NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB Liquid CPU Cooler Review

mmorpg.com:

For some PC enthusiasts, using an all-in-one water cooler (AIO) is a means to an end. They want the benefits of putting their CPU under water without the hassle of building an open loop. For some, though, an AIO is much more than a simple cooling solution. There are those out there whose PC case is an artistic extension of their gaming persona, and their AIO cooler sits at the core of all the metal, RGB fans, and tempered glass. NZXT's Kraken all-in-one coolers are an excellent example of how cooling systems can go beyond their necessary utility to include striking features that enhance the overall look of a computer build.

The AIO market has really been heating up over the last few years, and with the new thermal challenges posed by the latest Intel and AMD processors, it should be no surprise that NZXT's long-running Kraken series of coolers was due for a refresh. This newest iteration of the Kraken lineup comes in two tiers, the base Kraken and the Kraken Elite series. Both series offer 260mm, 280mm, and 360mm variants with standard or RGB fans. The main difference between the Kraken and Kraken Elite lies in the LCD screen perched atop the pump head. The Kraken sports a 1.54-inch, 240x240p LCD screen, while the Kraken Elite goes bigger and bolder with a more capable 2.36-inch, 640x640p screen. Regardless of which trim level you go with, you can rest assured that you are getting a cooler that will keep your temps under control and look good while doing so.

The all-in-one cooler that we are reviewing today is the Kraken Elite 280 RGB, the mid-sized option in the Elite lineup.

Available in white or black, the Kraken Elite 280 RGB is powered by a 7th-generation Asetek pump with a speed of 800-2800 RPM. It has a copper