CPU coolers / Compare

Noctua NL-LC1-36 vs NZXT Kraken Plus 280

A

Product A: Noctua

NL-LC1-36

29 of 54 known

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B

Product B: NZXT

Kraken Plus 280

31 of 54 known

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Only differences

ANoctua NL-LC1-36

BNZXT Kraken Plus 280

General

8 of 12 differ

Series

NL-LC18Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026Review text calls it Noctua's first all-in-one cooler. The NL-LC1 family has 240, 360 and 420 mm models.

Kraken Plus1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026The page is titled Kraken Plus 280 and its family selector reads Plus, 1.54 inch LCD. The non-RGB model, not the Plus RGB. NZXT sells no RGB Kraken Plus 280.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

NL-LC1-368Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026Spec tables: model Noctua NL-LC1-36.

RL-KN280-B21Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Product info: RL-KN280-B2 (Black).

GTIN / EAN

90100180005592Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Copy of Noctua's comparison table, EAN barcode row: 9010018000559 for the NL-LC1-36. Watercooling UK and Vedant Computers print the same EAN. Vedant also prints UPC 841501100550, which only that shop lists and is not stored.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026EAN 9010018000559 (the shop also lists UPC 841501100550).5Retailer pagealternate.de/Noctua/NL-LC1-36-Wasserk%C3%BChlung/html/product/100205723Read 14 October 2026EAN 9010018000559.

5056547205205, 8100748452981Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Product info: UPC 810074845298 (Black), EAN 5056547205205 (Black).

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

3 June 202613Press articletomshardware.com/pc-components/liquid-cooling/noctuas-first-ever-aio-features-a-silenced-asetek-emma-v2-pump-and-nf-a12-14-fans-240mm-nl-lc1-starts-at-usd250-goes-up-to-usd325-for-420mm-coolerRead 14 October 2026Article of 3 June 2026: at Computex 2026 the company officially unveiled the NL-LC1 and its name. A first look was shown in 2025.

Not available

Status

Available12Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026QuietPC lists the NL-LC1-36 at EUR 213.97 on the access date, and igor'sLAB's price table of mid-July 2026 shows 249.90 euro at German shops.

Available1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026On sale on nzxt.com at $159.99 on the access date.5Press articlehardcoregamer.com/nzxt-launches-four-new-pc-componentsRead 15 October 2026The article says the components are available now. nzxt.com still lists the 280 at the same price.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$249.911Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-reveals-its-nllc1-aio-series-with-advanced-acoustic-designRead 14 October 2026Series table: NL-LC1-36 $249.90. Tom's Hardware's review prints an MSRP of $249.99, which is not used.12Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026NL-LC1-36 priced at $249.90. US prices exclude tax.

$159.991Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026The page price is $159.99. The same price is in the May 2025 launch article. US prices exclude tax.5Press articlehardcoregamer.com/nzxt-launches-four-new-pc-componentsRead 15 October 2026Kraken Plus 280 $159.99. US prices exclude tax.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€249.911Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-reveals-its-nllc1-aio-series-with-advanced-acoustic-designRead 14 October 2026Series table: NL-LC1-36 EUR 249.90. PCGH and Geektopia print 250 euro and 249.90 euro.12Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026NL-LC1-36 priced at EUR 249.90.15Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Wasserkuehlung-Hardware-217994/News/Noctua-NL-LC1-AIO-Prices-Release-Pump-dampening-1541270Read 14 October 2026Recommended price 250 euro for the NL-LC1-36.

€169.996Press articlegeektopia.es/es/technology/2025/05/21/noticias/nzxt-anuncia-la-serie-kraken-plus-de-refrigeraciones-liquidas.htmlRead 15 October 2026Price list in euros: Kraken Plus 280 169.99 EUR. The article names no country. A Spanish site, so it is read as the EU price including VAT. Hardware & Co shows 169.90 EUR in its spec table on 24 May 2025. The 169.99 figure is the one stored.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

Not available

US, EU5Press articlehardcoregamer.com/nzxt-launches-four-new-pc-componentsRead 15 October 2026USD pricing for the US.6Press articlegeektopia.es/es/technology/2025/05/21/noticias/nzxt-anuncia-la-serie-kraken-plus-de-refrigeraciones-liquidas.htmlRead 15 October 2026EUR pricing next to the USD pricing of the US launch.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black & Brown14Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/liquid-cooling/noctua-nl-lc1-36-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: Colors Black & Brown.

