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

AIO liquid coolers are a great and efficient way to keep your CPU cool. They are often known to perform better than traditional air coolers. However, installing an AIO cooler is not as easy as expected. A proper procedure must be followed to make sure the installation is accurate.

Key Takeaways

Your CPU will thermal throttle if you put a lot of pressure on it when using it without a cooler, potentially leading to hardware failure.
It is essential to keep the CPU temperature low, as this will help increase the overall lifespan of the component.
Water cooling is one of the most efficient ways to keep the CPU temperature low. ]

Since this is a generic guide for all AIOs, yours might have some variations. Take a moment to go through the instruction manual of your cooler before as well. Before we begin, you might want to install the motherboard and all its components, like your CPU, RAM sticks, and NVME drives.

Tip: Don’t install the GPU yet since it occupies a chunk of your space. It might come in the way of installing your AIO and removing it if you already have it installed.

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:

You need to align your backplate so that all the screw holes of the motherboard are positioned accordingly.
Now secure the backplate with screws that the backplate came with.
This is where you will screw on the waterblock later on.

Installing Backplate For AIO Cooler — CPU Backplate (Image By Tech4Gamers)

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:

Line the fans up in the correct configuration inside the radiator.
Most fans will come with a small arrow to demonstrate the airflow direction.
If there isn’t any arrow on them, refer to the installation guide provided by the manufacturer.
Afterward, secure the fans with screws while installing them into the radiator.

Installing Fans On The Radiator — Fans Installation (Image By Tech4Gamers)

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:

First, align and hold your radiator where you want to mount it.
While holding it there, ensure the cutouts on the case line up correctly with the screw holes on your radiator.
Pass the cables of the radiator through the cutouts to the back of your case.
Mounting The Radiator (Image By Tech4Gamers)
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. You can check out our guide on how to clean thermal paste off the CPU. 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:

The first step is to install the retention bracket around your water block. Your AIO will come with one.

WARNING: Retention brackets come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so make sure you consult the installation guide provided by the manufacturer with your AIO to install it correctly.
After you have installed the retention bracket, place the water block on your CPU, making sure the water block is oriented the right way up.
Ensure the support screws you installed previously align with the water block’s retention bracket.
If you own an AMD CPU, you might have to attach the thumbscrews using the attachment clips on your bracket.
Installing The Water-block (Image By Tech4Gamers)
After the bracket and thumbscrews are in place, gradually tighten them to secure the water block on the CPU.

Manage The Cables

After successfully installing all the hardware, the last step 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:

Connect all the fan cables to the fan headers.
If your fans have RGB, then daisy-chain all your RGB cables and connect them to the RGB connector.
Fan Header On Motherboard (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Finally, your AIO cooler’s SATA cable into your PSU to supply power to your cooler.
Power up your system.

Different Sizes Of AIO Coolers

AIO coolers usually come with one, two, or three fans. These fans have two standard sizes: 120mm and 240mm. The number of fans and their size determines the overall size of an AIO cooler. This information is also present in the name of the AIO.

AIO Cooler Sizes And Form Factors — AIO Coolers

For example, Cooler Master’s Master Liquid 240 has two 120mm fans, making the overall radiator size 240mm. Similarly, with 120mm fans, the radiator sizes can be 120, 240, or 360mm, and with 140mm fans, the radiator sizes can be 140, 280, or 420mm, depending on the number of fans used.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an AIO cooler work?

In an AIO cooler, the liquid absorbs the heat and travels to the radiator, dissipating heat via the cooler fans.

How can I choose the right-sized cooler for my PC?

If you have a minor PC case, choose a 120mm cooler. For mid-sized cases, you can go for 240/280mm or 360/420mm cooler.

Why is a liquid cooler better than a stock cooler?

A liquid cooler absorbs the heat, relocates it, and dissipates it outside the PC case, leaving no chance for the heat to disperse in the PC case, which usually happens in the stock cooler.

More Guides On CPU Coolers:

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Abdul Hadi

[How To’s & Guides Editor]

Haddi has been in the Gaming and tech Space for over 10 Years Now; he has worked on notable websites like eXputer, Gamepur, Gear Siege, Gearnuke, and plenty more. He is an expert at Games & PC Hardware; you can expect him to solve any problem. People often joke, that if there is any problem anyone can solve, Haddi can solve it faster. Currently, Haddi writes and manages a Team of Experts at Tech4Gamers.

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