NZXT and Asetek Reunite on Kraken with New Kraken Plus and Kraken Core

[Taipei] November 11, 2026
Since the launch of the iconic Kraken X-2 series in 2016 and X-3 series in 2019, NZXT Kraken has become a recognized name in all-in-one liquid cooling, combining strong acoustic and thermal performance with its distinctive Infinity Mirror and RGB design. The “BUILD THE EXTRAORDINARY” philosophy featured on the packaging has continued to define the Kraken experience over the years.
A decade later, NZXT and Asetek are once again joining forces with the new Kraken Plus and Kraken Core, combining NZXT’s signature product experience with Asetek’s latest-generation Ingrid pump platform to further advance cooling efficiency, acoustic performance, and ease of installation.
“Kraken started with Asetek, and it’s great to be working with them again. Asetek has engineered all-in-one liquid coolers since 2000, and their new Gen 9 and Gen 9V pumps are built to run quiet, with a design that keeps vibration from reaching the case. Put that inside a Kraken designed by NZXT, and you get a cooler that’s easy to install and easy to recommend. On Kraken Plus 360 RGB, you can also make the display your own in NZXT CAM.” – Kevin Shih, Director of Product Management, NZXT
“Kraken is an important part of Asetek’s liquid cooling history, and we’re proud to continue that journey with NZXT. With our latest Gen 9 and Gen 9V pump platforms, we continue to advance cooling efficiency, acoustic performance, and ease of installation. Together, we’re bringing proven liquid cooling expertise to the next generation of Kraken products.” – André Sloth Eriksen, Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Asetek
The Kraken Plus 360 RGB, featuring Asetek Ingrid Mainstream [Gen9], along with the Kraken Core 360 and Kraken Core 420, featuring Asetek Ingrid Value [Gen9V], will be available globally starting November 10, 2026 (PST).
Quieter, More Efficient
As CPU power consumption and thermal density continue to increase, modern liquid cooling solutions need to deliver not only effective thermal performance, but also low acoustic output for everyday use.
Through continued optimization of its pump architecture, the latest-generation Asetek Ingrid platform delivers improved acoustic performance. Ingrid Value delivers typical acoustic levels below 22 dB(A), while Ingrid Mainstream achieves typical acoustic levels below 18 dB(A).
Compared with the previous-generation platform, the new Ingrid platform also delivers improvements in thermal and flow efficiency. Test results show up to 3°C improved thermal performance at typical TDP, while free-flow rate increases by 63% for Gen9V and 100% for Gen9 compared with Gen7, demonstrating a significant improvement in overall flow efficiency.
* Stand-alone testing; measured at 25 cm from the cold-plate side. Actual performance may vary depending on system configuration and test conditions.
A Simpler Installation Experience
Performance is only part of the equation. The latest Asetek Ingrid platform also introduces an optimized mounting design to simplify installation.
The updated mounting mechanism reduces installation complexity, allowing users to complete the pump installation in just three steps. The streamlined process helps users achieve a correct and secure installation while making it easier to get the intended cooling performance from the system.
A Decade Later, Quality Remains
As the market continues to evolve toward higher performance and greater value, NZXT and Asetek remain committed to the quality and reliability that have defined their products.
The Asetek Ingrid platform maintains a 50,000-hour rated lifespan and complies with applicable EU requirements, including CE marking and RoHS, as well as REACH, California Proposition 65, and Halogen-Free requirements.
From NZXT’s continued focus on user experience to Asetek’s ongoing advancement of liquid cooling technology, the new Kraken Plus and Kraken Core mark another step in the evolution of a collaboration that has helped shape the all-in-one liquid cooling experience over the past decade.
The Kraken Plus and Kraken Core will be globally available starting November 10, 2026, at 8:00 AM PST / 16:00 UTC. For official launch information and detailed product specifications, please refer to NZXT’s official channels.
- Kraken Plus 360 RGB: https://nzxt.co/3UeZCD5
- Kraken Core 360: https://nzxt.co/48gu96J
- Kraken Core 420: https://nzxt.co/4iltMN2