Black1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026

Cooler typeiAir is a heatsink with fans that sits on the CPU. AIO liquid is a sealed all-in-one liquid cooler with a pump block, tubes and a radiator.

AIO liquid8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026

AIO liquid1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026

Air cooler layoutiAir coolers only. Top-flow covers low-profile coolers whose fan blows down onto the board.

Not available

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Rated TDP (claimed)iThe heat load the maker says the cooler handles. Makers do not share one test method, so this is not a measured result. A maker's maximum heat dissipation power counts. Check the maker's CPU compatibility page too.

250W2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Maximum TDP row: up to 250 W for the NL-LC1-36 (200 W for the 240 and 275 W for the 420).

Not available

Base materialiThe surface that touches the CPU: the heatsink base or the AIO cold plate. Plating counts, so nickel-plated copper is not copper. Direct-touch heat pipes are the contact surface, so they count as copper unless plating is stated. The direct-contact heat pipes field records the design.

Copper2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Cold plate copper CU1100 (99.95% purity), 55.5 x 55.5 mm, skived fin micro channels. No plating is stated.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 20268Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026

Copper1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Tech specs: cold plate material copper, a 56 x 56 mm split-flow plate.

Thermal pasteiPre-applied means paste is already on the base or cold plate. Included means a separate tube or syringe in the box.

Included8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026A full tube of NT-H2 is in the box.12Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026

Pre-applied1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Overview: pre-applied thermal paste.9Reviewginjfo.com/dossiers/tests-materiel/composants/refroidissement/watercooling-aio/test-kraken-plus-280-de-nzxt-20260916Read 15 October 2026Thermal paste is pre-applied on the copper base.

Compatibility

2 of 3 differ

CPU socketsiSockets the maker lists as supported in its spec table, compatibility list or guide, written as cpu_socket writes them, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851. List each socket on its own, so LGA115x becomes LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156. When the maker names the sockets of such a family, list only the ones it names. A socket that needs a separately sold or requested mounting kit is left out. A new socket that the maker lists with no extra kit counts. LGA2011-v3 and 2011(V3) are written LGA2011-3. Threadripper sockets use AMD's names, so TR4 is written sTR4 and TR5 is written sTR5. sTRX4 and sWRX8 are sockets of their own.

AM5, AM4, LGA1954, LGA1851, LGA17002Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Socket compatibility: AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1954. Computer Lounge and IgorsLab print the same list. The launch coverage in Guru3D, KitGuru and Tom's Hardware names only AM5, AM4, LGA1700 and LGA1851.3Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-lc1-360mm-silent-aio-cpu-liquid-coolerRead 14 October 2026Spec row lists AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851 and LGA1954.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 20268Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 202615Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Wasserkuehlung-Hardware-217994/News/Noctua-NL-LC1-AIO-Prices-Release-Pump-dampening-1541270Read 14 October 2026Noctua lists AM5, AM4, LGA1700 and LGA1851 at launch. Older Intel sockets need optional kits. LGA1954 is on the spec pages of the shops listed above.

AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Tech specs: Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200 and 115X, AMD AM5 and AM4. 115X is stored as LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156 by the plan rule. The FAQ says mounting hardware for all of them is in the box.3Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Component list: Intel 1851/1700 and 1200/115X standoffs, AMD AM5/AM4 retention bracket and standoffs.

RAM height clearanceiAir coolers only. The tallest memory module that fits under the cooler with all included fans in their standard position. When the maker gives different values per socket, store the lowest and name the others in the source note. A heatsink that does not reach over the memory slots has no height limit, so the field is left out and the maker's statement goes in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Offset mountingiThe included mount can shift the base or cold plate off the socket centre, for example toward the AM5 hotspot. An asymmetric heatsink on a centred base does not count.

