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Kraken Elite vs. Kraken Plus: What’s the Difference?
Looking at Kraken coolers and wondering which one’s right for you? Let’s break down the key differences between the Kraken Elite and the Kraken Plus so you can find the one that fits your build.
Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Kraken Plus (2024) | Kraken Elite (2025) |
| Pump | NZXT Turbine (compact cap) | NZXT Turbine (larger cap) |
| Pump Cap Size | 2.87 in / 72.95 mm diameter | 3.68 in / 93.5 mm diameter |
| Display | 1.54 in / 39.1 mm square TFT LCD, 240x240, 30Hz, 300cd/m² | 2.72 in / 69 mm round IPS LCD, 640x640, 60Hz, 690cd/m² |
| RGB Lighting | RGB model: Fans |
All models: Pump cap RGB model: Pump cap & fans |
|
Display Features (CAM) |
Static & animated content, system info, web integrations, rotatable display |
All Plus features + audio visualizer |
|
Radiator Sizes |
Standard: 240, 280, 360 mm RGB: 240, 360 mm |
Standard: 240, 360 mm RGB: 240, 280, 360, 420 mm |
|
Fan Type |
Standard: F Series Static Pressure Fans (2024) RGB: F Series Core Single-Frame RGB Fan Unit - EV (2024) |
Standard: F Series Static Pressure Fans (2024) RGB: F Series Core Single-Frame RGB Fan Unit (2024) |
|
Zero RPM mode, Fan & Pump Speed Adjustments In CAM |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Cold Plate |
Split-flow |
Split-flow |
|
Tubes |
CIIR rubber with Nylon braided sleeve |
CIIR rubber with PET braided sleeve |
|
Breakout Cable Location note: the cables are different on the Plus and Elite |
On pump |
On radiator |
Performance: How Do They Stack Up?
Both Kraken coolers are powered by our custom NZXT Turbine Pump, designed in collaboration with CoolIT. They deliver reliable thermal performance, but the Kraken Elite has the edge, thanks to its larger cap design. Learn more about the NZXT Turbine Pump here.
Here’s how they perform in benchmark tests:
Intel Test (U9 285K, 253W)
|
Configuration |
CPU Temp (Full Speed) |
CPU Temp (Noise-Normalized) |
Thermal Resistance (TR) |
|
Kraken Elite 360 |
66.6°C |
66.7°C |
26.34 – 26.38 |
|
Kraken Plus 360 |
71.2°C (+4.6°C) |
71.2°C (+4.5°C) |
28.13 – 28.15 (+6.7%) |
AMD Test (AMD 9950X, 180W)
|
Configuration |
CPU Temp (Full Speed) |
CPU Temp (Noise-Normalized) |
Thermal Resistance (TR) |
|
Kraken Elite 360 |
52.5°C |
52.7°C |
29.19 – 29.3 |
|
Kraken Plus 360 |
56.4°C (+3.9°C) |
57.9°C (+5.2°C) |
31.34 – 32.14 (+8.5%) |
Note: TR (Thermal resistance) measures how well a cooler transfers heat away from the CPU, lower TR means better cooling performance.
Which One’s for You?
-
Go Elite if you want a bold look, a larger, sharper display, and the most customization options.
-
Choose Plus if you want reliable cooling, a simpler interface, and a cleaner look at a lower price.
The Bottom Line
Both Kraken Elite and Kraken Plus are designed to keep your system cool, quiet, and looking sharp. It’s all about what you need: maximum customization, or straightforward performance with a sleek design. Either way, you're getting a high-quality cooler built to elevate your gaming setup.
Shop Kraken Elite and Kraken Plus.
