6 Best Alternatives to the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2026)
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You have many options if you are evaluating nzxt kraken elite 360 RGB alternatives for your PC build. The original cooler pairs a 360mm radiator with an NZXT Turbine pump and a 2.72-inch IPS LCD display. Its screen offers a 640 x 640 resolution at 60 Hz, supported by a single breakout cable and pre-applied thermal paste. It fits standard AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets alongside Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115X motherboards.
However, your chassis or aesthetic goals might call for a different configuration. You might need a smaller 240mm radiator size to fit compact dimensions, an all-white colorway, or a dedicated custom loop distro plate with DDC pump integration. The 6 alternatives on this list were chosen because their cooling specs, LCD displays, or RGB lighting overlap with the original hardware profile.
Our top pick: NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB AIO Cooler.
How Each Alternative Compares
NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB White LCD Cooler
This model provides a 240mm radiator and an all-white finish instead of the 360mm black layout on the original cooler. You get a lighter total weight at 4.41 pounds compared to 5.51 pounds. It includes a 2800 RPM pump and matches the 640 x 640 resolution 60 Hz LCD screen and RGB lighting found on the larger unit. You give up the larger heat dissipation area of a 360mm radiator and the RGB Core single-frame fan design. Pick this cooler if your computer case cannot fit a full 360mm radiator and you need a compact white cooler with dedicated screen telemetry.
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB White
This version provides an all-white exterior across the pump and radiator rather than the standard black enclosure of the original unit. It keeps the identical 360mm radiator format, 5.51-pound weight, and LCD screen for hardware monitoring. You also retain the single breakout cable, pre-applied thermal paste, and integrated RGB lighting setup. You give up the black aesthetic, but performance specifications and core dimensions match closely at 15.7 inches long and 1.06 inches thick. Pick this unit if you are assembling an all-white desktop build and want the identical 360mm liquid cooling and IPS display features.
PrimoChill ZEAGINAL Z16 Distro Plate with Pump
This distribution plate offers a custom loop reservoir and integrated pump setup with 5V addressable lighting instead of a closed all-in-one liquid cooler. At 5 pounds, it serves as a central manifold for custom coolant lines. You give up the integrated 360mm radiator, the 2.72-inch 640 x 640 LCD display, pre-applied thermal paste, and universal mounting brackets for Intel and AMD sockets. It also requires you to supply your own tubing, radiators, and CPU blocks. Choose this component if you are building an advanced custom water-cooling loop exclusively inside a ZEAGINAL Z16 chassis rather than installing a standard AIO.
Bykski Phanteks Evolv Shift X Distro Plate
This distro plate provides custom loop fluid routing with integrated DDC pump armor and addressable RGB lighting for Phanteks Evolv Shift X enclosures. Its transparent body measures 12 inches long, 6.1 inches wide, and weighs 10 pounds. Compared to the original cooler, you give up the self-contained 360mm radiator, the 2.72-inch 60 Hz LCD telemetry screen, and universal socket mounting hardware. You must also limit connected radiators to under 30mm in thickness and provide your own custom loop components. Select this unit if you want dedicated liquid channels and custom pump mounting tailored exclusively to an Evolv Shift X build.
This ASUS cooler provides a 360mm radiator with pre-installed addressable RGB fans and an integrated LCD pump display at a lighter 4.92-pound weight. It features a compact 15.6-inch overall radiator length and supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. Compared to the Kraken Elite, you give up the specific 2.72-inch 640 x 640 IPS screen specifications, the NZXT Turbine pump design, and the single-frame RGB Core radiator fan. You also must accommodate its specific 250mm hose length during case routing. Pick this cooler if you want addressable RGB lighting, pump telemetry, and pre-installed fans in a lighter 360mm package.
