NZXT KRAKEN ELITE RGB V2 240, 280, and 360 CPU Cooler Review

Meet the NZXT KRAKEN ELITE V2

Meet NZXT’s new KRAKEN ELITE V2 series of RGB liquid coolers

NZXT has upgraded its high-end liquid cooling lineup, altering most aspects of its premiere liquid cooling solutions in the name of performance and aesthetics. For starters, NZXT has moved away from Asetek. Now, the company is using a custom-designed “NZXT Turbine” pump design. This pump design is exclusive to NZXT and was developed alongside the cooling gurus at CoolIT.

What we have here isn’t a simple iteration of an existing design. Practically everything about this KRAKEN ELITE V2 (KRAKEN ELITE 2024) series has changed, from its fans to its LCD screen and even its pump. Yes, this is still a KRAKEN ELITE, but almost everything about it is new. Yes, we think the fact that this cooler is officially called the “Kraken Elite” (the same as the last one) is silly. At a minimum, we think NZXT’s packaging should at least say that this is the V2 or 2024 model to avoid confusion.

What has been upgraded on the Kraken Elite V2?

We have already mentioned the KRAKEN ELITE V2‘s new pump. This pump promises to deliver users a 10% boost in cooling performance. It also promises to be quiet under load. Furthermore, the RGB variant of this cooler uses new single-frame fans to deliver a cleaner aesthetic. These fans minimise cable clutter and give systems a neater aesthetic.

We will also note that the new fans aren’t just an upgrade to a single-body fan. Comparing the specifications of NZXT’s Kraken 360 Elite 2024 and 2023 models, we will note that their new fans offer higher levels of static pressure (per fan) and lower noise levels. 3.3mm H2O VS 2.57mm H2O, and 30 dBA vs 33.88 dBa, respectively. These fan’s don’t just look good, they are better fans.

Next up, we have the Kraken Elite V2’s larger 2.72-inch LCD screen. This screen is 30% larger than the screen on the original Kraken Elite. It also sports 60Hz support and a resolution of 640p. This screen can be controlled using NZXT’s CAM software. Surrounding this screen is an RGB ring light that adds extra dynamic lighting to the mix. This light can synchronise with on-screen content or be controlled independently.

Below are the MSRP prices for NZXT’s new Kraken Elite 2024 series.

Key Features of the Kraken Elite:

• Performance: High static pressure fans provide strong airflow with Zero RPM Mode for silence at low loads in the Kraken Elite. Kraken Elite RGB with F Series RGB Core single-frame fan provides optimal airflow and vibrant lighting with streamlined connectivity. Custom-designed NZXT Turbine pump delivers high flow rate and head pressure for powerful yet quiet CPU cooling.
• Personalization: Showcase your favourite GIF or image, track real-time system performance, and integrate with Spotify, YouTube, and more. Enjoy vivid visuals on the all-new 2.72-inch round IPS LCD with sharp 640×640 resolution, up to 60 Hz refresh rate, and wide viewing angles. Customize the RGB ring with dynamic lighting effects or synchronize with on-screen content and other RGB devices.
• Installation: Install easily with pre-applied thermal paste, a single breakout cable, and tool-free mounting brackets for the latest Intel and AMD CPU sockets. Extended rubber tubing with braided sleeving ensures worry-free handling and long-term leak protection.

(Why doesn’t the box call this the V2 or 2024 model, very confusing NZXT…)

Unboxing the Kraken Elite V2 360 RGB

Unboxing the new Kraken Elite is a simple process. Everything is easy to access, and everything is well protected. If you have unboxed a liquid cooler before, you will know what to expect here.

Note that there aren’t too many items in the box. For the 360mm version below, its three fans are a unified single-frame component. Cabling has been minimised, making the installation process simple.

Note that this unit only has two cables. One cable comes out of this AIO’s radiator, and another comes out of its single-frame fan. There are no cables to hide away near the CPU water block; it’s power and control signals come through a hidden wire in its housing. This makes this AIO look incredibly clean when installed inside a system. All cables can be hidden from view.

OC3D CPU Cooler Test Rig Specifications

This review is the fourth to use our new CPU cooler test rig. This new PC has a newer, hotter-running CPU, a more power-hungry graphics card, and a cooling layout that is common for today’s gaming PCs. Simply put, we have moved to more modern hardware so that we can better test modern CPU cooling solutions. See the full specifications of this system below.

CPU: Intel i5-14600K @1.27V (Fixed)
Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WIFI
Case: Custom Lian Li O11 EVO XL
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo DDR5-6000 32GB (2x16GB)
GPU: Sapphire RX 7900 GRE Nitro+
PSU: be quiet Dark Power 1,000W
Fans: 4x be quiet Silent Wings 4 fans