Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
NZXT Kraken 280 RGB — 280 AIO
NZXT

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB

280 AIO

86
/ 100
From $229
VS
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT wins by 3
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT — 420mm AIO · 2200 RPM · iCUE LINK
Corsair

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT

420mm AIO · 2200 RPM · iCUE LINK

89
/ 100
From $309
Specdex verdict

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB lands at 86 and Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT at 89. That puts Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick NZXT Kraken 280 RGB if…

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

Pick Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT if…

  • ✓420 mm radiator handles even RTX 5090-class CPUs
  • ✓iCUE LINK simplifies cabling
  • ✓LCD display optional
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Noise

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT

Compared on the noise sub-score

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT leads on noise (86 vs 82).

Value for money

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB more score per dollar ($229 vs $309).

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB 86
vs
89 Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT

Score breakdown

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB
86
thermals 86
noise 82
install 88
value 86
cooling 0
ease 0
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT
89
thermals 0
noise 86
install 0
value 80
cooling 96
ease 86

Specs side-by-side

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB versus Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT — full spec comparison
Spec NZXT Kraken 280 RGB Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT
Type
280 AIO
420mm AIO
Fan size
—
3× 140 mm ML140 RGB
Pump speed
—
2400 RPM
Sockets
—
AM5 / AM4 / LGA1851 / LGA1700 / sTRX4
Tube length
—
450 mm
Warranty
—
5 years

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB

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

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT

Pros
  • +420 mm radiator handles even RTX 5090-class CPUs
  • +iCUE LINK simplifies cabling
  • +LCD display optional
Cons
  • −420mm requires E-ATX or larger case
  • −Pricey vs Arctic competitor
  • −iCUE software heavy

FAQ: NZXT Kraken 280 RGB vs Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT

Which is better, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB or Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT? +

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT scores 89 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is NZXT Kraken 280 RGB worth the price? +

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

Is Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT worth the price? +

At $309, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in cooling.

Does NZXT Kraken 280 RGB or Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT 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 noise, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB or Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT? +

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT — leads on noise (86 vs 82). Compared on the noise sub-score.

Which is the better value, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB or Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT? +

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB — more score per dollar ($229 vs $309). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.