Bykski Lian Li O11 Air Mini Distro Plate
This distribution plate offers custom coolant routing and DDC pump armor engineered strictly for the Lian Li O11 Air Mini chassis. It measures 11.3 inches long and 5.24 inches wide, incorporating 5V addressable RGB lighting at a weight of 10.1 pounds. Unlike the Kraken Elite AIO, you give up the self-contained 360mm radiator, the 2.72-inch IPS screen, and direct socket mounting brackets. You also face a 30mm maximum thickness restriction on radiators within your custom loop. Choose this distro plate if you are assembling a full custom water loop inside the Lian Li O11 Air Mini instead of using an all-in-one cooler.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB AIO Cooler
Best for: 360mm builds requiring high-resolution LCD telemetry
- Radiator Size
- 360mm
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X
- Display Size
- 2.72"
- Display Resolution
- 640 x 640
- Lighting Type
- RGB
- Dimensions
- 15.8 × 4.72 × 1.06 inches
This all-in-one liquid cooler features a 360mm radiator paired with an integrated NZXT Turbine pump. You receive a 2.72-inch IPS LCD screen featuring a 640 x 640 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 690 cd/m² brightness for hardware telemetry or media display. It suits you if you need a cooling unit with pre-applied thermal paste and socket support for Intel and AMD platforms.
Pros
- 2.72-inch IPS LCD screen with 640 x 640 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate
- NZXT Turbine pump designed for high flow rate and head pressure
- Single breakout cable and pre-applied thermal paste for simplified mounting
- 690 cd/m² backlight brightness with 24-bit color depth
Cons
- 15.8-inch radiator length requires a PC case with 360mm mount support
- Socket compatibility excludes AMD Threadripper and Intel HEDT platforms
Good fit if
- You want a 2.72-inch 60 Hz LCD screen to monitor system telemetry directly on the pump.
- You run a mainstream CPU on AMD AM4/AM5 or Intel LGA 1700/1851/1200 sockets.
- You have a PC chassis with physical clearance for a 15.8-inch radiator assembly.
Skip if
- You use a compact chassis restricted to 240mm radiators.
- You run a workstation processor requiring larger non-mainstream mounting brackets.
Verdict: NZXT Kraken Elite 360mm RGB AIO Cooler delivers high-flow liquid cooling alongside a 2.72-inch 60 Hz IPS display. It offers direct telemetry tracking and simplified wiring for supported Intel and AMD sockets.
NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB White LCD Cooler
Best for: compact builds needing an LCD screen
- Radiator Size
- 240mm
- Display Size
- 2.36"
- Display Resolution
- 640x640
- Pump Speed
- 2800 RPM
- Lighting Type
- RGB
- Dimensions
- 7.87 × 13.8 × 11.8 inches
This liquid cooler pairs a 240mm radiator with a 2.36-inch 640x640 LCD display. It features an Asetek three-phase pump operating up to 2800 RPM and RGB Core fans with hydrodynamic bearings. You monitor PC metrics or display animated GIFs via NZXT CAM software. It suits you if your PC case accommodates a compact 240mm radiator instead of a 360mm unit, while retaining a 60Hz 690cd/m² display screen.
Pros
- 2.36-inch 640x640 LCD screen with 60Hz refresh rate and 690cd/m² brightness
- Asetek three-phase pump operates at up to 2800 RPM
- RGB Core fans equipped with hydrodynamic bearings
- Mounting hardware included for both Intel and AMD processors
Cons
- 240mm radiator size provides less cooling area than 360mm models
- Requires NZXT CAM software installation to configure LCD and lighting
Good fit if
- You have a PC case restricted to 240mm radiator mounts.
- You want a 640x640 60Hz LCD screen for system metrics or animated GIFs.
- You are building an all-white system configuration.
Skip if
- You require the larger surface area of a 360mm radiator.
- You prefer a black cooler assembly.
Verdict: NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB White Cooler delivers a 60Hz 640x640 LCD display and a 2800 RPM pump in a 240mm form factor. It provides the core display features of larger Elite units for cases that cannot fit a 360mm radiator.
