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NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB — 360 AIO
NZXT

NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB

360 AIO

89
/ 100
From $329
VS
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 wins by 1
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 — 280 AIO
Arctic

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280

280 AIO

90
/ 100
From $99
Specdex verdict

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB lands at 89 and Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 at 90. That puts Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB if…

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

Pick Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 if…

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

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

Thermals

Tie

Compared on the thermals sub-score

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

Install

Tie

Compared on the install sub-score

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

Noise

Tie

Compared on the noise sub-score

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

Value for money

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 more score per dollar ($99 vs $329).

NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB 89
vs
90 Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280

Score breakdown

NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB
89
thermals 89
noise 85
install 88
value 86
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280
90
thermals 90
noise 86
install 88
value 86

Specs side-by-side

NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB versus Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 — full spec comparison
Spec NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280
Type
360 AIO
280 AIO

NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · 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

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280

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

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

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

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 scores 90 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB worth the price? +

At $329, NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in thermals.

Is Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 worth the price? +

At $99, Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in thermals.

Does NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 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 the better value, NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB · RGB or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280? +

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 — more score per dollar ($99 vs $329). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.