Yes7Owner's manualserverflow.ru/upload/iblock/616/130v3y3r3wb8j5l1rwkqk48yv245xlqz/%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B4%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%20%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B5%20Noctua%20NL-LC1-36.pdfRead 14 October 2026A reseller's copy of Noctua's NL-LC1 installation manual (the 360 mm model is the example). On AM5 and Ryzen 5000/3000 AM4 CPUs choose the -7 mm offset hole position. On 24- and 20-core LGA1851 CPUs use the +3.7 mm offset with a sideways shift. The standard position is 0.14Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/liquid-cooling/noctua-nl-lc1-36-reviewRead 14 October 2026Both the AMD and Intel mounting brackets come with 7 mm offset holes, which Tom's Hardware used on its Ryzen test bench.15Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Wasserkuehlung-Hardware-217994/News/Noctua-NL-LC1-AIO-Prices-Release-Pump-dampening-1541270Read 14 October 2026Offset mounting options for AM5 and LGA1851 are included to shift the cooler closer to the CPU hotspot.

Not available

Heatsink

None of 3 known

Heat pipesiAir coolers only. Number of heat pipes. A U-shaped pipe with two ends in the fins counts as one. A T-shaped pipe with three ends, such as Cooler Master's 3DHP, also counts as one. The maker's count wins over a review or Cybenetics count.

Not available

Not available

Heat pipe diameteriAir coolers only. Outer diameter, such as 6 or 8.

Not available

Not available

Direct-contact heat pipesiAir coolers only. The heat pipes touch the CPU directly instead of sitting in a solid base plate.

Not available

Not available

Liquid cooling

6 of 7 differ

Radiator sizeiAIO coolers only. The nominal size class from the fan positions, such as 240, 280, 360 or 420.

360mm2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026

280mm1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Cooler type: liquid AIO, 280 mm radiator, with two 140 mm fans.

Radiator dimensionsiRadiator without fans. Length runs along the row of fans. Width runs across it. Thickness is the depth the airflow passes through, such as 27 or 38.

Length399.5Width120Thickness30mm(15.7 × 4.7 × 1.2 in)2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Radiator size 399.5 x 120 x 30 mm. Guru3D and KitGuru round it to 400 x 120 x 30 mm. Stored as length 399.5, width 120, thickness 30.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026Radiator size 399.5 x 120 x 30 mm.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026

Length321Width140Thickness27mm(12.6 × 5.5 × 1.1 in)1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Tech specs: radiator 321 x 140 x 27 mm (12.6 x 5.5 x 1.1 in), aluminum. Length runs along the two fans, so 321 is the length, 140 the width and 27 the thickness. The FAQ adds 25 mm of fan thickness.7Reviewhardwareand.co/dossiers/refroidissement/nzxt-sort-ses-kraken-plus-le-280-est-en-test-sur-h-coRead 15 October 2026Aluminium radiator of 321 mm length, 140 mm width and 27 mm thickness.

Radiator material

Aluminium2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Fins, tubes and channels aluminium, frame steel.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 20268Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026

Aluminium1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026

Tube lengthiLength of each tube between the pump block and the radiator, as published. When the two tubes differ, the shorter is stored and the other goes in the source note.

410mm4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026Tube length 410 mm, EPDM braided. Alternate.de and Geektopia list 400 mm. This copy of the maker's spec, igor'sLAB, Guru3D and KitGuru list 410 mm, which is stored.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026Hoses and coolant table: hose length 410 mm.10Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026Spec block: tubing length 410 mm.

400mm1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Tech specs: tubing length 400 mm, CIIR rubber with nylon braided sleeve. Both tubes are given one length.7Reviewhardwareand.co/dossiers/refroidissement/nzxt-sort-ses-kraken-plus-le-280-est-en-test-sur-h-coRead 15 October 2026Review text: 400 mm of sheathed tubes.

Max pump speediHighest rated pump speed. When the maker gives a range, this is its top.

3,400rpm2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Max rotational speed 3400 rpm in manual mode (2600 balanced, 2100 quiet, 750 at 0% and 20% PWM). Tom's Hardware prints 3700 rpm in its text, which is the 3400 rpm rating plus the 10% tolerance and is not used.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 202610Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026Spec block: pump speed 750 to 3400 rpm (+/- 10%) at maximum in manual mode.