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB White
Best for: white-themed builds wanting an IPS LCD display
- Radiator Size
- 360mm
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5, AM4, LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X
- Display Size
- 2.72-inch
- Display Resolution
- 640 x 640
- Lighting Type
- RGB
- Dimensions
- 4.72 × 1.06 × 15.7 inches
This all-in-one liquid cooler features a 360mm radiator paired with a white finish and a single-frame RGB Core fan. Its 2.72-inch IPS LCD provides 640 by 640 resolution at 60 Hz for monitoring system stats or displaying GIFs. You also get an integrated Turbine pump and compatibility with Intel LGA 1851, 1700, and AMD AM5 sockets. It suits you if you want a high-resolution display for an all-white gaming build.
Pros
- 2.72-inch IPS LCD with 640 x 640 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate
- NZXT Turbine pump designed for high flow rate and head pressure
- Single-frame RGB Core fan simplifies radiator cable routing
- Tool-free mounting brackets for AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1851/1700
Cons
- 15.7-inch long radiator requires a large PC case with 360mm mount space
- Single-frame fan assembly limits swapping in individual 120mm fans
Good fit if
- You want a 2.72-inch 60 Hz IPS display to show metrics, images, or GIFs.
- You are assembling an all-white PC build that supports a 360mm radiator.
- You need native support for Intel LGA 1851/1700 or AMD AM5/AM4 sockets.
Skip if
- You have a compact chassis that cannot fit a 15.7-inch radiator.
- You prefer configuring separate, individual 120mm case fans.
Verdict: NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB White AIO Cooler delivers high-resolution hardware monitoring and integrated RGB lighting in an all-white 360mm package. It provides streamlined installation with pre-applied thermal paste and a single breakout cable.
PrimoChill ZEAGINAL Z16 Distro Plate with Pump
Best for: ZEAGINAL Z16 custom loop cooling builds
- Lighting Type
- 5v Addressable RGB (RBW)
- Weight
- 5 pounds
View on Amazon: PrimoChill ZEAGINAL Z16 Distro Plate with Pump
This distribution plate replaces a standard AIO cooler with a dedicated reservoir for custom loops. It features clear PMMA construction, an integrated pump, and 5V addressable RGB lighting. The unit weighs 5 pounds and uses a precision layout engineered exclusively for the ZEAGINAL Z16 case. It suits you if you want to route a custom cooling loop inside that specific chassis.
Pros
- Includes an integrated pump
- 5V addressable RGB lighting
- PMMA construction
- Precision custom layout designed for the ZEAGINAL Z16
Cons
- Only compatible with the ZEAGINAL Z16 chassis
- Requires separate custom loop components rather than functioning as an AIO
Good fit if
- You build a custom liquid loop inside a ZEAGINAL Z16 chassis.
- You need a reservoir unit that includes an integrated pump.
- You connect your system lighting to 5V addressable RGB headers.
Skip if
- You use any PC chassis other than the ZEAGINAL Z16.
- You prefer a closed-loop, all-in-one AIO liquid cooler.
Verdict: Bykski ZEAGINAL Z16 Distro Plate with Pump provides a tailored custom loop reservoir with integrated pumping and 5V addressable lighting. Its installation is limited strictly to ZEAGINAL Z16 enclosures.
Bykski Phanteks Evolv Shift X Distro Plate
Best for: Phanteks Evolv Shift X custom loop builds
- Lighting Type
- Addressable RGB
- Pump Compatibility
- DDC
- Dimensions
- 12 × 6.1 × 1.24 inches
- Weight
- 10 pounds
This Bykski distribution plate replaces standard AIO coolers with a custom PMMA loop reservoir designed specifically for the Phanteks Evolv Shift X chassis. It includes integrated 5V addressable RGB lighting and mounts an inline DDC pump with heatsink armor to run your entire loop. It limits radiator thickness to 30mm, making it a dedicated routing solution if you want clean parallel tubing runs in this exact case.
Pros
- Built-in 5V addressable RGB lighting strip
- Engineered specifically for clean routing in the Phanteks Evolv Shift X
- Supports an inline DDC pump with heatsink armor
- Constructed from clear acrylic PMMA material
Cons
- Restricted to the Phanteks 217XE chassis
- Maximum installed radiator thickness cannot exceed 30mm
- Distro plate unit weighs 10 pounds
Good fit if
- You build a custom liquid cooling loop inside a Phanteks Evolv Shift X case.
