NZXT Kraken 360 RGB Review: Exceptional Cooling and Stunning RGB Design

In the ever-evolving world of PC gaming and high-performance computing, keeping your components cool is paramount. Liquid cooling solutions, or AIOs (All-In-One coolers), have become increasingly popular for their efficiency and aesthetics. Today, we’re diving deep into the NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB, a premium AIO designed to tame even the most power-hungry processors. This review explores its performance, features, and whether it lives up to its high-end reputation and price point.

Design and Features: A Closer Look

The Kraken Plus 360 RGB from NZXT comes in a sleek, predominantly black or white aesthetic. As the name suggests, it utilizes a 360mm radiator, allowing for the installation of three 120mm fans. A standout feature is the inclusion of a 1.54-inch LCD screen on the water block. This screen provides real-time system information like CPU temperature, fan speeds, and even allows for custom animations or displays, adding a touch of personalization to your build.

The package includes the AIO unit, connecting cables, mounting hardware for various CPU sockets (Intel LGA 1851/1700/1200/115X and AMD AM5/AM4), and three F360 RGB Core Fan fans. These fans feature a unique single-frame design, simplifying installation and cable management.

However, this design means that if one fan fails, the entire unit needs to be replaced, a potential drawback. Each fan boasts 8 aRGB LEDs for vibrant lighting effects. They operate via PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), allowing for variable speeds ranging from 500 to 2400 RPM. At maximum speed, each fan delivers 75.05 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of airflow with a static pressure of 3.07 mm H2O.

The radiator itself measures 401 x 120 x 27mm. Two flexible rubber tubes, sleeved in nylon, connect the radiator to the water block, with rotatable fittings for easier installation. The water block is relatively compact with a diameter of 73mm and height of 56mm and houses a copper base with micro-channels. This design is meant to maximize contact with the CPU while not interfering with other components.

Key Upgrades and Innovations

Compared to its predecessors, the Kraken Plus 360 RGB incorporates several key upgrades:

• Pump: Upgraded from an Asetek Gen 7 pump to a custom “Turbine Pump”
• Fans: The new F Series Static Pressure Fans (2024) and F Series RGB Core Fans Single – Frame EV (2024) contribute to enhanced cooling and visual appeal.
• Integrated Controller: An internal RGB/Fan controller now resides within the water block.

The included CAM software, available for Windows, allows extensive customization of lighting effects and screen displays, including the option to monitor two different temperature sensors, display a clock, or even play short videos from YouTube.

Independent Operation and Configuration

The Kraken Plus 360 RGB sets itself apart with its independent operation. Unlike many AIOs that rely on the motherboard for fan and pump control, this cooler features its own integrated management system, offering pre-set profiles (like silent mode) and the ability to create custom fan curves for both the fans and the pump.

Testing Methodology and Performance

To evaluate the Kraken Plus 360 RGB’s capabilities, a robust testing protocol was implemented using the following components:

• Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme
• Processor: Intel Core i9-13900K
• Storage: AMD Radeon R7 240GB SSD
• Memory: 2 x 24GB DDR5-7300 CL36 Trident Z5 RGB
• Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3060
• Power Supply: NZXT C1500 Platinum

The CPU temperature was monitored using the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility. Noise levels were measured with a sound level meter placed 25cm from the radiator, with tests conducted in an open-air environment to eliminate chassis influence. Fan and pump speeds were increased incrementally until their maximum RPMs were reached.

The testing included a new protocol where the processor’s Package TDP was locked at different values (65W, 95W, 125W, 170W, 220W, 250W, 285W, and 330W) to analyze cooling performance under various loads. This method reveals the cooler’s maximum heat dissipation capacity.

Installation and Real-World Cooling

The installation process on the LGA 1700 platform closely mirrors that of the Kraken Elite 420 RGB. The process involves preparing the socket with a backplate and standoffs. With pre-applied thermal paste, the water block is positioned on the processor and secured with four thumbscrews. The three single-frame fans are attached to the radiator with screws, utilizing vibration-dampening pads. A single flat cable connects to an included adapter and then to the water block. Additional power is supplied via a SATA connector, and an internal USB 2.0 header is needed for CAM software customization.

The Kraken Plus 360 RGB demonstrated impressive cooling performance, consistently ranking at the top of the comparison charts. Its temperature curves were notably low, similar to the ProArt LC 360, with differences of only two degrees across various TDP levels. Compared to the MasterLiquid 360 Atmos and Aorus WaterForce II 360 ICE, the Kraken Plus 360 RGB exhibited superior thermal performance. Unfortunately, during full-throttle testing with the Core i9-13900K (330W), the processor still triggered thermal throttling, limiting its peak performance, which, however, is not unique to this cooler since other 360 AIOs show similar results.

Noise Levels: Silence is Golden

In terms of noise, the Kraken Plus 360 RGB excelled. Throughout testing, it remained quieter than competing models like the ProArt LC360 and Aorus WaterForce II 360 ICE, particularly at maximum fan speeds. The sound level meter registered 53.6 dBA compared to the 59.3 and 56.4 dBA of its competitors. This positions it among the best-performing 360 AIOs tested, offering a significant advantage in quiet operation. While not entirely silent at full load, the noise profile is exceptionally well-managed.

Final Verdict:

The NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB offers a compelling combination of cooling performance, sophisticated design, and advanced features. With a retail price around $219.99 (USD) and a 6-year warranty, it represents a premium investment in PC cooling. Its sleek aesthetics, simplified installation, customizable LCD screen, and autonomous fan management make it a standout choice. The excellent cooling performance, particularly its low noise levels, is a major selling point. However, the potential for the entire unit replacement if a fan fails and the relatively small size of the 1.5-inch screen are drawbacks to consider. Despite these, the Kraken Plus 360 RGB is a worthy contender in the high-end liquid cooling market.