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Black 280 mm AIO with 2.36" LCD pump head, two 140 mm fans and braided tubing

NZXT

NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RL-KN28E-B1 liquid cooler

SKU CH-8AXE-08CZ6 MPN RL-KN28E-B1

A 280 mm all-in-one liquid cooler with a 2.36" 640x640 LCD screen, dual 140 mm PWM fans and a 2800 RPM Asetek pump for Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets

  • Radiator size143 × 315 × 30 mm
  • Fan size2 Fan Slots (140 mm)
  • Compatible socketsIntel Socket LGA 1700, 1200/115X AMD Socket AM5, AM4, sTRX4*
  • AMD socket supportAMD Socket AM5, AM4, sTRX4*, TR4* (*Threadripper bracket not
  • Intel socket supportIntel Socket LGA 1700, 1200/115X
  • Block dimensionsDiameter: 81.9 mm H: 59.5 mm

Fan Size 2 Fan Slots (140mm)

  • Customizable LCD shows GIFs and system stats
  • 36" 640x640 display at 690 cd/m² brightness
  • Asetek pump runs up to 2800 RPM for strong flow
  • Two 140 mm FDB fans deliver 33.22-99.68 CFM at 19.4-32.1 dBA
  • Single breakout cable simplifies installation on LGA 1700 and AM5

Customisable 2.36 LCD cooling

The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 is an all-in-one liquid cooler with a 2.36 inch wide-angle LCD that shows animated GIFs, static images or live system data through NZXT CAM software. A 280mm aluminium radiator and two 140mm fluid-dynamic-bearing fans handle CPU heat, while a 7th-gen Asetek pump runs up to 2800 RPM for strong coolant flow. Nylon-braided tubing and a single breakout cable simplify the build.

Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets

The cooler mounts on Intel LGA 1700, 1200 and 115X platforms as well as AMD AM5 and AM4. Threadripper sTRX4 and TR4 are also supported, though the required bracket is not included. Builders who need a Threadripper bracket or who prefer an air cooler with no liquid loop should consider other options.

640x640 60 Hz 690 cd/m² display

The pump-top screen delivers a 640 by 640 pixel resolution at 60 Hz with a 690 cd/m² backlight, letting you read temps, show custom animations or mirror audio visualisers at a glance. If a high-visibility, customisable LCD is not a priority, a cooler without the display may suit you better.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Liquid Cooling & AIO Coolers, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $201.99
Pricier than about 90% of the 1,190 comparable items (median $71.99).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameNZXT
Product lineKraken Elite
Model nameKraken Elite 280
Part numberRL-KN28E-B1
Product typeLiquid Cooling System
Product colorBlack
Performance
Fan speed500-1,500 ± 150 RPM
Fan airflow33.22–99.68 CFM
Ports & slots
Fan plug type4-pin PWM
Size & build
Radiator size143 × 315 × 30 mm
Fan size2 Fan Slots (140 mm)
Block dimensionsDiameter: 81.9 mm H: 59.5 mm
Cooling block materialCopper
Radiator materialAluminum
Fan dimensions140 × 140 × 26 mm
Bearing designFluid Dynamic Bearing
Shipping weight2.38 kg
Package size429 × 209 × 158 mm
Compatibility
Compatible socketsIntel Socket LGA 1700, 1200/115X
AMD Socket AM5, AM4, sTRX4*, TR4* (*Threadripper bracket not included)
AMD socket supportAMD Socket AM5, AM4, sTRX4*, TR4* (*Threadripper bracket not included)
Intel socket supportIntel Socket LGA 1700, 1200/115X
Environment & compliance
Fan noise level19.4–32.1 dBA

Other versions of this model

2 more in the same range

Questions about this item

What radiator dimensions must the case support for this 280 mm cooler?

The radiator measures 315 mm long, 143 mm wide and 30 mm thick, so the case needs clearance for those exact dimensions plus the two 140 mm fans.

How is the pump connected to the motherboard, and what step do builders often miss?

A single breakout cable runs from the pump to a USB 2.0 header and the CPU fan header; the USB connection is frequently forgotten, which disables CAM control and the LCD.

Which parts will need replacement first on this AIO?

The two F140P fans rated at 500-1,500 RPM are the only serviceable moving parts; the sealed loop and 2,800 RPM pump are not user-serviceable.

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