- You use radiators that are 30mm thick or slimmer.
- You want an integrated PMMA reservoir with 5V addressable RGB lighting.
Skip if
- You use any computer chassis other than the Phanteks Evolv Shift X.
- You plan to run radiators thicker than 30mm.
- You prefer a closed-loop AIO cooler that requires no custom tubing.
Verdict: Bykski Phanteks Evolv Shift X ARGB Distro Plate provides custom loop routing and DDC pump integration tailored specifically for the Phanteks Shift X chassis. It requires slim radiators under 30mm but organizes your coolant lines with built-in addressable lighting.
Bykski Lian Li O11 Air Mini Distro Plate
Best for: Lian Li O11 Air Mini custom loops
- Lighting Type
- 5v Addressable RGB (RBW)
- Pump Compatibility
- DDC
- Dimensions
- 11.3 × 5.24 × 1.2 inches
- Weight
- 10.1 pounds
This Bykski component is a PMMA acrylic distribution plate built specifically for custom liquid cooling loops inside the Lian Li O11 Air Mini chassis. It features an integrated 5V addressable RGB LED strip and supports inline DDC pumps. If you want parallel tubing runs instead of an all-in-one cooler, this plate organizes your loop layout. Note that your installed radiators must not exceed 30mm in thickness.
Pros
- Clear PMMA acrylic construction with included mounting hardware
- Integrated 5V addressable RGB LED lighting strip
- Engineered for an inline DDC pump with armor heatsink
- Enables clean parallel tubing routes across the chassis
Cons
- Not recommended for use in cases other than the Lian Li O11 Air Mini
- Limits installed radiator thickness to a maximum of 30mm
Good fit if
- You build a custom cooling loop inside a Lian Li O11 Air Mini case.
- You plan to mount an inline DDC pump directly to the plate.
- You use radiators that measure 30mm thick or less.
Skip if
- You want a pre-assembled, closed-loop AIO cooler without custom plumbing.
- You use a PC case other than the Lian Li O11 Air Mini.
- You plan to run radiators thicker than 30mm.
Verdict: Bykski O11 Air Mini Distro Plate provides a dedicated liquid routing manifold tailored specifically for your Lian Li O11 Air Mini chassis. It adds addressable 5V lighting and DDC pump support, provided your loop radiators do not exceed 30mm thickness.
NZXT Kraken 240 RGB White AIO Cooler
Best for: Compact white PC builds needing LCD monitoring
- Lighting
- RGB
- Display
- LCD Screen
- Size
- 240Mm
- Dimensions
- 4.84 × 10.8 × 1.18 inches
- Weight
- 2.87 pounds
This 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler features an Asetek pump running up to 2,800 RPM and RGB Core fans with fluid dynamic bearings. You get an integrated 1.54-inch square LCD panel with 240x240 resolution and a 30 Hz refresh rate. It suits you if you need a compact white cooler with hardware monitoring and custom graphics in a dual-fan chassis.
