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NZXT Kraken 280 - RL-KN280-B1-280mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - Customizable 1.54" Square LCD Display for Images, Performance Metrics and More - 2 x F140P Fans - Black | 280mm AIO cooler with customizable 1.54" square LCD. temperature or your own art, everything can be controlled via CAM.
NZXT

NZXT Kraken 280

Bottom line: The NZXT Kraken 280 ($178.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 1.54" 240x240 LCD shows GIFs, custom art, or live CPU/GPU metrics; main trade-off: LCD, fan curves, and RGB all require NZXT CAM running in the background.

$178.00

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Buy on Amazon — $178.00 Compare to similar cooling & fans

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

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.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 1.54" 240x240 LCD shows GIFs, custom art, or live CPU/GPU metrics
  • ✓ 300 cd/m2 backlight stays readable through tinted tempered glass
  • ✓ Asetek pump hits 2,800 RPM for strong coolant circulation
  • ✓ Two 140mm F140P fans with fluid dynamic bearings for quiet static pressure
  • ✓ Single breakout cable from pump to motherboard simplifies wiring

Cons

  • ✗ LCD, fan curves, and RGB all require NZXT CAM running in the background
  • ✗ 30 Hz refresh makes animated GIFs look choppier than a phone screen
  • ✗ 280mm radiator won't fit many mid-tower cases that cap at 240mm
  • ✗ Display adds cost over a screenless 280mm AIO with the same radiator

Manufacturer description

The NZXT Kraken 280 puts a 1.54-inch square LCD right on the pump head, and that display is the reason most buyers pick it over a plain 280mm AIO. At 240x240 resolution with a 30 Hz refresh rate and a 300 cd/m2 backlight, it renders animated GIFs, your own artwork, live CPU and GPU metrics, now-playing music, or web content pulled in through NZXT CAM. Underneath the screen sits an Asetek pump spinning up to 2,800 RPM, paired with two 140mm F140P static-pressure fans on fluid dynamic bearings. That combination is built to move heat off a high-wattage CPU without turning your case into a wind…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored NZXT Kraken 280 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 the Kraken 280's LCD screen actually display?

The 1.54-inch 240x240 square LCD shows animated GIFs, static images you upload, real-time PC performance metrics, currently playing music, and integrated web content. All of it is configured through NZXT CAM software.

Do I need NZXT CAM software to use the Kraken 280?

Yes. CAM drives the LCD content, performance monitoring, and fan behavior. The cooler will circulate coolant without it, but you lose the display customization that is the main reason to buy this model.

Will a 280mm radiator fit in my case?

Check your case's radiator support list for 280mm clearance before ordering, usually in the top or front mount. Many mid-towers only support 240mm or 360mm, so 280mm compatibility is not universal.

How loud is the NZXT Kraken 280?

The two F140P fans use fluid dynamic bearings tuned to balance static pressure and airflow for low noise, and the Asetek pump tops out at 2,800 RPM. Actual noise depends on the fan curve you set in CAM.

Key Features

  • PERSONALIZATION THAT POPS: Display a favorite animated GIF or static image, monitor real-time PC performance metrics, see music that's currently playing, integrate web content and more with NZXT CAM software.
  • LCD DISPLAY: 1.54" square LCD display with 240x240 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate, and bright 300 cd/m² backlight brings on-screen content to life.
  • HIGH-PERFORMANCE PUMP: The powerful Asetek pump operates at up to 2,800 RPM to ensure efficient and quiet coolant circulation.
  • POWERFUL COOLING: Static Pressure Fans with fluid dynamic bearings provide an optimal balance of high static pressure and airflow for powerful cooling with minimal noise.
  • SIMPLE SETUP: A single breakout cable from pump to motherboard makes for easy installation.

Full Specifications

BrandNZXT
ModelRL-KN280-B1
Voltage12 volts
Wattage6.72 watts
MaterialRubber
Unit Count1 Count
LCD DISPLAY1.54" square LCD display with 240x240 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate, and bright 300 cd/m² backlight brings on-screen content to life.
Noise Level32.1 db
Part NumberRL-KN280-B1
SIMPLE SETUPA single breakout cable from pump to motherboard makes for easy installation.
CompatibilityPC
Material TypeRubber
Cooling MethodWater
Number of Items1
Air Flow Capacity99.68 cfm
Compatible DevicesDesktop
Included ComponentsCPU AIO cooler
Power Connector Type4-Pin
HIGH-PERFORMANCE PUMPThe powerful Asetek pump operates at up to 2,800 RPM to ensure efficient and quiet coolant circulation.
Maximum Rotational Speed2800 rpm
Full listing titleNZXT Kraken 280 - RL-KN280-B1-280mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - Customizable 1.54" Square LCD Display for Images, Performance Metrics and More - 2 x F140P Fans - Black | 280mm AIO cooler with customizable 1.54" square LCD. temperature or your own art, everything can be controlled via CAM.

Ready to buy?

NZXT Kraken 280 - RL-KN280-B1-280mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - Customizable 1.54" Square LCD Display for Images, Performance Metrics and More - 2 x F140P Fans - Black | 280mm AIO cooler with customizable 1.54" square LCD. temperature or your own art, everything can be controlled via CAM. is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $178.00

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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NZXT Kraken 280 - RL-KN280-B1-280mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - Customizable 1.54" Square LCD Display for Images, Performance Metrics and More - 2 x F140P Fans - Black | 280mm AIO cooler with customizable 1.54" square LCD. temperature or your own art, everything can be controlled via CAM.
$178.00
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