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NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black — 280 AIO
NZXT

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black

280 AIO

86
/ 100
From $229
VS
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 wins by 7
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 — 360 mm AIO · VRM fan · silent
Arctic

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360

360 mm AIO · VRM fan · silent

93
/ 100
From $109
Specdex verdict

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black lands at 86 and Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 at 93. That puts Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black if…

  • ✓Multi-socket bracket support
  • ✓Quiet fans at idle
  • ✓Strong TDP rating

Pick Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 if…

  • ✓Class-leading value
  • ✓Integrated VRM fan
  • ✓Excellent sustained load thermals
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Thermals

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360

Compared on the thermals sub-score

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 leads on thermals (96 vs 86).

Install

Tie

Compared on the install sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360

Compared on the noise sub-score

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 leads on noise (90 vs 82).

Value for money

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 more score per dollar ($109 vs $229).

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black 86
vs
93 Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360

Score breakdown

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black
86
thermals 86
noise 82
install 88
value 86
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
93
thermals 96
noise 90
install 88
value 100

Specs side-by-side

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black versus Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 — full spec comparison
Spec NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
Type
280 AIO
360 mm AIO
Fans
—
3× P12 PWM
Radiator thickness
—
38 mm

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black

Pros
  • +Multi-socket bracket support
  • +Quiet fans at idle
  • +Strong TDP rating
Cons
  • −Height may conflict with RAM heatspreaders
  • −AIO pump noise varies
  • −Installation requires motherboard-off

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360

Pros
  • +Class-leading value
  • +Integrated VRM fan
  • +Excellent sustained load thermals
Cons
  • −Utilitarian looks
  • −Thick rad needs case clearance
  • −No RGB standard model

FAQ: NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black vs Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360

Which is better, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360? +

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black worth the price? +

At $229, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in install.

Is Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 worth the price? +

At $109, Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in value.

Does NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for thermals, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360? +

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 — leads on thermals (96 vs 86). Compared on the thermals sub-score.

Which is better for noise, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · Black or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360? +

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 — leads on noise (90 vs 82). Compared on the noise sub-score.