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DeepCool AK400 vs NZXT Kraken Elite 360

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The DeepCool AK400 scores 7.1/10 overall, ahead of the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 at 6.8/10.

The DeepCool AK400 leads on compatibility and fit and value.

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

They score the same on cooling.

The biggest difference is value, where the DeepCool AK400 scores 8/10 to the NZXT Kraken Elite 360's 5/10.

DeepCool AK400

DeepCool AK400

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The DeepCool AK400 is for builders who want a low-cost air cooler for a mainstream Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits anyone who wants current socket support, including LGA1851 and AM5, without paying for a bigger tower or an AIO. It is a sensible pick for mid-range builds, and less so for chips that draw well above its 220 W rating.

Typically about £20.50 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

CriterionWeightDeepCool AK400NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Cooling35%7/107/10
Noise25%6/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%8/107/10
Value15%8/105/10
Build and installation10%7/108/10
Overall7.1/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecDeepCool AK400NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, four 6 mm copper heat pipes, one 120 mm fanLiquid AIO with 360 mm radiator
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155; AMD AM5/AM4Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X; AMD AM5, AM4
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)155 mm total (L×W×H); heatsink 152 mmRadiator 401 × 120 × 27 mm; pump cap 93.5 mm diameter × 65 mm high
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)Up to 220 Wnot listed
Fans included and their sizeOne 120×120×25 mm FDB fan, 500–1850 RPM ±10%, 4-pin 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)≤29 dB(A) (manufacturer rating)Elite 360 RGB: 33.88 dB stated by manufacturer; PCGamesN lists 34 dBA
Warranty (years)3 years (per Hwbusters spec list; not confirmed by DeepCool)6 years

Strengths and weaknesses

DeepCool AK400

  • + Strong cooling for the money, per owners
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • + Easy installation reported by owners
  • − Reported 8% throttling on an 11900K in the FPU test
  • − 42 dBA at full 1850 RPM in KitGuru's figures
  • − Mounting kit and pre-applied paste draw criticism

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a hot, high-power CPU that sits near or above 220 W under sustained load
  • Anyone with a compact case that can't take a 155 mm cooler
  • Buyers who want quiet full-speed operation without setting a fan curve
Read the full DeepCool AK400 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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