How To Install A Liquid CPU Cooler? [Step By Step]

Install The Backplate

Backplates are the things that enable the connection between your CPU and water block. They are placed behind the motherboard and CPU socket. This is where the screws of your water block mount on, ensuring the connection between your CPU and water block. Follow the instructions below to install the backplate:

1. Align The Backplate: Align your backplate so that all the screw holes of the motherboard are positioned accordingly.
2. Screw The Backplate: Now secure the backplate with the screws that it came with. This is where you will screw on the waterblock later on.

   

Install The Fans

Installing the fans inside the radiator before you install it in the case is recommended, as it gets much more complicated once the radiator is inside the case. Here’s how you can install the fans:

1. Place The Fan: Line the fans up in the correct configuration inside the radiator.
2. Screw The Fans: Afterward, secure the fans with screws while installing them into the radiator.

   

Mount The Radiator

Now, you should have decided on the correct spot to mount your radiator. Now is the time to install it. Ensure you have removed any additional panels or brackets from where you are about to install your radiator. Follow the instructions below to mount the radiator in the radiator:

1. Align The Radiator: First, align and hold your radiator where you want to mount it.
2. Line Up The Radiator With Screw Holes: While holding it there, ensure the cutouts on the case line up correctly with the screw holes on your radiator.
3. Manage The Radiator Cable: Pass the cables of the radiator through the cutouts to the back of your case.

   

4. Screw The Radiator: Once the radiator is aligned correctly, tighten the screws to secure its place on the case.

Install The Waterblock

Before installing the water block, remove all the thermal paste previously applied on top of your CPU’s IHS. Most water blocks will come with pre-applied thermal paste, but if yours does not, install a small amount of it on the IHS of your CPU. This is how you can install the water block:

1. Install The Retention Bracket: The first step is to install the retention bracket around your water block. Your AIO will come with one.
2. Place The Waterblock: After installing the retention bracket, place the water block on your CPU, ensuring the water block is oriented the right way up.
3. Align The Retention Bracket: Ensure the support screws you installed previously align with the water block’s retention bracket.
4. Tighten The Screws: After the bracket and thumbscrews are in place, gradually tighten them to secure the water block on the CPU.

Manage The Cables

The last step after successfully installing all the hardware is establishing the electrical connection. You must connect your AIO cables to your system for this one. Follow the steps below to manage the cables when installing a CPU cooler:

1. Connect The Cables: Connect all the fan cables to the fan headers.
2. Plug The RGB Cables In Their Connectors: If your fans have RGB, then daisy-chain all your RGB cables and connect them to the RGB connector.

   

3. Connect The Cooler To The PSU: Finally, insert your AIO cooler’s SATA cable into your PSU to supply power to your cooler and power up your system.

How Do You Choose The Right Size For Your Build?

To choose the right AIO size, consider your case’s capacity and your PC’s usage. If your PC pushes the CPU to its limits and causes thermal throttling, opt for a larger AIO. According to us, a 120mm fan suits more minor cases. For better cooling, choose 140mm, but it requires more space and power.

After fan size, select the radiator size based on the number of fans. A single fan and 120/140mm radiator suffice for casual users with limited space. Use a dual fan and 240/280mm radiator for mid-sized cases and occasional overclocking. Hardcore users needing maximum performance should choose a triple fan and 360/420mm radiator.