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NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB specifications and in-depth review

NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB

Manufacturer: NZXT

The NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler that brings together a clean thermal solution with an integrated display on the pump head, making it a recognizable option in the AIO segment. It ships with RGB lighting and includes thermal paste in the box, covering the essentials right out of the packaging. The cooler weighs 1310 g in total and carries a notably generous warranty period of six years.

Built around a 240 mm radiator measuring 275 mm in length, 123 mm in width, and 30 mm in height, the unit houses two fans rated up to 1800 RPM with fluid dynamic bearings, delivering a maximum airflow of 78.86 CFM. The pump reaches up to 2800 RPM, and the system keeps audible noise at a measured ceiling of 34.8 dB. The water block itself measures 81.9 × 81.9 × 49.5 mm and is compatible with a wide range of sockets including LGA 1851, LGA 1700, AM4, AM5, sTRX4, TR4, and several older Intel platforms.

Pros
  • Supports a wide range of CPU sockets across both Intel and AMD platforms, including newer ones like LGA 1851 and AM5 as well as older generations
  • Comes with an integrated display on the pump head, adding functional visibility without requiring additional components
  • RGB lighting is built in, removing the need for separate lighting accessories
  • Thermal paste is included in the box, allowing for a complete installation without extra purchases
  • Backed by a 6-year warranty, which is notably long for a cooling product
  • Fans use fluid dynamic bearings, which are associated with smoother and quieter long-term operation
Cons
  • Maximum audible noise of 34.8 dB at full fan speed may be noticeable in quiet environments
  • Total weight of 1310 g is relatively substantial, which could be a consideration for transport or certain case configurations
  • The 240 mm radiator size may not suit users with cases that only support larger or smaller radiator formats
Who is this for?

This cooler is well-suited for users building systems around modern Intel or AMD platforms, including LGA 1851, AM5, and AM4, as well as high-core-count workstation sockets like sTRX4 and TR4, making it a practical fit for both mainstream desktop and enthusiast workstation builds. The integrated display and RGB lighting make it a natural choice for users who prioritize a visually complete build without relying on separate accessories. Those who value long-term reliability will also appreciate the 6-year warranty and fluid dynamic bearing fans, which point to a product built for extended use.

Who is this NOT for?

Users working in noise-sensitive environments — such as recording studios or very quiet home offices — may find the maximum noise output of 34.8 dB at full fan speed difficult to ignore during sustained loads. The cooler is also not an ideal match for compact or small-form-factor cases, as the 240 mm radiator footprint and overall weight of 1310 g demand adequate physical space and solid case mounting support. Additionally, those seeking a minimal, no-frills setup without lighting or a display may find the added features unnecessary for their use case.

Cooling:

Cooling type AIO liquid
Max fan RPM 1800 rpm
Max pump RPM 2800 rpm
Max airflow 78.86 CFM
Number of fans 2

The NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB uses an AIO liquid cooling setup, pairing two fans that spin at up to 1800 RPM with a pump rated at a maximum of 2800 RPM. Together, the dual fans are capable of moving up to 78.86 CFM of airflow, giving the system a defined ceiling for thermal throughput under load.

Dimensions:

Heatsink/water block height 49.5 mm
Heatsink/water block width 81.9 mm
Heatsink/water block depth 81.9 mm
Radiator size 240 mm
Radiator height 30 mm
Radiator length 275 mm
Radiator width 123 mm

The cooler is built around a 240 mm radiator that measures 275 mm in length, 123 mm in width, and 30 mm in height, giving a clear picture of the space it requires inside a case. The water block has a square footprint of 81.9 mm on both its width and depth, standing 49.5 mm tall.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851, LGA 1700, AM4, AM5, sTRX4, TR4, LGA 1200, LGA 1151, LGA 1150, LGA 1155
Audible noise (max) 34.8 dB
weight 1310 g
warranty period 6 years

The cooler supports a broad range of CPU sockets, covering Intel platforms LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1151, LGA 1150, and LGA 1155, as well as AMD sockets AM4, AM5, sTRX4, and TR4. At full load, audible noise reaches a maximum of 34.8 dB, and the unit weighs 1310 g in total. It comes backed by a 6-year warranty.

Features:

Fan bearings Fluid dynamic bearings
has RGB lighting ✓
Thermal paste Included
Has a display ✓

The fans run on fluid dynamic bearings, and the cooler includes an integrated display on the pump head alongside RGB lighting. Thermal paste comes included in the box, so no separate purchase is needed before installation.

Final Verdict

The NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB is a well-specified 240 mm AIO liquid cooler that covers a notably broad range of CPU platforms, ships with everything needed for installation, and adds an integrated display alongside RGB lighting without requiring supplementary components. Its fluid dynamic bearing fans, generous 6-year warranty, and wide socket compatibility make it a coherent choice for users building around modern Intel or AMD systems who want a complete, long-term cooling solution. Those with strict noise constraints or compact case limitations should weigh the 34.8 dB ceiling and radiator dimensions carefully, but for standard mid-to-full-tower builds where visual integration and platform flexibility matter, the Kraken Elite 240 RGB presents a technically complete and well-rounded option.