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NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · White — 280 AIO
NZXT

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · White

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 · White 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 · White 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
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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 · White

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

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

Score breakdown

NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · White
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 · White versus Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT — full spec comparison
Spec NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · White 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 · White

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 · White vs Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT

Which is better, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · White 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 · White worth the price? +

At $229, NZXT Kraken 280 RGB · White 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 · White 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 · White 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 · White or Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT? +

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