2,800rpm1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026NZXT Turbine pump, motor speed 1,200 - 2,800 +/-300 RPM, 12 V DC 0.3 A. The rated top of 2,800 is stored.4Maker product pagenzxt.com/blogs/news/nzxt-kraken-aio-coolers-explained-elite-plus-and-coreRead 15 October 2026Kraken Plus pump 1,200 to 2,800 RPM, adjustable.7Reviewhardwareand.co/dossiers/refroidissement/nzxt-sort-ses-kraken-plus-le-280-est-en-test-sur-h-coRead 15 October 2026NZXT Turbine pump running between 1200 and 2800 rpm.9Reviewginjfo.com/dossiers/tests-materiel/composants/refroidissement/watercooling-aio/test-kraken-plus-280-de-nzxt-20260916Read 15 October 2026The pump speed is adjustable from 1200 to 2800 rpm.

Pump power connectoriHow the pump gets power. A pump wired through a supplied hub or cable uses the plug at the motherboard or PSU end. A pump powered from SATA with a separate 3-pin speed lead is SATA power.

4-pin PWM fan header2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Pump connector type 4-pin PWM, cable length 500 mm.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 20267Owner's manualserverflow.ru/upload/iblock/616/130v3y3r3wb8j5l1rwkqk48yv245xlqz/%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B4%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%20%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B5%20Noctua%20NL-LC1-36.pdfRead 14 October 2026Step 5: connect the pump to the motherboard's pump or CPU fan header, set to PWM control. The three fans connect through the supplied splitter cable to another fan header.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 202610Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026

SATA power3Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Hardware introduction lists the breakout cable set with an 18-pin connector, a 3-pin pump connector, an 8-pin female connector, a pump SATA power connector and a USB connector. Powering the pump: the pump SATA power connector goes to a PSU SATA power connector, and the 3-pin pump connector goes to the CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP header. A note says the fan-fail warning may need disabling if CPU_FAN is unused, so the 3-pin plug carries the pump speed signal. GinjFo also says a SATA connector is needed for power. The pump is powered through SATA, so sata_power is the closest option.9Reviewginjfo.com/dossiers/tests-materiel/composants/refroidissement/watercooling-aio/test-kraken-plus-280-de-nzxt-20260916Read 15 October 2026A SATA connector is needed for power and a USB 2.0 header for CAM.

VRM faniA small fan on the pump block that blows over the motherboard voltage regulators.

No8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026The NL-ACF1 auxiliary fan is optional and sold separately, so the cooler as sold has no VRM fan.

Not available

Fans

2 of 2 differ

Included fansiFans in the box that cool the heatsink or radiator, one row per fan model. A VRM fan on the pump block is left out. Speed, airflow, pressure and noise are the maker's figures for one fan at full speed, in the fastest mode and without a low-noise adapter. When a range is published, the top of the range is stored. Count is the number of rotors, so a unified frame with three 120 mm rotors counts 3 with size 120. Min speed is the lowest speed while spinning. A zero RPM stop is not stored. FDB and S-FDB are fluid dynamic. HDB is hydrodynamic. Cooler Master's Loop Dynamic Bearing is loop dynamic. If the maker gives airflow only in m³/h, convert with 1 m³/h = 0.5886 CFM, round to one decimal and say so in the source note. Connector is the fan's power lead. A separate lighting lead is not counted, and a maker cable or adapter in the box that ends in a 4-pin PWM plug counts as 4-pin PWM, even when the fan's own lead is proprietary. For an air cooler with one fan, the maker's noise figure for the cooler is the fan noise. A figure the maker does not label per fan or in total counts as per fan. When a maker table prints noise for the whole cooler with no per-fan label and the maker's own data sheet for the same fan gives a figure, the fan data sheet figure is stored.

