1. Product Overview
The NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB is an all-in-one (AIO) CPU liquid cooler designed to provide efficient and powerful cooling for your processor. It features a 360mm radiator, high-performance F360 RGB Core single-frame fans, and a customizable 1.54-inch square LCD display on the pump cap. This cooler is compatible with a wide range of AMD and Intel CPU sockets, ensuring broad applicability for various PC builds.
Key Features:
- High-Performance Cooling: Equipped with the custom NZXT Turbine pump, engineered for high flow and head pressure, delivering efficient and low-noise cooling.
- Custom LCD Screen: A vibrant 1.54-inch square LCD allows for personalization, displaying real-time system temperatures, custom images, animated GIFs, or web integrations like Spotify and YouTube. Fully customizable via NZXT CAM software.
- Brilliantly Simple RGB Fans: The RGB Core single-frame fan design provides vibrant lighting and strong airflow. Its simplified design requires only four screws and one cable for a cleaner installation and improved cable management.
- Easy Installation: Features pre-applied thermal paste on the cold plate and a single breakout cable from the pump cap, streamlining the installation process and reducing cable clutter.
- Wide Compatibility: Includes tool-free mounting brackets that support the latest AMD CPU sockets (AM5, AM4) and Intel CPU sockets (LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X).
Figure 1.1: Front view of the NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB AIO Liquid Cooler, showcasing the radiator, three F360 RGB Core fans, and the pump with its integrated LCD display.
2. Setup and Installation
Before beginning installation, ensure your system is powered off and disconnected from the power source. Refer to your motherboard and PC case manuals for specific instructions regarding component installation and clearances.
2.1 Package Contents
Verify that all components are present in the package:
- NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB Liquid Cooler (Radiator, Pump, Fans)
- Mounting Hardware for Intel (LGA 1851/1700, 1200/115X)
- Mounting Hardware for AMD (AM5, AM4)
- Fan Screws
- USB Cable
- Documentation
2.2 Pre-Installation Steps
- Identify the appropriate mounting bracket for your CPU socket (Intel or AMD).
- Ensure the CPU surface is clean. The cooler comes with pre-applied thermal paste, so no additional paste is needed unless reapplying.
- Determine the optimal mounting location for the 360mm radiator within your PC case. Common locations include the top or front of the case.
Figure 2.1: The Kraken Plus pump head shown with interchangeable mounting brackets for both Intel and AMD CPU sockets.
Figure 2.2: Underside of the pump, revealing the copper cold plate with pre-applied thermal paste, ready for direct contact with the CPU.
2.3 Installation Procedure
- Install Radiator and Fans: Attach the F360 RGB Core fans to the radiator using the provided fan screws. Mount the assembled radiator and fans to your chosen location in the PC case. Ensure proper airflow direction (intake or exhaust) based on your case's cooling design.
- Prepare Pump: Secure the correct mounting bracket to the pump head.
- Mount Pump to CPU: Carefully align the pump over your CPU, ensuring the pre-applied thermal paste makes full contact. Secure the pump to the motherboard using the appropriate backplate and standoffs for your CPU socket. Tighten screws in a diagonal pattern until snug.
- Connect Cables:
- Connect the single breakout cable from the pump cap to the designated headers on your motherboard (CPU_FAN, AIO_PUMP, or similar).
- Connect the USB cable from the pump to an available internal USB 2.0 header on your motherboard. This is essential for NZXT CAM software control and LCD customization.
- Connect the RGB fan cables to the appropriate RGB controller or motherboard header, if applicable.
- Cable Management: Route all cables neatly to ensure proper airflow within the case and for aesthetic purposes.
Figure 2.3: The Kraken Plus 360 RGB cooler fully installed within a PC chassis, demonstrating typical radiator and pump placement.
3. Operating Instructions
Once installed, the NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB operates automatically to cool your CPU. For advanced control and customization, use the NZXT CAM software.
3.1 Initial Power-On
After completing the installation and reassembling your PC, power on your system. The pump and fans should begin operating. The LCD screen on the pump will initialize and display default information.
3.2 NZXT CAM Software
The NZXT CAM software is essential for unlocking the full potential of your Kraken Plus 360 RGB cooler. Download and install the latest version from the official NZXT website (nzxt.com/cam).
With NZXT CAM, you can:
- Monitor CPU and liquid temperatures in real-time.
- Adjust pump and fan speeds to optimize cooling performance or noise levels.
- Customize the LCD display with system stats, custom images, animated GIFs, or web integrations.
- Control the RGB lighting effects of the fans and pump.
- Set up custom cooling profiles based on your usage.
Figure 3.1: A close-up view of the 1.54-inch square LCD screen on the pump, showing real-time liquid temperature.
4. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB cooler.
4.1 Dust Cleaning
Dust accumulation on the radiator fins and fans can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months), power off your PC and use compressed air to gently clean dust from the radiator fins and fan blades. Hold the fan blades in place while spraying to prevent over-spinning.
4.2 Tubing and Connections
Inspect the tubing and connections for any signs of leaks or damage. While AIO coolers are sealed systems, it's good practice to visually check for any abnormalities. Ensure all cables are securely connected.
4.3 Thermal Paste
The Kraken Plus 360 RGB comes with pre-applied thermal paste. Under normal circumstances, this paste should last for a long time. If you ever need to remove the cooler from the CPU (e.g., for CPU upgrade or troubleshooting), you will need to clean off the old thermal paste from both the CPU and the cold plate, and apply new high-quality thermal paste before reinstallation.
5. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB cooler.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|
| High CPU Temperatures | - Poor thermal paste contact
- Insufficient airflow
- Pump not running or running slowly
- Fans not spinning or spinning slowly
| - Re-seat the pump, ensuring even pressure. Consider reapplying thermal paste if necessary.
- Clean radiator and fans of dust. Ensure case airflow is optimized.
- Check pump power connection (CPU_FAN/AIO_PUMP header). Verify pump speed in NZXT CAM.
- Check fan power connections. Verify fan speeds in NZXT CAM.
|
| LCD Screen Not Displaying | - USB cable disconnected
- NZXT CAM software issue
- Driver issue
| - Ensure the internal USB 2.0 cable is securely connected to both the pump and motherboard.
- Restart NZXT CAM. Reinstall NZXT CAM.
- Check Device Manager for any unrecognized devices. Update USB drivers.
|
| RGB Lighting Not Working | - RGB cable disconnected
- NZXT CAM software issue
| - Ensure RGB cables from fans are properly connected to the controller or motherboard.
- Check RGB settings in NZXT CAM. Restart or reinstall NZXT CAM.
|
| Unusual Noise from Pump/Fans | - Air bubbles in pump (gurgling)
- Fan bearing noise
- Loose components
| - Orient radiator higher than pump if possible. Gently tilt case to help dislodge air bubbles.
- Check fan screws for tightness. If noise persists, contact NZXT support.
- Ensure all mounting screws are tight.
|
If you continue to experience issues, please refer to the NZXT support website or contact their customer service.
7. Warranty and Support
NZXT products are designed for reliability and performance. For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official NZXT website.
NZXT offers comprehensive warranties for their products. The specific warranty period for the Kraken Plus 360 RGB may vary by region. Please visit the official NZXT support page for the most up-to-date warranty terms and conditions.
Note: Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
7.2 Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact NZXT customer support through their official channels:
NZXT provides expert support to assist you with any product-related inquiries.
