load or cool enough. It's important because it allows for completely silent operation during tasks like web browsing or watching videos, only engaging the fans when more cooling is actually needed.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't fit your needs, consider searching for AIOs with a larger radiator size (e.g., 360mm) for maximum thermal headroom, or a non-LCD AIO if you want to save money and don't care about the display. Look for models with a longer warranty period or a different software ecosystem if NZXT CAM isn't for you.
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