ANoctua NL-LC1-36

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
NF-A12x25 G2 PWM	120	3	1,800	63.2	3.14	22.5	SSO or SSO2	4-pin PWM

Source2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Fan table: NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, 120 x 120 x 25 mm, speed range 0 to 1800 rpm, airflow 63.2 CFM, max noise 22.5 dB(A), static pressure 3.14 mmH2O, 4-pin PWM. Airflow (max.) is 63.2 CFM in the maker's table. Other copies of the maker's spec give 107.3 m3/h (63.15 CFM). The 0 rpm minimum is a stop and is not stored.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026Copy of the maker's spec: NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, 107.3 m3/h (63.15 CFM), 22.5 dB(A), 3.14 mmH2O, speed range 0 to 1800 rpm.5Retailer pagealternate.de/Noctua/NL-LC1-36-Wasserk%C3%BChlung/html/product/100205723Read 14 October 2026Spec rows: fan noise 22.5 dB, 1,800 rpm, fan bearing SSO 2, airflow 107.3 m3/h, pressure up to 3.14 mmH2O, three NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fans in a PPA/PPB version.6Retailer pagejbhifi.com.au/products/noctua-120mm-nf-a12x25-g2-sx2-pp-pwm-fan-2-packRead 14 October 2026The standalone NF-A12x25 G2 PWM PPA and PPB fans are the fan model of the NL-LC1-36. Their spec table gives an SSO2 bearing, 1800 rpm (+/- 10%), 107.3 m3/h, 22.5 dB(A) and 3.14 mmH2O without the low-noise adaptor, which the cooler does not include.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026Fan table copied from the maker's page: 3 x NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 0 to 1,800 rpm, 107.3 m3/h, 3.14 mmH2O, 22.5 dB(A), 4-pin PWM. The three fans run in a PPA/PPB/PPA configuration with a slightly different speed on the middle unit.10Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026Spec block: NF-A12x25 G2, 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 0 to 1800 rpm, 63.15 CFM, 3.14 mmH2O, 22.5 dB(A) per fan, 4-pin PWM.

BNZXT Kraken Plus 280

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
F140P Static Pressure Fan	140	2	500	1,700	93.2	4.45	30	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	4-pin PWM

Source1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Included fan specs for the F140P Static Pressure Fan: 2 individual fans, 140 x 140 x 25 mm, 500 - 1,700 +/-170 RPM, 93.2 CFM, 4.45 mmH2O, 30.0 dBA, fluid dynamic bearing, 4-pin PWM, 0.23 A at 12 V. The FAQ says each fan is rated 30.00 dBA at full speed. Zero RPM Mode stops the fans at low loads.3Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026The F Series static pressure fan has a 4-pin PWM fan cable. The fan splitter cable has an 8-pin male plug for the breakout cable and 4-pin PWM headers for the fans.7Reviewhardwareand.co/dossiers/refroidissement/nzxt-sort-ses-kraken-plus-le-280-est-en-test-sur-h-coRead 15 October 2026Two F140P fans running between 500 and 1700 rpm, 158.3 m3/h (93.2 CFM) and 4.45 mmH2O.

FansiNumber of included heatsink or radiator fans.

3=CalculatedFrom Included fans

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

5 of 7 differ

RGB lightingiLighting on the fans, the heatsink or the pump block.

No8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026No RGB lighting.

No1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026The F140P fan spec lists LED quantity 0. The overview sentence about RGB fans is shared text from the RGB models and is not followed.4Maker product pagenzxt.com/blogs/news/nzxt-kraken-aio-coolers-explained-elite-plus-and-coreRead 15 October 2026Lineup table: RGB on the fans only for Kraken Plus RGB. The non-RGB 240, 280 and 360 have no RGB fans.

Lighting standardiThe named lighting connection. ARGB lighting alone does not prove a 5 V header. Proprietary means the maker's own hub or cable system.

Not available

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Built-in screeniA screen on the pump block or the heatsink. LCD and OLED screens show images. A segment readout shows digits only, such as the CPU temperature.

None8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026No display on the pump cover.

LCD1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Display: transmissive TFT, 262K colours, 30 Hz, 300 cd/m2, software-adjustable orientation.4Maker product pagenzxt.com/blogs/news/nzxt-kraken-aio-coolers-explained-elite-plus-and-coreRead 15 October 2026Kraken Plus has a square 1.54-inch TFT LCD, 240 x 240, 30 Hz.

