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Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS vs NZXT Kraken Elite 360

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS at 6.5/10.

The Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS leads on value.

The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 leads on noise, compatibility and fit and build and installation.

They score the same on cooling.

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Nautilus 360 RS is for buyers with a case that takes a 360mm radiator and a CPU that runs hot under load. It suits Intel LGA 1851 and LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 and AM4 builds that want a ready-to-fit AIO with paste already applied. It is less suited to compact or poorly ventilated cases.

Typically about £100.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

NZXT Kraken Elite 360

NZXT Kraken Elite 360

6.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 is for builders who want a 360 mm AIO on a current Intel or AMD platform. It suits people who want low temperatures under heavy load and a simple install. It is less suited to buyers watching the budget closely.

Typically about £279.95 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightCorsair NAUTILUS 360 RSNZXT Kraken Elite 360
Cooling35%7/107/10
Noise25%6/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%6/107/10
Value15%7/105/10
Build and installation10%6/108/10
Overall6.5/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecCorsair NAUTILUS 360 RSNZXT Kraken Elite 360
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)AIO liquid cooler with 360mm radiatorLiquid AIO with 360 mm radiator
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700; AMD AM5, AM4Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X; AMD AM5, AM4
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)Radiator 360mm; 396 × 120 × 27mm (length unconfirmed, Corsair comparison page gives 394 × 120 × 27mm)Radiator 401 × 120 × 27 mm; pump cap 93.5 mm diameter × 65 mm high
Fans included and their sizeThree RS120 fans, 120 × 25mm, 420–2100 RPM ±10%, PWMElite 360: 3 × F120P (2024) 120 mm static-pressure fans, 500–2,000 ±200 RPM, 30 dBA each. Elite 360 RGB: 1 × F360 RGB Core fan containing three 120 mm fans, 500–2,400 ±250 RPM, 30.0 dBA per fan
Noise level (dBA)Fans 10–36 dBA; pump 20 dBAElite 360 RGB: 33.88 dB stated by manufacturer; PCGamesN lists 34 dBA
Warranty (years)5 years6 years

Strengths and weaknesses

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

  • + Reported peak of 81°C on an i9-14900K
  • + Quiet at idle and light load, owners say
  • + Five-year warranty and pre-applied XTM60 paste
  • − Installation can be difficult in compact cases
  • − Fan noise rises under sustained heavy load
  • − Higher temperatures reported in small or poorly ventilated cases

Skip it if:

  • Builders with compact cases that struggle to take a 360mm radiator
  • People who need near-silent running during long, sustained heavy loads
  • Owners of small or poorly ventilated cases
Read the full Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS review ›

NZXT Kraken Elite 360

  • + Reviews report temperatures mostly below 70 °C under heavy load
  • + Straightforward installation with pre-applied paste and tool-free brackets
  • + Six-year warranty and wide socket support
  • − Fans reported as harsh near maximum speed
  • − Owners call the price high
  • − Thin accessory bundle with no spare thermal paste

Skip it if:

  • Buyers whose case cannot take a 401 mm radiator
  • Buyers sensitive to fan noise who want to run fans at full speed
  • Buyers on a tight budget who object to a high price and thin bundle
Read the full NZXT Kraken Elite 360 review ›

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