NZXT
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024)
$279.99
Released 2024
Best CPU Coolers · head-to-head
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) vs Noctua NH-D15 G2
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Noctua NH-D15 G2 is cheaper at $149.95. Every spec and price links to its source.
Noctua
Noctua NH-D15 G2
$149.95Cheaper
Released 2024-07
Which is better: the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) or Noctua NH-D15 G2?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Noctua NH-D15 G2 is the cheaper at $149.95.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) | Noctua NH-D15 G2 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $279.99 | $149.95 |
| Brand | NZXT | Noctua |
| Released | 2024 | 2024-07 |
| Type | aio_liquid | air |
| Radiator or height (mm) | 360 mm | 168 mm |
| Fan count | 3 | 2 |
| Socket support | Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200/115x; AMD AM5, AM4 | Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x; AMD AM5, AM4 |
| Tdp rating (W) | — | — |
| Rgb | Yes | No |
| Noise dba max | 30 | 24.8 |
| Release | 2024 | 2024-07 |
Sources — NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024): nzxt.com (verified 2026-06-15). Noctua NH-D15 G2: noctua.at (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) and Noctua NH-D15 G2?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Type: NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) aio_liquid vs Noctua NH-D15 G2 air
- Radiator or height (mm): NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) 360 mm vs Noctua NH-D15 G2 168 mm
- Fan count: NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) 3 vs Noctua NH-D15 G2 2
- Socket support: NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200/115x; AMD AM5, AM4 vs Noctua NH-D15 G2 Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x; AMD AM5, AM4
- Rgb: NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) true vs Noctua NH-D15 G2 false
- Noise dba max: NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024) 30 vs Noctua NH-D15 G2 24.8
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB (2024)
No sourced tester review yet.
Noctua NH-D15 G2
Two whitelisted hands-on testers reviewed the NH-D15 G2. TechPowerUp names it the best-performing air cooler; Tom's Hardware confirms it improves on the original NH-D15. Both judge its ~$150 price hard to justify against sub-$50 rivals delivering near-identical cooling, and both praise Noctua's warranty and support. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Best-performing air cooler / holds the air-cooler crown; Improved thermal performance over the original NH-D15; Industry-leading warranty and top-tier customer support.
Flagged: Overpriced / poor value at ~$150 vs sub-$50 rivals offering near-identical cooling; Torx T20 screws add friction with no consumer benefit (driver is included); Fan noise inconsistency / 'Rattlegate' suggesting a possible fan defect.