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the built-in screen.

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1.54in(3.9 cm)1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Diagonal 39.1 mm (1.5 in) in the spec table. The overview and FAQ say 1.54 inch, and 39.1 mm is 1.54 in.

Screen resolution

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240 × 240px1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026240 x 240 px.

SoftwareiThe maker's software for lighting, the screen or the pump. Software that works with the cooler out of the box. Software that needs a separately sold controller is left out.

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NZXT CAM1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026The overview says the display, fan and pump curves are controlled with NZXT CAM.

Needs a USB headeriThe cooler needs an internal USB 2.0 header on the motherboard for software control, sensors or the screen. A wireless receiver that plugs into any USB port does not count.

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Yes3Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Powering the pump and fans: connect the USB connector to an available USB 2.0 internal header on the motherboard.9Reviewginjfo.com/dossiers/tests-materiel/composants/refroidissement/watercooling-aio/test-kraken-plus-280-de-nzxt-20260916Read 15 October 2026A USB 2.0 motherboard header is needed for customisation through CAM.

Measured

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Cybenetics THETA, AMD AM5iThe THETA level for this cooler's class on the Cybenetics AMD AM5 platform with a Ryzen 9 7900X. It is rated at 30 dB(A) normalized noise, or at 25 dB(A) for a cooler that cannot reach 30 dB(A). No level means tested without a level. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

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Cybenetics THETA, Intel LGA1851iThe same rating on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform with a Core Ultra 9 285K. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

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Overall performance at 30 dB(A), AM5 (measured)iThe Cybenetics Overall Performance score at 30 dB(A) normalized noise on the AMD AM5 platform. It is average CPU power times average CPU frequency divided by average CPU temperature. Higher is better. A cooler rated only at 25 dB(A) has no value here.

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Overall performance at 30 dB(A), LGA1851 (measured)iThe same score on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform. Scores from the two platforms are not comparable with each other.

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Noise at 100% fan setting (Cybenetics)iThe Cybenetics noise at the 100% fan setting, measured 1 m from the cooler in a hemi-anechoic chamber, with the pump of an AIO at full speed. Other reviewers' noise goes in the thermal test rows.

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Thermal tests (measured)iReviewer results, one row per test condition. Rows compare only when the test CPU, load, power and noise level match. The source note names the reviewer, ambient temperature, case or open bench, and thermal paste. Test CPU is the CPU name only, such as AMD Ryzen 9 7900X. The power limit and mode go in the load. Above ambient is stored only when the reviewer publishes it, never computed from the ambient.

ANoctua NL-LC1-36

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	Above ambient (°C)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	CPU stress at a fixed CPU power, power level as published	100	40 dB(A) at 40 cm, radiator fans 96% PWM (1650 rpm), pump 100%	40	25
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	CPU stress at a fixed CPU power, power level as published	200	40 dB(A) at 40 cm, radiator fans 96% PWM (1650 rpm), pump 100%	40	59
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	CPU stress at a fixed CPU power, power level as published	100	100% PWM (1730 rpm), pump 100%	40.5	25
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	CPU stress at a fixed CPU power, power level as published	200	100% PWM (1730 rpm), pump 100%	40.5	58
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X	Cinebench R23 30-minute loop, manual overclock 5.2 GHz all cores at 1.3 V, steady-state	Not available	100%	41	59
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X	Cinebench R23 30-minute loop, manual overclock 5.2 GHz all cores at 1.3 V, steady-state	Not available	40 dB(A)	40	62

