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How To Install A Liquid CPU Cooler

by Rustam Iqbal

A cooling unit is responsible for lowering the temperature of the system. Manufacturers develop different air and liquids for this purpose. Each one carries its charms; however, we recommend you get an All-in-one liquid cooler as it is high in the pyramid of the products that maintain the computer’s temperature.

Liquid CPU Cooler!

Liquid CPU Cooler!

If you don’t know how to install a liquid CPU cooler, there is no need to worry; our expert team explains the step-by-step procedure to get you through this. Users installing it for the first time may feel it is tricky. However, it is not. Just get through the mentioned details in the article carefully.

A cooling component is essential to lower the temperature of the system. High-end systems with powerful processors and other components dissipate more heat and require an advanced temperature-dampening unit.

Before buying, a solution, you should ensure it is compatible and fulfills the requirements. We’ll show you how to install a CPU cooler by walking you through the process in this guide. Let’s go!

Step 1: Check The Accessories/Mounting Kit

Step 1: Check The Accessories/Mounting Kit

An AIO unit consists of multiple components like screws, brackets, Fans, different screws, backplates, and cables. So, before starting the installation, ensure all parts mentioned in the manual are in the package. If any part is missing, contact your vendor or buy it separately. Also, ensure that all of them are in perfect shape.

Step 2: What Do I Need To Pay Attention To When Installing In Different Case Locations?

 Step 2: What Do I Need To Pay Attention To When Installing In Different Case Locations?

Before installation, check the type and sizes of the fans that come with the unit. PC cases are of different sizes. Therefore the installation settings of any system vary. Some of them include more than one fan, and you can place them in distinct locations that also change the installation method.

Following are different methods tested by our experts that bring more airflow and dissipate more heat. You must install the fan in the direction that flows the air in the system. Fan blades represent the front side as a convex and the back as a concave.

Usually, a convex side is used for air intake, and the concave for air exhaustion. In this mechanism, air flows in the anti-clockwise direction.

The most recommended position to install the fan is the top of the AIO unit, i.e., at the upper part of the case.

In this implementation, you should place the fan from the front side points towards the cooling unit to improve the airflow by driving the heat aside from the AIO.

The main objective of this position is to move the dissipated heat away from the cooling component to keep the overall system at the right temperature.

In another method, if your casing has an implementation site at the front side, place the fan forward towards the cooler. In this setup, the case’s front side serves as an air intake and its back side as an exhaust, ensuring air flows in a similar direction.

Also, remember that the AIO liquid unit can’t manage the temperature of the whole system by itself. You must install the additional items on the computer to perform efficiently at low temperatures. To check the airflow direction, try to push the fan blades.

Step 3: Installation Steps Of The AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

Step 3: Installation Steps Of The AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

Let’s go for the installation:

  • Unplug the power cables and turn off the system.

  • Unscrew the screws to remove the side panels of the system.

  • Confirm the location and direction of the case according to your preference, as explained in the previous paragraph. The recommended order is anti-clockwise.

  • Lock the fans with the case with the help of long screws available in the package. Place and tighten the screws in an X shape or diagonally for correct locking. Avoid locking all the screws tightly at once.

  • Line up the in-row water cooler with the case holes at the top and gently tighten it with the screws. You will need to remove the magnetic filter from some cases to view the implementation position.

  • Now it’s time to install the water block. Fasten the bracket to the back of the motherboard with the help of screws. Do this step with extra care to avoid damaging the board or frame.

  • Now mount the processor on the motherboard. To apply the thermal paste, take off the protective cover. There are multiple ways to apply thermal paste. It’s recommended to use a tiny pea-sized thermal and spread it. Avoid creating bubbles while spreading, as it may decrease the paste’s performance.

  • Remove the shielding label from the copper surface of the unit and place it into the motherboard. Fasten it with the proper screws in the X shape gently. Avoid applying heavy pressure.

  • As the water block is positioned correctly, the next step is to wire it with other components. Firstly, check the cables, as the unit with RGB characteristics has an extra cord. The fans contain one wire dedicated to RGB and one for power. In contrast, the in-row water component has only one RGB cable.

  • RGB lighting wire is a 3-pin connector of 5V. Connect these lighting cables of fans and coolers to the motherboard’s corresponding slot.

  • Lastly, connect the power cable to the circuit board. Remember that its port is marked as an AIO pump on the motherboard. Just plug it into that port, and the fan’s power cable connects to the motherboard labeled CHA_FAN; everything is ready.

  • You may see some extra screws or brackets. They may be needed as a replacement.

  • Now, place the side panels back into the case and tighten them. Plug all the power cables to turn on your system and start working. If the system lights up after turning on, installation is successful. However, you will hear fans’ light sounds if your product is without RGB signaling.

  • However, recheck all the components according to the above procedure if the installation fails.

Conclusion

Any system’s cooling component is in charge of lowering its overall temperature. For this purpose, various liquids and air coolers are available. A sophisticated cooling system is required for high-end systems with powerful processors and other components dissipating more heat.

You should check that a solution is compatible and meets the requirements before purchasing it. However, an All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooling solution is recommended. There is no need to be concerned if you do not know the directions to install a liquid CPU cooler; the above-explained procedure will help you get this.

Rustam Iqbal

Hi, I'm Rustam Iqbal. I love traveling, computer hardware, and software. I’m constantly trying to learn new skills and programming languages. Reviewing new pieces of hardware is one of my favorites hobbies. Drop by any time to leave me a message if you have any questions.

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