Pros
- Asetek pump operates at up to 2,800 RPM
- 1.54-inch square LCD display with 300 cd/m² backlight
- RGB Core fans use fluid dynamic bearings
- Single breakout cable connects pump to motherboard
Cons
- Smaller 240mm radiator surface area compared to 360mm models
- LCD screen refresh rate is limited to 30 Hz
- Display resolution is limited to 240x240 pixels
Good fit if
- You have case space limited to a 240mm radiator mount
- You want a pump-mounted LCD screen for PC metrics and GIF playback
- You need a white color scheme for your components
Skip if
- You need a larger 360mm radiator for your cooling setup
- You want an on-pump screen with a refresh rate above 30 Hz
Verdict: NZXT Kraken 240 RGB White Liquid Cooler fits builders who need a dual-fan 240mm radiator with an integrated LCD display and RGB lighting for compact white cases.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB AIO Cooler | NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB White LCD Cooler | NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB White | PrimoChill ZEAGINAL Z16 Distro Plate with Pump | Bykski Phanteks Evolv Shift X Distro Plate | Bykski Lian Li O11 Air Mini Distro Plate | NZXT Kraken 240 RGB White AIO Cooler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 360mm | 240mm | 360mm | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X | not specified | AM5, AM4, LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Display Size | 2.72" | 2.36" | 2.72-inch | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Display Resolution | 640 x 640 | 640x640 | 640 x 640 | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Pump Speed | not specified | 2800 RPM | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Lighting Type | RGB | RGB | RGB | 5v Addressable RGB (RBW) | Addressable RGB | 5v Addressable RGB (RBW) | not specified |
| Lighting | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB |
| Display | LCD Screen | LCD Screen | LCD Screen | not specified | not specified | not specified | LCD Screen |
| Pump Compatibility | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | DDC | DDC | not specified |
| Size | 360mm Radiator | 240Mm | 360mm Radiator | not specified | DDC Pump With Armor | DDC Pump With Armor | 240Mm |
| Dimensions | 15.8 × 4.72 × 1.06 inches | 7.87 × 13.8 × 11.8 inches | 4.72 × 1.06 × 15.7 inches | not specified | 12 × 6.1 × 1.24 inches | 11.3 × 5.24 × 1.2 inches | 4.84 × 10.8 × 1.18 inches |
| Weight | 5.51 pounds | 4.41 pounds | 5.51 pounds | 5 pounds | 10 pounds | 10.1 pounds | 2.87 pounds |
| Color | Black | white | White | not specified | Transparent | not specified | White |
| Model | RL-KR36E-B2 | RL-KR24E-W1 | RL-KR36E-W2 | RGV-ZG-Z16-K | not specified | not specified | RL-KR240-W1 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a direct 360mm alternative with an LCD screen?
You can choose the ASUS ROG Strix SLC IV 360 ARGB LCD Cooler. This unit provides a 360mm form factor with an integrated LCD screen and pre-installed addressable RGB fans. It weighs 4.92 pounds and uses a 250mm hose run to connect the pump block to the radiator, fitting compatible Intel and AMD configurations.
Are there all-white 360mm alternatives in the Kraken lineup?
The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB White offers an identical 360mm size with a white exterior. It features an IPS LCD display for hardware monitoring and integrated RGB lighting. The cooler weighs 5.51 pounds and includes pre-applied thermal paste along with a single breakout cable for clean setup in white-themed PC chassis.
Can you replace an AIO cooler with a custom distro plate?
You can switch to a distribution plate if your specific computer case supports one. Models like the PrimoChill ZEAGINAL Z16 Distro Plate with Pump or Bykski plates provide custom fluid routing and addressable lighting. However, these components require manual loop assembly, dedicated case fitment, and compatible DDC pump setups rather than closed all-in-one tubing.
What radiator thickness is supported by the Bykski distro plates?
The Bykski distro plates require radiators that do not exceed 30mm in thickness. Both the Bykski Phanteks Evolv Shift X Distro Plate and the Bykski Lian Li O11 Air Mini Distro Plate share this clearance restriction. You must pair them with slim radiators and standard DDC pumps to ensure your custom loop fits securely inside the designated enclosure.
Can you install the PrimoChill ZEAGINAL Z16 distro plate in any PC case?
No, the PrimoChill ZEAGINAL Z16 Distro Plate is engineered strictly for ZEAGINAL Z16 enclosures. It functions as a tailored reservoir with an integrated pump and 5V addressable RGB lighting. Because its mounting layout and ports align only with this chassis, you cannot install it into standard mid-tower cases or alternative brands without fitment issues.
How does tubing length compare between 360mm LCD coolers?
Tubing and hose specifications vary across different 360mm coolers. For instance, the ASUS ROG Strix SLC IV 360 ARGB LCD Cooler comes equipped with a 250mm hose run. You must verify that this distance accommodates the placement between your CPU socket and your case fan mounts before completing installation in larger computer enclosures.