Source9Measurementigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aio/3Read 14 October 2026igor'sLAB: Ryzen 9 7900X on an ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero, open bench, Windows 11. Temperature is the CPU Die (Average) sensor in HWiNFO minus the room temperature. The room is not air-conditioned and its temperature is not stated. Noise is a Voltcraft SL-10 at 40 cm from the centre of the pump and radiator fans in a room of 30.4 dB(A). The 40 dB(A) run needed 96% PWM (1650 rpm) on the fans and 100% PWM on the pump. The 100% run reached 1730 rpm and 40.5 dB(A). The text gives the temperatures as 'around' 25, 59, 25 and 58 K and the charts were hidden, so these are rounded. A third power step at about 42 K (41 K at full speed) has no stated power and is not stored. The stress software and the paste are not named. The text says the same paste was used for every cooler.10Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026KitGuru: Ryzen 9 9950X on an ASRock X870E Nova WiFi, open bench, Arctic MX-6, 30-minute Cinebench R23 loop with all-core 5.2 GHz at 1.3 V, steady-state temperature minus an ambient of 19 to 20 C. Fans at 100% gave 59 C over ambient and 41 dBA. The 40 dBA run gave 62 C over ambient. The CPU power and the noise distance are not stated. A PBO run (62 C over ambient, average clock 52.5x) names no fan setting and is not stored.

BNZXT Kraken Plus 280

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	CPU temperature (°C)	Above ambient (°C)
Intel Core i7-14700K	OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, 30 min pass, max temperature of the pass, CPU set to the 65 W profile, LGA1700	65	PWM	32	Not available	18.2
Intel Core i7-14700K	OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, 30 min pass, max temperature of the pass, CPU set to the 65 W profile, LGA1700	65	100%	44	Not available	14.3
Intel Core i7-14700K	OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, 30 min pass, max temperature of the pass, CPU set to the 65 W profile, LGA1700	65	50%	33.2	Not available	14.9
Intel Core i7-14700K	OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, 30 min pass, max temperature of the pass, CPU set to the 181 W profile, LGA1700	181	PWM	35.3	Not available	37.1
Intel Core i7-14700K	OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, 30 min pass, max temperature of the pass, CPU set to the 181 W profile, LGA1700	181	100%	44	Not available	35.7
Intel Core i7-14700K	OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, 30 min pass, max temperature of the pass, CPU set to the 181 W profile, LGA1700	181	50%	33.2	Not available	37.9
Intel Core i7-14700K	OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, 30 min pass, max temperature of the pass, CPU set to the 253 W profile, LGA1700	253	PWM	38.5	Not available	53.7
Intel Core i7-14700K	OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, 30 min pass, max temperature of the pass, CPU set to the 253 W profile, LGA1700	253	100%	44	Not available	50.8
Intel Core i7-14700K	OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, 30 min pass, max temperature of the pass, CPU set to the 253 W profile, LGA1700	253	50%	33.2	Not available	53.9
Intel Core i9-13900K	Open bench, package power held at 330 W, cooler at full potential, temperature read with Intel XTU, the CPU throttled	330	100%	Not available	100	Not available
Intel Core i9-13900K	Open bench, fans and pump raised in 10% steps to maximum, noise read with a sound meter 25 cm in front of the radiator	Not available	100%	52.6	Not available	Not available

Source8Measurementhardwareand.co/dossiers/refroidissement/nzxt-sort-ses-kraken-plus-le-280-est-en-test-sur-h-coRead 15 October 2026Hardware & Co, review of 24 May 2025. Platform LGA1700 with a Core i7-14700K on an Asus TUF Z790-BTF Wifi, Corsair Vengeance 6200 MT/s, RTX 3070 at 0 rpm, Noctua NT-H2 paste, Windows 11, OCCT 12.1.18 CPU-only, Open Hardware Monitor 0.9.6 and Core Temp 1.18.1. The CPU was set to 65, 181 and 253 W. Each cooler ran in PWM mode, at 100% and at 50%. After a 30 minute pass the highest temperature of the pass is shown as Delta T, the difference to the ambient air. The ambient value, the case or open bench and the PWM curve are not stated. Fan speed and noise were logged during the three runs, with a sound meter 50 cm from the cooler. The noise unit is printed as dB and the weighting is not stated, so the values are stored as dB(A). The 100% and 50% noise figures are one value per setting in the chart, so they repeat in every power row. The text gives 38.5 dB for the 253 W PWM run and 44 dB at 100%.9Reviewginjfo.com/dossiers/tests-materiel/composants/refroidissement/watercooling-aio/test-kraken-plus-280-de-nzxt-20260916Read 15 October 2026GinjFo, review of 16 September 2026. Core i9-13900K on an ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, open air, temperature from Intel XTU. Package power was held at set values up to 330 W with every cooler at full potential. The Kraken Plus 280 covers the CPU up to 280 W. At 330 W the CPU hit thermal throttling and the temperature reached 100 C. The chart values are not in the text. Noise was read with a sound meter 25 cm in front of the radiator while fans and pump rose in 10% steps. It ranges from 32.1 to 52.6 dBA, and passes 52 dBA at full speed. The pump alone at full speed is 39 dBA, which is not stored.

