NZXT RL-KR28E-B2 Kraken Elite 280 liquid cooler
A 280 mm all-in-one liquid cooler with a 2.72-inch IPS LCD and RGB ring for Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X and AMD AM5, AM4 sockets
- Radiator size322 mm
- Fan size2 Fan Slots (140 mm)
- Compatible socketsIntel Socket LGA 1851, 1700 & 1200/115X Intel Core i9 / Core
- AMD socket supportAMD Socket AM5, AM4 AMD Ryzen 9 / Ryzen 7 / Ryzen 5 / Ryzen
- Intel socket supportIntel Socket LGA 1851, 1700 & 1200/115X Intel Core i9 / Core
- Block dimensions321 × 137 × 27 mm
- High-pressure Turbine pump drives superior CPU cooling
- 72-inch 640 x 640 IPS LCD at 60 Hz shows custom GIFs and system data
- RGB ring and Core fans sync lighting across the build
- Polyester-braided tubing resists leaks and stays flexible during installs
- Mounting hardware covers Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X and AMD AM5, AM4
NZXT Kraken Elite 280 AIO Cooler
The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 is an all-in-one liquid cooler built around the proprietary NZXT Turbine pump. It fits Intel Socket LGA 1851, 1700 and 1200/115X as well as AMD Socket AM5 and AM4. A 2.72-inch IPS LCD running at 640 x 640 resolution and 60 Hz sits on the pump block alongside an addressable RGB ring.
For builders wanting an integrated display
This cooler suits builders who want real-time system data or custom GIFs on the pump head without adding a separate screen. The two 140 mm fluid dynamic bearing fans push 98.61 CFM each at up to 2,000 RPM while peaking at 34.5 dBA. Buyers who need a thinner radiator or a simpler air cooler should look at something else.
322 mm radiator length dictates case fit
The radiator measures 322 mm long and the fan assembly is 280 x 140 x 25 mm, so the case must support a 280 mm mounting location. The pump block itself is 321 x 137 x 27 mm. If your chassis cannot clear those dimensions, this unit will not install.
How it compares
Measured against everything we stock in Liquid Cooling & AIO Coolers, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.
- Price $145.99
- Pricier than about 81% of the 1,190 comparable items (median $71.99).
- Radiator size 322 mm
- Lower than about 55% of the 165 comparable items (median 360 mm).
New to this? Which coin should you pay with — what to check, what it costs to pay, and what is never asked for.
Specifications
| Product | |
|---|---|
| Brand name | NZXT |
| Product line | Kraken Elite |
| Part number | RL-KR28E-B2 |
| Product type | AIO |
| Product color | Black |
| Performance | |
| Fan speed | 500–2,000 ± 200 RPM per fan |
| Fan airflow | 98.61 CFM per fan |
| Ports & slots | |
| Fan plug type | 8-pin for PWM & RGB |
| Size & build | |
| Radiator size | 322 mm |
| Fan size | 2 Fan Slots (140 mm) |
| Block dimensions | 321 × 137 × 27 mm |
| Fan dimensions | 280 × 140 × 25 mm |
| Bearing design | Fluid Dynamic Bearing |
| Shipping weight | 2.47 kg |
| Package size | 371 × 193 × 163 mm |
| Compatibility | |
| Compatible sockets | Intel Socket LGA 1851, 1700 & 1200/115X Intel Core i9 / Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3 Pentium / Celeron AMD Socket AM5, AM4 AMD Ryzen 9 / Ryzen 7 / Ryzen 5 / Ryzen 3 |
| AMD socket support | AMD Socket AM5, AM4 AMD Ryzen 9 / Ryzen 7 / Ryzen 5 / Ryzen 3 |
| Intel socket support | Intel Socket LGA 1851, 1700 & 1200/115X Intel Core i9 / Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3 Pentium / Celeron |
| Environment & compliance | |
| Fan noise level | 34.5 dBA per fan |
| More details | |
| LED lighting | ARGB |
Questions about this item
Do I need a motherboard with an 8-pin PWM header to run the 140 mm fans and ARGB ring?
Yes, the single-frame fan unit connects through one 8-pin header that carries both PWM control and ARGB signal for the fans and the RGB ring around the LCD.
Will the 322 mm radiator and 25 mm thick fans fit in a case that only supports 280 mm front mounts?
The radiator is 322 mm long and each fan is 25 mm thick, so the assembly needs a 280 mm mounting area with enough clearance for the combined thickness.
How can I confirm the Turbine pump is running at the correct speed after installation?
In NZXT CAM software the pump speed is reported directly; a reading between 500 and 2000 RPM shows the pump is operating within its normal range.
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