CPU coolers / Compare

NZXT Kraken Plus 280 vs NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB

A

Product A: NZXT

Kraken Plus 280

31 of 54 known

Change NZXT Kraken Plus 280

Compare the NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB with

Search CPU coolers

B

Product B: NZXT

Kraken Plus 360 RGB

30 of 54 known

Change NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB

Compare the NZXT Kraken Plus 280 with

Search CPU coolers

All 54 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ANZXT Kraken Plus 280

BNZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB

General

4 of 12 differ

Series

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.

Kraken Plus1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026The page family selector reads Plus RGB 1.54 LCD. NZXT sells the line as Kraken Plus.

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

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

RL-KR360-B2, RL-KR360-W21Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Product info: RL-KR360-W2 (White) and RL-KR360-B2 (Black).2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026Product info Kraken Plus RGB (2025): Black RL-KR360-B2, White RL-KR360-W2 for the 360. The RL-KN360-B2 is the non-RGB Kraken Plus 360 and is not this product.

GTIN / EAN

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

5056547205274, 810074845366, 5056547205267, 8100748453591Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Product info: UPC 810074845366 (Black) and 810074845359 (White). EAN 5056547205274 (Black) and 5056547205267 (White).2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026UPC 810074845366 and EAN 5056547205274 for Black, UPC 810074845359 and EAN 5056547205267 for White.

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

Not available

Not available

Status

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.

Available1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026On sale on nzxt.com on the access date.

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.

$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.

$219.996Press articlehardcoregamer.com/nzxt-launches-four-new-pc-componentsRead 14 October 2026Kraken Plus 360 RGB $219.99. US prices exclude tax.7Reviewhardcoregamer.com/nzxt-kraken-plus-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of May 21, 2025 lists $219.99 as the price of the tested Kraken Plus 360 RGB.

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.

€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.

Not available

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

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.

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

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

Black, White1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Colour selector: White and Black.6Press articlehardcoregamer.com/nzxt-launches-four-new-pc-componentsRead 14 October 2026Available in black or white.

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

AIO liquid1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026

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

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

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

Copper1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Pump tech 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.

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.

Pre-applied1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Easy installation: pre-applied thermal paste.

Compatibility

0 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, 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.

AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Intel LGA 1851, 1700 and 1200/115X, AMD AM5 and AM4. 115X is stored as LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156.2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200 and 115X, AMD AM5 and AM4.

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.

Not available

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

3 of 7 differ

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

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

360mm1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026

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.

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.

Length401Width120Thickness27mm(15.8 × 4.7 × 1.1 in)1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Radiator dimensions (L x W x H) 401 x 120 x 27 mm.2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026Kraken Plus 360: 401 x 120 x 27 mm, aluminum.8Reviewocinside.de/review/nzxt_kraken_plus_360_rgb/2Read 14 October 2026Radiator 401 x 120 x 27 mm, 53 mm with a fan.

Radiator material

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

Aluminium1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 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.

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.

420mm1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Tubing length 420 mm, CIIR rubber with nylon braided sleeve.2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026Kraken Plus 360: 420 mm.

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

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.

2,800rpm1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026NZXT Turbine pump, motor speed 1,200 - 2,800 +/-300 RPM. The rated top of 2,800 is stored.2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026Motor speed 1,200 - 2,800 +/-300 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.

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.

SATA power2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026Connectors of the breakout cable: 3-pin DC pump (RPM sense only), SATA power, USB 2.0 internal 9-pin and the NZXT 8-pin PWM fan and RGB connector. The pump gets its power from the SATA connector, and the 3-pin plug only reports the pump speed.3Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus%20RGB_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026Powering the pump and fans: step 3 plugs the pump 3-pin connector into the CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP header, and step 5 connects the pump SATA power connector to a SATA power cable from the PSU.8Reviewocinside.de/review/nzxt_kraken_plus_360_rgb/2Read 14 October 2026Connections list: SATA (power), 3-pin pump connector (speed only), internal USB, 8-pin female connector and 18-pin connector.

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

Not available

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.

ANZXT 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.

BNZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
F360 RGB Core Fan	120	3	500	2,400	75.05	3.07	31.9	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	Proprietary

Source1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Included fan specs for the F360 RGB Core Fan: single-frame array with three 120 mm fans, 500 - 2,400 +/-250 RPM, 75.05 CFM, 3.07 mmH2O, noise 31.9 dBA, fluid dynamic bearing, 8-pin connector for PWM and RGB. NZXT's support spec page gives the speed, airflow and pressure per fan. The product page gives no per-fan label for the noise.2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026F360 RGB Core (2024) (EV): 3 fans per frame, 500 - 2,400 +/-250 RPM per fan, 75.05 CFM per fan, 3.07 mm H2O per fan, 8 LEDs per fan, 8-pin NZXT PWM fan and RGB connector.

FansiNumber of included heatsink or radiator fans.