Dimensions and weight

None of 4 known

DimensionsiAir coolers only. The cooler with its included fans in the standard position, without the mounting kit. Height runs from the bottom of the base to the top. Depth runs along the airflow, fans included. Width runs across the fins. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160.

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Heatsink dimensionsiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans, as the maker lists it. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160. A heatsink depth that equals the depth with fans includes the fan, so that axis is not stored.

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WeightiAn air cooler with its included fans. An AIO cooler as one unit with pump block, tubes, radiator and fans. Mounting hardware is left out when the maker states it separately. When one maker figure may include the mounting kit, such as a press release net weight above the product page figure, the product page figure is stored. An RGB edition can weigh a little more or less, so it is per variant.

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Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

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In the box

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In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

NL-LC1-36 closed-loop liquid cooler with NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber, Metal Noctua logo faceplate, 3x NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fans with speed-offset (PPA/PPB/PPA), 3x NA-AVG1 anti-vibration gaskets (pre-installed), NA-SC1 3-way splitter cable, NA-EC1 30cm extension cable, Fan and radiator mounting screws (Torx® T20), SecuFirm2+™ multi-socket mounting system with offset options for AMD AM5/AM4 and Intel LGA1851/1700, NM-SD1 Torx® T20 screwdriver, NT-H2 thermal compound, NA-CW1 cleaning wipe, NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard for AMD AM5, Noctua metal case badge3Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-lc1-360mm-silent-aio-cpu-liquid-coolerRead 14 October 2026Scope of delivery as printed, with the Torx and trademark signs as in the listing.

Kraken Plus 280 x1, Intel Backplate x1, Intel Retention Bracket (pre-installed) x1, Intel Socket 1851/1700 Standoff x4, Intel Socket 1200/115X Standoff x4, AMD AM5/AM4 Retention Bracket x1, AMD Socket AM5/AM4 Standoff x4, Thumbscrew x4, Long Screws (30mm UNC 6-32) x16, Short Screws (5mm UNC 6-32) x8, Washer x8, F Series Static Pressure Fan x2, Breakout Cable Set x1, Fan Splitter Cable x13Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Component list of the Kraken Plus 240 / 280 / 360 poster manual, with the 280 quantities: 16 long screws, 8 short screws, 8 washers and 2 fans. Names are copied as printed.

Links

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Product page

www.noctua.at/en/products/nl-lc1-361Maker product pagenoctua.at/en/products/nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026Product page of the NL-LC1-36, found in search results. noctua.at was not opened. Noctua's spec table was read in copies at QuietPC, Computer Lounge, Vedant Computers and IgorsLab.

nzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-2801Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026

Spec sheet

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Manual

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cdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdf3Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Kraken Plus manual for the 240, 280 and 360, a two-page poster. The component list header reads Kraken Plus 240 / 280 / 360. The poster is drawings and small text (read with OCR).

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

6years2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Warranty 72 months.7Owner's manualserverflow.ru/upload/iblock/616/130v3y3r3wb8j5l1rwkqk48yv245xlqz/%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B4%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%20%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B5%20Noctua%20NL-LC1-36.pdfRead 14 October 2026Warranty period of 6 years. The manual names no market.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 202612Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026Each package has NT-H2 thermal paste and a 6-year manufacturer's warranty.

6years1Maker product pagenzxt.com/products/kraken-plus-280Read 15 October 2026Product info: warranty 6 years. The page names no market.

Both are also in the API. Back to all CPU coolers.