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NZXT Kraken Plus 240 specifications and in-depth review

NZXT Kraken Plus 240

Manufacturer: NZXT

The NZXT Kraken Plus 240 is a 240 mm all-in-one liquid CPU cooler designed for users who want integrated monitoring alongside their cooling solution. One of its more distinctive features is the built-in display on the pump head, which sets it apart from more conventional AIO designs in its category. Thermal paste is included in the box, and the unit ships ready to install without requiring additional accessories.

On the technical side, the cooler runs two fans with fluid dynamic bearings, each spinning up to 2000 RPM and delivering a combined maximum airflow of 73.47 CFM, while the pump reaches up to 2800 RPM. The radiator measures 281 mm in length and 27 mm in thickness, and the water block dimensions sit at 74.7 × 74.7 × 55.97 mm. CPU socket compatibility covers a wide range, including LGA 1851, LGA 1700, AM4, AM5, LGA 1200, LGA 1151, LGA 1150, and LGA 1155. Maximum audible noise is rated at 30 dB, total weight is 1300 g, and the unit is backed by a 6-year warranty.

Pros
  • The built-in display on the pump head adds a functional monitoring element without requiring separate hardware
  • Fluid dynamic bearings on the fans contribute to more consistent and quieter long-term operation
  • Compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA 1851, LGA 1700, AM4, and AM5
  • Thermal paste is included, allowing for a straightforward installation without sourcing additional materials
  • A 6-year warranty period provides substantial long-term coverage for an AIO cooler
  • Maximum noise output is capped at 30 dB, keeping acoustic levels relatively controlled under load
Cons
  • No RGB lighting, which may matter to users building systems with coordinated lighting setups
  • The 240 mm radiator size limits cooling headroom compared to larger 280 mm or 360 mm AIO configurations
  • A total weight of 1300 g places meaningful stress on the motherboard mounting points, particularly in tower-oriented builds
Who is this for?

This cooler suits builders who want a clean, functional setup without RGB clutter, while still having access to on-pump display functionality for monitoring purposes. Its broad socket support — spanning current platforms like LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5 — makes it a practical fit for users upgrading or building across multiple generations. The 30 dB maximum noise level and fluid dynamic bearing fans also make it well-suited for quieter desktop environments where acoustic comfort matters alongside reliable thermal management.

Who is this NOT for?

Users running highly demanding workloads that generate sustained high thermal output may find the 240 mm radiator insufficient, as the cooling headroom is inherently limited compared to larger AIO configurations. The unit's 1300 g total weight also makes it less ideal for small form factor or portable builds where motherboard stress and spatial constraints are a concern. Additionally, users who prioritize a visually coordinated system with synchronized lighting will find this cooler a poor match, as it lacks RGB lighting entirely.

Cooling:

Cooling type AIO liquid
Max fan RPM 2000 rpm
Max pump RPM 2800 rpm
Max airflow 73.47 CFM
Number of fans 2

The NZXT Kraken Plus 240 uses AIO liquid cooling and comes equipped with two fans that reach a maximum speed of 2000 RPM, delivering up to 73.47 CFM of airflow. The pump is rated at a maximum of 2800 RPM, helping maintain consistent coolant circulation through the loop.

Dimensions:

Heatsink/water block height 55.97 mm
Heatsink/water block width 74.7 mm
Heatsink/water block depth 74.7 mm
Radiator size 240 mm
Radiator height 27 mm
Radiator length 281 mm
Radiator width 120 mm

The cooler uses a 240 mm radiator that measures 281 mm in length, 120 mm in width, and 27 mm in height, keeping it relatively slim in thickness. The water block has a square footprint of 74.7 × 74.7 mm and stands 55.97 mm tall, giving a clear picture of the clearance it requires over the CPU socket area.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851, LGA 1700, AM4, AM5, LGA 1200, LGA 1151, LGA 1150, LGA 1155
Audible noise (max) 30 dB
weight 1300 g
warranty period 6 years

The cooler is compatible with a broad range of sockets, covering Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1151, LGA 1150, and LGA 1155, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. At full load, audible noise peaks at 30 dB, and the unit weighs 1300 g in total. It comes backed by a 6-year warranty, which is notably long for this product category.

Features:

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

The fans use fluid dynamic bearings, which tend to offer smoother operation and longer service life than sleeve-bearing alternatives. The cooler includes a built-in display on the pump head, while RGB lighting is not present on this model. Thermal paste comes included in the package, so no separate purchase is needed before installation.

Final Verdict

The NZXT Kraken Plus 240 is a focused AIO liquid cooler that delivers on the essentials — broad platform compatibility, controlled acoustics, and a built-in pump head display — without layering on features like RGB lighting that not every builder needs. Its 240 mm radiator and dual fluid dynamic bearing fans offer a solid thermal and noise profile for mainstream workloads, and the 6-year warranty reflects a degree of long-term confidence in the product's build. Users with modest to moderate cooling demands across current Intel and AMD platforms will find it a dependable, no-frills option, though those pushing sustained high thermal loads or building in tight enclosures should weigh its size and weight constraints carefully before committing.