NZXT

NZXT Kraken Elite 280

Status: NZXT Kraken Elite 280 - RL-KN28E-B1-280mm AIO…: Unavailable on Amazon as of 2026-10-06 10:25 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 NZXT Kraken Elite 280: 2.36-inch 640x640 LCD at 60 Hz, bright 690 cd/m2 backlight; main trade-off: 280mm radiator needs a case with confirmed 280mm mount clearance.

Unavailable on Amazon as of 2026-10-06 10:25 UTC

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Currently unavailable on Amazon. Not the same product — 2 in-stock alternatives:

Similar: NZXT Kraken 280 - RL-KN280-B1-280mm AIO CPU… — $178.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06 10:27 UTC (price may vary).

View Current Price — $178.00

Similar: NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB - 280mm AIO CPU Cooler — $231.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06 12:20 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 2026-10-06

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 at 60 Hz, bright 690 cd/m2 backlight
✓ CAM software pushes GIFs, live PC metrics, now-playing and web content
✓ Asetek pump spins up to 2,800 RPM for coolant circulation
✓ Two F140P fans use fluid dynamic bearings for static pressure plus airflow
✓ Single breakout cable from pump to board simplifies wiring

Cons

✗ 280mm radiator needs a case with confirmed 280mm mount clearance
✗ LCD features require installing and running NZXT CAM on Windows
✗ Priced above plain-top 280mm AIOs that skip the display
✗ Fan noise rises with the 2,800 RPM pump ceiling under load

Manufacturer description

The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 (RL-KN28E-B1) pairs a 280mm radiator with the feature that sets it apart from every other AIO in its price band: a 2.36-inch circular LCD on the pump head running at 640x640 with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 690 cd/m2 backlight. Through NZXT CAM you can push an animated GIF, a static image, live CPU and GPU telemetry, now-playing track info, or piped-in web content to that screen, so the cooler doubles as a status display in a windowed build. Underneath the screen, an Asetek pump spins at up to 2,800 RPM to keep coolant moving, and the two included F140P static-pressure…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored NZXT Kraken Elite 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

How big is the screen on the Kraken Elite 280?

The pump head carries a 2.36-inch diameter LCD with 640x640 resolution, a 60 Hz refresh rate, a 690 cd/m2 backlight, and a wide viewing angle.

What can I actually display on the LCD?

Using NZXT CAM you can show an animated GIF or static image, real-time PC performance metrics, the music currently playing, or integrated web content.

What pump does the Kraken Elite 280 use and how fast does it run?

It uses an Asetek pump that operates at up to 2,800 RPM to circulate coolant efficiently and quietly.

What fans are included?

Two NZXT F140P static-pressure fans with fluid dynamic bearings, tuned to balance static pressure and airflow through the 280mm radiator.

How hard is the installation?

NZXT routes a single breakout cable from the pump to the motherboard, which keeps setup simple. Confirm your case supports a 280mm radiator, and check the product listing for the current socket compatibility list and warranty terms.

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.
WIDE-ANGLE LCD DISPLAY: 2.36"" diameter LCD display with a wide viewing angle, crisp 640x640 resolution, high 60 Hz refresh rate, and a vivid 690 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

Brand	NZXT
Color	Black
Model	RL-KN28E-B1
Voltage	12 Volts
Wattage	12 watts
Material	Rubber
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Noise Level	32.1 Decibels
Part Number	RL-KN28E-B1
SIMPLE SETUP	A single breakout cable from pump to motherboard makes for easy installation.
Compatibility	PC
Material Type	Rubber
Cooling Method	Water
Number of Items	1
Air Flow Capacity	99.68 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Compatible Devices	Desktop
Included Components	Liquid Cooler
Power Connector Type	4-Pin
Warranty Description	6 years manufacturer
HIGH-PERFORMANCE PUMP	The powerful Asetek pump operates at up to 2,800 RPM to ensure efficient and quiet coolant circulation.
Full listing title	NZXT Kraken Elite 280 - RL-KN28E-B1-280mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - Customizable 2.36" LCD Display for Images, Performance Metrics and More - High-Performance Pump - 2 x F140P Fans - Black

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NZXT Kraken Elite 280 - RL-KN28E-B1-280mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - Customizable 2.36" LCD Display for Images, Performance Metrics and More - High-Performance Pump - 2 x F140P Fans - Black 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.

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