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

3=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

2 of 7 differ

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

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.

Yes1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026RGB Core fan with 8 LEDs per fan.5Maker product pagenzxt.com/blogs/news/nzxt-kraken-aio-coolers-explained-elite-plus-and-coreRead 14 October 2026RGB on the fans only for Kraken Plus, as the comparison table says.

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

Proprietary2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026The fan connects with NZXT's own 8-pin PWM and RGB connector to the pump cap breakout cable. Lighting runs through NZXT CAM.5Maker product pagenzxt.com/blogs/news/nzxt-kraken-aio-coolers-explained-elite-plus-and-coreRead 14 October 2026Kraken Plus is controlled with NZXT CAM. Only the Kraken Core uses a motherboard 5V ARGB header.

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.

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.

LCD1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Display: 1.54 in square transmissive TFT, 262K colours, 30 Hz, 300 cd/m2.5Maker product pagenzxt.com/blogs/news/nzxt-kraken-aio-coolers-explained-elite-plus-and-coreRead 14 October 2026Blog of October 1, 2025: Kraken Plus has a square 1.54-inch TFT LCD, 240 x 240, 30 Hz.

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the built-in screen.

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.

1.54in(3.9 cm)1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Diagonal 39.1 mm (1.5 in). The overview text and the support page say 1.54 in, and 39.1 mm is 1.54 in.2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 2026Display panel active area 39.1 mm (1.54 in).

Screen resolution

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

240 × 240px1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026240 x 240 px.2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 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.

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.

NZXT CAM1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026NZXT CAM controls the display, fans and pump.4Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/39718034351515-Is-the-CAM-software-required-for-the-Kraken-PlusRead 14 October 2026NZXT CAM is needed for full control of the screen, pump and fan speeds. Without it the cooler runs in a limited default mode.

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.

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.

Yes3Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus%20RGB_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026Powering the pump and fans, step 4: connect the USB connector to an available USB 2.0 internal header on the motherboard.

Measured

1 of 6 differ

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

ANZXT 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.

BNZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB

Test CPU	Load	Fan setting	CPU temperature (°C)
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D	Prime95 30.19 build 20, about 5 minutes, PBO +200 MHz, Curve Optimizer -20 on all cores	25%	81
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D	Prime95 30.19 build 20, about 5 minutes, PBO +200 MHz, Curve Optimizer -20 on all cores	50%	76
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D	Prime95 30.19 build 20, about 5 minutes, PBO +200 MHz, Curve Optimizer -20 on all cores	75%	75
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D	Prime95 30.19 build 20, about 5 minutes, PBO +200 MHz, Curve Optimizer -20 on all cores	100%	74

Source9Reviewocinside.de/review/nzxt_kraken_plus_360_rgb/6Read 14 October 2026OC inside review. Ryzen 7 9800X3D with PBO +200 MHz and Curve Optimizer -20 on all cores on an ASRock X870 Pro RS, Prime95 version 30.19 build 20 for about 5 minutes until the temperature stopped rising, ambient about 22 C, pump at 100% (2940 rpm measured against the 2800 rpm rating). Fan settings 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (1750 rpm at 75% and 2400 rpm at 100%). The review does not name the paste, the case or open bench, or the noise meter and distance. It reports 49, 51, 55 and 60 dB(A), which are far above NZXT's 31.9 dBA fan rating and have no stated distance, so the noise values are not stored. CPU power is not stated. The review gives no temperature above ambient.

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

Not available

Not available

In the box

1 of 1 differ

In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

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.

1x Kraken Plus RGB 240 / 360, 1x Intel Backplate, 1x Intel Retention Bracket (Pre-Installed), 4x Intel Socket 1851/1700 Standoff, 4x Intel Socket 1200/115X Standoff, 1x AMD AM5/AM4 Retention Bracket, 4x AMD Socket AM5/AM4 Standoff, 4x Thumbscrew, 12x Long Screws (30mm UNC 6-32), 12x Short Screws (5mm UNC 6-32), 12x Washer, 1x F Series RGB Core Fan, 1x Breakout Cable Set3Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus%20RGB_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026Component list of the Kraken Plus RGB 240 / 360 user's manual, with the 360 quantities (240: 16 long screws, 8 short screws, 8 washers). Names are copied as printed. The manual is a poster whose text is in images.

Links

Not compared

Product page

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

nzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgb1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

Not available

Not available

Manual

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).

cdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus%20RGB_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdf3Owner's manualcdn-g.nzxt.com/dl/Kraken%20Plus%20RGB_Manual_240919_V2-WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

0 of 1 differ

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.

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

6years1Maker product pagenzxt.com/product/kraken-360-plus-rgbRead 14 October 2026Product info: warranty 6 years. The page names no market.2Maker product pagesupport.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/47510572562075-Kraken-Plus-2025-SpecsRead 14 October 20266 Years.

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