NZXT

Water Cooler NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB - 280mm w/Display, RGB Controller & RGB Fans Black

Name: Water Cooler NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB - 280mm w/Display, RGB Controller & RGB Fans Black
Brand: NZXT
SKU: B0BNYQF1TD

Status: Water Cooler NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB - 280mm…: Unavailable on Amazon as of 2026-10-19 04:29 UTC. SpecPicks has no in-stock listing with matching specs on file; the search below lists current offers. eBay sellers may still list this model new or used.

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Bottom line: The Water Cooler NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB: 2.36-inch 640x640 LCD on the pump head shows GIFs, images, or live system stats; main trade-off: your case must support a 280mm radiator, which is less common than 240mm.

Unavailable on Amazon as of 2026-10-19 04:29 UTC

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Currently unavailable on Amazon. Not the same product — an in-stock alternative:

Similar: NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB - 280mm AIO CPU Cooler — $231.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 04:20 UTC (price may vary).

View Current Price — $231.99

Original listing (currently unavailable) → Compare to similar cooling & fans

By Mike Perry, Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated 2026-10-19

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides. About the author →

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ 2.36-inch 640x640 LCD on the pump head shows GIFs, images, or live system stats
✓ 690-nit, 60Hz wide-angle screen stays readable through a tempered-glass side panel
✓ Asetek 3-phase pump runs at up to 2,800 rpm
✓ Single breakout cable from pump to motherboard keeps wiring simple

Cons

✗ Your case must support a 280mm radiator, which is less common than 240mm
✗ Screen features and metrics need NZXT CAM software running in the background
✗ Costs more than 280mm AIOs without a display
✗ Fan noise and airflow specs are not listed on the product page

Manufacturer description

The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB is a 280mm all-in-one liquid CPU cooler for builders who want strong cooling and a pump head that shows more than a logo. Its main feature is a 2.36-inch (6 cm) wide-angle LCD on the pump cap. The screen runs at 640x640 resolution, refreshes at 60Hz and reaches 690 nits of brightness, so the picture stays sharp from almost any angle inside a glass-panel case. With NZXT CAM software, you can set the screen to show an animated GIF or a still image, live CPU and system readings, the song that's playing, or web content. An Asetek pump with a 3-phase motor spins at…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Water Cooler NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cooling & fans category. NZXT's cooling & fans lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for cooling & fans of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I show on the Kraken Elite 280 RGB's LCD screen?

With NZXT CAM software, the 2.36-inch 640x640 LCD can show an animated GIF or a still image, live PC performance readings, the song that's playing, or web content.

Does the NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB fit both Intel and AMD CPUs?

Yes. NZXT includes mounting hardware for Intel and AMD CPU sockets. For a specific socket, check the compatibility list on the product listing before you buy.

How hard is the Kraken Elite 280 RGB to install?

Wiring is simple: one breakout cable runs from the pump to the motherboard. You also need a case that can mount a 280mm radiator.

What pump does the Kraken Elite 280 RGB use?

It uses an Asetek pump with a 3-phase motor that runs at up to 2,800 rpm. The hoses are wrapped in nylon mesh to protect the rubber tubing.

Key Features

POPPY PERSONALIZATION: Display an animated GIF or static image, monitor performance metrics of your PC in real time, see what music is playing, integrate web content and much more with NZXT CAM software.
Wide angle LCD display: 2.36 inch (6 cm) LCD display with wide viewing angle, sharp 640×640 resolution, high refresh rate of 60Hz and vivid backlight of 690 nits brings screen content to life.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PUMP: The powerful Asetek pump has a 3-phase motor that operates at up to 2,800 rpm to ensure efficient and quiet coolant circulation.
COLORFUL COOLING: RGB Core fans with hydrodynamic plain bearing offer an optimal balance between high static pressure and air flow for powerful cooling as well as vibrant RGB lighting.
EASY INSTALLATION: A single breakout cable from the pump to the motherboard makes installation easy.
Reinforced hoses: a nylon mesh protects the rubber hoses from leaks and ensures worry-free handling.

Full Specifications

Brand	NZXT
Model	RL-KR28E-B1
Voltage	12 volts
Wattage	2.76 watts
Material	Rubber
Unit Count	1 Count
Noise Level	34.48 db
Part Number	RL-KR28E-B1
Compatibility	PC
Material Type	Rubber
Cooling Method	Water
Number of Items	1
Reinforced hoses	a nylon mesh protects the rubber hoses from leaks and ensures worry-free handling.
CPU COMPATIBILITY	Includes all necessary mounting hardware for Intel and AMD CPU sockets.
EASY INSTALLATION	A single breakout cable from the pump to the motherboard makes installation easy.
Compatible Devices	Desktop
Included Components	CPU AIO Cooler
Power Connector Type	4-Pin
HIGH PERFORMANCE PUMP	The powerful Asetek pump has a 3-phase motor that operates at up to 2,800 rpm to ensure efficient and quiet coolant circulation.
Maximum Rotational Speed	2800 rpm

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Amazon shows no buyable offer for Water Cooler NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB - 280mm… at the last check. A similar in-stock product is NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB - 280mm AIO CPU Cooler. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

View Similar — $231.99