METALFISH FR Series CPU Air Cooler Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The METALFISH FR Series CPU Air Cooler is designed for efficient heat dissipation, featuring direct-touch copper heat pipes and high-performance 12cm PWM fans. It includes addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting with an infinity mirror design for enhanced aesthetics. The cooler is available in FR400 (4 heat pipes, 180W D-TDP) and FR600 (6 heat pipes, 220W D-TDP) versions, supporting a wide range of Intel and AMD platforms.

2. Specifications

2.1. Cooler Specifications

2.2. Fan Specifications

2.3. Supported CPU Sockets

• Intel Platform Support: LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1170, LGA1200, LGA 1356, LGA 1366, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, LGA 2011, LGA 2011-3 (Compatible with Core i3/i5/i7/E3). Note: LGA775 is not supported.
• AMD Platform Support: Socket AM2, Socket AM2+, Socket AM3, Socket AM3+, Socket AM4, Socket AM5, Socket FM1, Socket FM2, Socket FM2+ (Compatible with Ryzen 5/Athlon/Phenom).
• Xeon Platform Support: E5, X79, X99, 2011, 2066.

3. Installation Guide

Before starting, ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged. Refer to your motherboard manual for specific CPU cooler bracket installation instructions if needed.

3.1. Package Contents

Your cooler package includes:

• CPU Cooler (Heatsink with pre-installed fan(s))
• Universal Mounting Brackets (for Intel and AMD sockets)
• Backplate (for Intel sockets)
• Mounting Screws and Standoffs
• Thermal Paste Syringe

3.2. Pre-Installation Steps

1. Prepare CPU: Clean any old thermal paste from your CPU and CPU cooler contact surface using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
2. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small, pea-sized amount of the provided thermal paste to the center of your CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS). Do not spread it manually; the pressure from the cooler will distribute it evenly.

3.3. Installing the Mounting Bracket

The cooler comes with a universal bracket system. Follow the instructions for your specific CPU socket type:

• For Intel Sockets (LGA1700/1200/115x/1851/1356/1366/2011/2011-3):
  1. Attach the appropriate backplate to the rear of your motherboard, aligning the holes with the CPU socket.
  2. Insert the standoffs through the motherboard holes from the front, securing them to the backplate.
  3. Place the Intel mounting arms onto the standoffs.
• For AMD Sockets (AM5/AM4/AM3/AM2/FM1/FM2):
  1. Remove the plastic retention clips from the stock AMD backplate (if present), but keep the metal backplate.
  2. Attach the AMD mounting arms to the existing motherboard retention module or directly to the backplate using the provided screws.

3.4. Installing the Cooler

1. Carefully place the cooler onto the CPU, aligning the base with the mounting bracket.
2. Secure the cooler to the mounting bracket using the provided screws. Tighten screws in a diagonal pattern (e.g., top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) until snug. Do not overtighten.
3. Connect the 4-pin PWM fan cable to the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard.
4. Connect the 5V 3-pin ARGB cable to an available 5V ARGB header on your motherboard or to the included ARGB controller (if applicable).

4. Operation

4.1. Fan Control (PWM)

The cooler's fan(s) utilize PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology, allowing your motherboard to dynamically control fan speed based on CPU temperature. This ensures optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise when the system is under light load.

4.2. ARGB Lighting Control

The integrated ARGB lighting features a three-sides infinite mirror design for stunning visual effects. You can control the lighting in two ways:

• Motherboard Sync: If connected to a compatible 5V 3-pin ARGB header on your motherboard, you can control the lighting effects using your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync).
• ARGB Controller: If your motherboard does not have a 5V 3-pin ARGB header, or if you prefer standalone control, use the included ARGB controller to cycle through various lighting modes and colors.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal cooling performance and extends the lifespan of your CPU cooler.

• Dust Cleaning: Periodically (every 3-6 months, or more often in dusty environments) use compressed air to clean dust from the heatsink fins and fan blades. Ensure the fan is held stationary while cleaning to prevent damage to the bearing.
• Fan Inspection: Check fan blades for any obstructions or signs of wear. The fan has a lifespan of approximately 50,000 hours.
• Thermal Paste Reapplication: If you remove the cooler for any reason, it is recommended to clean off the old thermal paste and apply a fresh layer before reinstallation.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your METALFISH FR Series CPU Air Cooler, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

6.1. Fan Not Spinning or Spinning Slowly

• Check Connections: Ensure the 4-pin PWM fan cable is securely connected to the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard.
• BIOS Settings: Verify that fan control settings in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI are configured correctly (e.g., PWM mode enabled, fan curve set).
• Obstructions: Check for any cables or debris obstructing the fan blades.

6.2. Poor Cooling Performance / High CPU Temperatures

• Thermal Paste: Ensure thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly. Reapply if necessary.
• Cooler Mounting: Verify that the cooler is securely mounted to the CPU and motherboard, providing adequate contact pressure. Check that all mounting screws are tightened.
• Airflow: Ensure proper airflow within your PC case. Check that case fans are correctly oriented to draw cool air in and exhaust hot air out.
• Dust Buildup: Clean any dust from the heatsink fins and fan blades.

6.3. ARGB Lighting Not Working or Incorrect Colors

• Check Connections: Ensure the 5V 3-pin ARGB cable is securely connected to the motherboard's ARGB header or the ARGB controller. Note that this is a 5V 3-pin connection; connecting to a 12V 4-pin RGB header will damage the LEDs.
• Software/Controller: If using motherboard software, ensure it is up-to-date and correctly configured. If using a controller, try cycling through modes or resetting it.

7. User Tips

• Compatibility Check: This cooler is widely compatible with both Intel (LGA1700/1200/115x/1851/2011/2011-3) and AMD (AM4/AM5) platforms. Always double-check your motherboard's socket type before installation.
• ARGB Customization: The ARGB lighting is fully customizable. If connected to a compatible motherboard, use the manufacturer's software to synchronize lighting with other components for a cohesive look.
• Memory Clearance: The cooler's design is optimized to avoid interference with RAM modules, even those with tall heat spreaders.

8. Warranty and Support

METALFISH products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your retailer or the official METALFISH support channels. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.