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
A 280mm AIO liquid cooler with a 1.54" square LCD and 2 x F140P fans, designed for users prioritizing customizable aesthetics and efficient cooling for modern AMD and Intel CPUs.
This AIO is a strong fit for enthusiasts and gamers who want a balance of cooling performance and aesthetic customization. Its 280mm radiator and NZXT Turbine pump deliver cooling capacity for modern CPUs, while the 1.54" LCD screen offers unique personalization options.
If the LCD screen is less critical, look for a 280mm AIO without a display to potentially save money, or consider a 360mm radiator for even greater thermal headroom.
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Pros
- NZXT Turbine pump delivers high flow and head pressure for efficient cooling.
- Customizable 1.54" square LCD displays real-time system temps, GIFs, or web integrations via NZXT CAM software.
- F140P static pressure fans move 93.20 CFM of air with 4.45 mm H₂O static pressure.
- Zero RPM Mode allows fans to stop completely at low loads for silent operation.
- Installation is simplified with pre-applied thermal paste and a single breakout cable from the pump cap.
- Supports a wide range of current CPU sockets, including AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1851.
Cons
- Some users report pump gurgling or grinding noises, especially when not running at 100% speed.
- The 1.54" LCD screen, while functional, has a 240x240 resolution and 30 Hz refresh rate, which is less advanced than higher-end models.
- NZXT CAM software is required for full customization and control, which some users find debatable.
- Some users have experienced reliability issues with fans and pump speeds after reboots.
Dimension Scores
The NZXT Turbine pump, 280mm radiator, and F140P fans with 4.45 mm H₂O static pressure provide above-average cooling, keeping CPUs below 80°C under heavy loads.
While F140P fans are rated at 30.00 dBA and offer Zero RPM mode, some users report audible pump gurgling, which prevents a higher score.
Constructed with plastic, aluminum, metal, and glass, featuring reinforced rubber tubing with nylon-braided sleeving and a 6-year warranty, indicating solid construction.
The single breakout cable from the pump cap significantly streamlines cable routing compared to AIOs with multiple individual cables.
Best For
- PC builders needing efficient CPU cooling for high-performance AMD AM5 or Intel LGA 1851 processors.
- Users who want to personalize their build with a customizable LCD screen displaying system stats or animated visuals.
- Gaming setups where quiet operation at low loads is desired, thanks to Zero RPM fan mode.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious builders who don't need an LCD screen or advanced software control.
- Users sensitive to potential pump noise at varying speeds.
- Those seeking the absolute highest-resolution or largest integrated display on an AIO.
Watch Out For
- Pump noise: Multiple users report audible gurgling or grinding from the pump, particularly when the pump speed isn't set to maximum.
- Software dependency: Full control and customization of the LCD and fan/pump speeds are locked behind NZXT CAM software, which can be a point of contention for some users.
- Reliability concerns: A few users have noted issues with fan and pump speeds behaving inconsistently after system reboots.
- Air block potential: One user reported an air block in their system after about a year of use, leading to thermal throttling.
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 most surprising feedback is the recurring complaint about pump noise, with users reporting gurgling or grinding sounds if the pump isn't running at full speed, which contradicts the 'low-noise cooling' claim. Despite this, many users praise its cooling capabilities, with some seeing CPU temperatures below 80°C even during intense gaming sessions. The customizable 1.54" LCD screen is a major draw, allowing for personalized system monitoring and aesthetics, though its 240x240 resolution isn't top-tier. Installation is frequently cited as straightforward due to pre-applied thermal paste and a single cable design.
“Dude, this thing actually keeps my Ryzen 7 chill even when I'm pushing it, but seriously, the pump makes this weird gurgling sound if I don't crank it up, which is kinda annoying after spending this much. The screen is cool though, I got my dog's GIF on it.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures below 80°C even during heavy gaming loads.
- The 1.54" square LCD screen is highly customizable for displaying system stats or personal GIFs.
- Installation is straightforward with pre-applied thermal paste and a single breakout cable.
- Zero RPM fan mode provides silent operation during low CPU utilization.
- Aesthetically pleasing design with clean lines and customizable display.
Common Complaints
- Pump can produce gurgling or grinding noises if not set to 100% speed.
- NZXT CAM software is mandatory for full control and customization, which some users dislike.
- Some users report inconsistent fan and pump speeds after system reboots.
- The LCD screen's 240x240 resolution is not as sharp as higher-end AIO displays.
Ownership Tips
- You'll spend some time tweaking fan and pump curves in NZXT CAM to find a balance between noise and cooling performance, especially to mitigate pump noise.
- The LCD screen is a fun gimmick, but you might find yourself sticking to just system temps after the initial novelty wears off.
- Cable management is genuinely easier than other AIOs because of that single breakout cable, which is a blessing in a tight build.
- Keep an eye on pump performance over time; some users have reported issues like air blocks developing after a year or so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets does the NZXT 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, and 115X.
Can I customize the LCD screen on the pump?
Yes, the 1.54" square LCD screen is fully customizable through NZXT CAM software, allowing you to display real-time system temperatures, animated GIFs, custom images, or web integrations like Spotify and YouTube.
Does it come with thermal paste pre-applied?
Yes, the NZXT Kraken Plus 280 comes with thermal paste pre-applied to the cold plate, simplifying the installation process.
How quiet are the fans?
The included F140P fans have a noise level of 30.00 dBA at maximum speed. Additionally, they feature a Zero RPM Mode that stops the fans completely at low CPU loads for silent operation.
What software is used to control the cooler?
The NZXT CAM software is used to monitor temperatures, customize the LCD display, and control fan and pump speeds.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO liquid cooler like this, you're basically getting a self-contained water cooling loop for your CPU. It's designed to pull heat away from your processor more efficiently than air coolers, especially under heavy loads. You need to make sure your PC case has enough space for the 280mm radiator and its two 140mm fans.
280mm Radiator
This is the size of the heat exchanger. A larger radiator, like 280mm, generally means more surface area to dissipate heat, leading to better cooling performance compared to smaller options like 240mm, especially for hotter CPUs.
NZXT Turbine pump
The pump circulates the coolant. A high-performance pump, like the Turbine pump engineered for high flow and head pressure, means the coolant moves quickly and effectively, transferring heat away from your CPU more efficiently.
F140P Static Pressure Fans
These fans are specifically designed to push air through restrictive objects like radiator fins. High static pressure (4.45 mm H₂O here) means they can force air through the dense radiator effectively, which is crucial for optimal heat dissipation.
1.54" Square LCD
This isn't just for looks; it can display real-time system temperatures, allowing you to monitor your CPU's health at a glance without needing to open software. It also adds a layer of personalization to your build.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't fit your needs, consider searching for a 360mm AIO for maximum cooling capacity, or a 240mm AIO if case space is limited. If the LCD screen isn't a priority, look for AIOs without integrated displays to potentially find more budget-friendly options.
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