NZXT

NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB

Status: NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB - 420mm AIO CPU Cooler: Unavailable on Amazon as of 2026-10-04 10:18 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 420 RGB: 2.72-inch 640 x 640 IPS LCD at 60 Hz with 690 cd/m2 brightness; main trade-off: 420mm radiator needs a case with 3 x 140mm mounting support.

Unavailable on Amazon as of 2026-10-04 10:18 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 2026-10-06 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

✓ 2.72-inch 640 x 640 IPS LCD at 60 Hz with 690 cd/m2 brightness
✓ Custom NZXT Turbine pump built for high flow rate and head pressure
✓ Tool-free brackets for AM5, AM4, LGA 1851/1700 and 1200/115X
✓ Pre-applied thermal paste and a single breakout cable speed up installs
✓ LCD shows GIFs, system stats, Google Photos, Spotify and YouTube

Cons

✗ 420mm radiator needs a case with 3 x 140mm mounting support
✗ LCD and RGB customization depend on NZXT CAM software
✗ Single-frame RGB Core fan limits swapping out individual fans
✗ Pre-applied paste is single-use; you need fresh paste to remount

Manufacturer description

The NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB is NZXT's flagship 420mm AIO CPU cooler, finished in white and designed for builders who want strong cooling and a screen on the pump head. The custom NZXT Turbine pump is built for high flow rate and head pressure, so it can handle even heat-prone CPUs. The pump head carries a 2.72-inch IPS LCD with 640 x 640 resolution, a 60 Hz refresh rate, 690 cd/m2 brightness and 24-bit color. You can show a GIF or image, watch real-time system stats, or pull in Google Photos, Spotify and YouTube. The RGB LED ring can sync with what's on the screen and with your other RGB…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored NZXT Kraken Elite 420 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

Which CPU sockets does the NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB support?

It includes tool-free mounting brackets for AMD AM5 and AM4 and for Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200 and LGA 115X sockets.

How big is the LCD screen and what resolution is it?

The pump head has a 2.72-inch IPS LCD with 640 x 640 resolution, a 60 Hz refresh rate, 690 cd/m2 brightness and 24-bit color. The product title says 2.36-inch, but the detailed spec bullets and the manufacturer description both list 2.72-inch.

What can I display on the Kraken Elite's screen?

You can show a favorite GIF or image, monitor real-time system performance, or connect Google Photos, Spotify and YouTube. The RGB LED ring can also sync with on-screen content and other RGB devices through NZXT CAM.

Do I need to buy thermal paste separately?

Not for the first install. Thermal paste comes pre-applied on the cold plate. If you remove and remount the cooler, clean it off and apply fresh paste.

Will a 420mm AIO fit in my case?

Only if your case supports a 420mm radiator, which usually means a 3 x 140mm fan mount on the top or front. Check your case manual for 420mm radiator clearance before you buy.

Key Features

SUPERIOR COOLING: The custom-designed NZXT Turbine pump efficiently cools even the most heat-prone CPUs with its high flow rate and head pressure.
BIGGER, BOLDER DISPLAY: Enjoy stunning visuals on the large 2.72-inch IPS LCD featuring crisp 640 x 640 resolution, smooth 60 Hz refresh rate, ultra-bright 690 cd/m² backlight, vibrant 24-bit color, and wide viewing angles.
MORE PERSONAL THAN EVER: Display your favorite GIF or image, monitor real-time system performance, and integrate with Google Photos, Spotify, and YouTube. Sync the RGB LED ring with on-screen content and other RGB devices for a cohesive look.
SIMPLE INSTALLATION: Get set up quickly with pre-applied thermal paste, a single breakout cable, and tool-free mounting brackets for the latest AMD (AM5, AM4) and Intel (LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X) CPU sockets.
VIBRANTLY COOL: The RGB Core single-frame fan on the radiator provides optimal airflow and vibrant lighting, along with a sleek, integrated design for easy connectivity and control.

Full Specifications

Brand	NZXT
Model	RL-KR42E-W2
Voltage	12 volts_of_direct_current
Wattage	15 watts
Material	Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Metal, Plastic, Polyvinyl Chloride
Unit Count	1 Count
Noise Level	34.5 db
Part Number	RL-KR42E-W2
Material Type	Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Metal, Plastic, Polyvinyl Chloride
Cooling Method	Water
Number of Items	1
SUPERIOR COOLING	The custom-designed NZXT Turbine pump efficiently cools even the most heat-prone CPUs with its high flow rate and head pressure.
Compatible Devices	AMD (AM5, AM4) and Intel (LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X) CPU sockets.
Included Components	Item
Power Connector Type	4-Pin
Warranty Description	6 Year Manufacturer
Item Dimensions L x W x H	16.54"L x 16.54"W x 16.54"H
Global Trade Identification Number	05056547204215
Full listing title	NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB - 420mm AIO CPU Cooler, LCD - White \| Flagship 420mm RGB AIO with 2.36-inch LCD and F420 RGB Core fan. Our most powerful cooler, fully controlled via CAM.

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NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB - 420mm AIO CPU Cooler, LCD - White | Flagship 420mm RGB AIO with 2.36-inch LCD and F420 RGB Core fan. Our most powerful cooler, fully 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.

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