Thermalright AQUA ELITE 360 V3

Contents

Thermalright AQUA ELITE 360 V3 ARGB Liquid Cooler User Manual

Model: AQUA ELITE 360 V3

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Thermalright AQUA ELITE 360 V3 ARGB Liquid Cooler. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation to ensure proper setup and optimal performance. For a complete digital version of the user manual, please refer to the official PDF document provided by the manufacturer.

CAUTION: All liquid coolers have a probability of leaking. Please follow instructions closely to install. ALWAYS check the liquid cooler before installation. If there is any defect or deformation to the cooler, please contact customer service immediately.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present in your package:

  • AQUA ELITE 360 V3 Radiator with pre-installed fans and pump
  • Intel Backplate (for LGA 115X/1200/1700/1851)
  • Intel Mounting Brackets and Screws (for LGA 115X/1200/1700/1851)
  • AMD Mounting Brackets and Screws (for AM4/AM5)
  • Thermal Paste (TF7, 12.8W/MK)
  • Fan Hub
  • Water Pipe Buckles
  • Radiator Mounting Screws (short for radiator to case, long for fans to radiator)
User manual page showing components and installation diagrams
Figure 2.1: Overview of included components and installation steps (refer to specific sections for details).
Intel and AMD platform screws
Figure 2.2: Intel 17XX platform screws (top) and AMD AM5/AM4 platform screws (bottom).
Thermalright SS2 Series Pressure Buckle System components
Figure 2.3: Thermalright SS2 Series Pressure Buckle System components for various Intel (LGA 17xx, 115x, 1200, 2011, 2066) and AMD (AM5, AM4) sockets.

3. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps carefully for proper installation. Ensure your system is powered off and unplugged before beginning.

3.1. Prepare CPU Socket

For Intel LGA 115X/1200/1700/1851:

  1. Adjust the four backplate screws to the correct position for your motherboard socket (LGA 115X/1200 or LGA 1700/1851).
  2. Place the Intel backplate on the rear side of the motherboard, aligning the screw holes.
  3. From the front side of the motherboard, insert the standoffs through the CPU socket holes and into the backplate.

For AMD AM4/AM5:

  1. Remove the existing plastic retention brackets from the motherboard, keeping the original backplate.
  2. Install the AMD standoffs onto the motherboard's CPU socket holes.

3.2. Apply Thermal Paste

  1. Clean the CPU IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader) surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any old thermal paste or residue.
  2. Apply a small amount (pea-sized dot or thin line) of the provided Thermalright TF7 thermal paste onto the center of the CPU IHS. Do not spread it manually; the pressure from the cold plate will spread it evenly.
Thermalright TF7 thermal paste
Figure 3.1: Thermalright TF7 thermal paste (Thermal conductivity 12.8W/MK).

3.3. Mount Cold Plate (Water Block)

  1. Attach the correct mounting brackets (Intel or AMD) to the cold plate.
  2. Carefully place the cold plate onto the CPU, aligning the holes in the brackets with the standoffs.
  3. Secure the cold plate by tightening the four spring-loaded thumb screws in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.
Switching between air-cooled and water-cooled platforms on Intel
Figure 3.2: Illustration of switching between air-cooled and water-cooled platforms on Intel.
Switching between air-cooled and water-cooled platforms on AMD
Figure 3.3: Illustration of switching between air-cooled and water-cooled platforms on AMD.

3.4. Mount Radiator and Fans

The fans are pre-installed on the radiator for convenience.

  1. Determine the optimal mounting location for the 360mm radiator in your PC case (e.g., top, front).
  2. Use the short radiator mounting screws to install the radiator (with pre-installed fans) to your PC case. Ensure proper airflow direction (intake or exhaust) according to your case's cooling design.
Cold row pre-installed fan, bonus fan hub, water pipe buckle
Figure 3.4: The radiator comes with pre-installed fans, a bonus fan hub, and water pipe buckles.

3.5. Connect Cables

  1. Pump Power: Connect the water block pump power cable to the dedicated AIO_PUMP or CPU_OPT header on your motherboard. If these are unavailable, use a CPU_FAN header and ensure it's set to 100% PWM in BIOS.
  2. Fan Power: Connect the fan power cables (from the pre-installed fans, potentially via the included fan hub) to the CPU_FAN header or other available fan headers on your motherboard.
  3. ARGB Lighting: Connect the ARGB lighting cable from the water block and fans (if applicable, daisy-chained) to a 5V-3pin ARGB header on your motherboard. Ensure it is a 5V-3pin header, not a 12V-4pin RGB header, to prevent damage.

4. Operating Instructions

Once installed and powered on, the Thermalright AQUA ELITE 360 V3 will automatically begin cooling your CPU. The fans and pump will adjust their speed based on CPU temperature, as controlled by your motherboard's BIOS settings or fan control software.

4.1. ARGB Lighting Control

The ARGB lighting of the water block and fans can be controlled by your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync). Ensure the ARGB cable is correctly connected to the motherboard's 5V-3pin ARGB header.

5. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your liquid cooler.

  • Dust Cleaning: Periodically clean the radiator fins and fan blades with compressed air to remove dust buildup. Dust can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.
  • Inspect Tubing: Occasionally inspect the tubing for any signs of wear, kinks, or leaks.
  • No User-Serviceable Parts: The Thermalright AQUA ELITE 360 V3 is a closed-loop AIO (All-In-One) cooler and does not require coolant refills or other internal maintenance. Do not attempt to open the pump or radiator.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your liquid cooler, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

  • No Power/Fans Not Spinning/Pump Not Running:
    • Check all power connections (pump to AIO_PUMP/CPU_FAN, fans to CPU_FAN/other headers).
    • Ensure cables are fully seated.
    • Check BIOS settings to ensure fan headers are enabled and set to appropriate speeds.
  • Poor Cooling Performance:
    • Verify the cold plate is making full contact with the CPU IHS. Re-seat if necessary, applying new thermal paste.
    • Ensure fans are oriented correctly for optimal airflow (e.g., pushing air through the radiator).
    • Clean any dust buildup from the radiator fins.
    • Check pump operation (listen for a faint hum or feel for vibrations).
  • ARGB Lighting Not Working:
    • Ensure the ARGB cable is securely connected to a 5V-3pin ARGB header on your motherboard.
    • Verify that you are using motherboard RGB software to control the lighting.
    • Confirm it's a 5V-3pin header, not a 12V-4pin RGB header.
  • Noise Issues:
    • Check if fan screws are loose.
    • Ensure no cables are interfering with fan blades.
    • Adjust fan curves in BIOS to reduce fan speed at lower temperatures.

7. Specifications

Detailed specifications for the Thermalright AQUA ELITE 360 V3 ARGB Liquid Cooler:

CategoryParameterValue
Water PumpSpeed3300 RPM ±10% (MAX)
Operating VoltageDC 12V
Rated Current0.4 ±10% A
Operating Noise≤23 dBA (MAX)
Interface4PIN PWM, 5V-3PIN ARGB
Power≤4.8W (MAX)
Fan (TL-C12B-S V2)Size120 * 120 * 25mm
Speed1500 RPM ±10% (MAX)
Rated CurrentDC 12V
Fan Pressure1.53 mm H2O (MAX)
Fan Air Volume66.17 CFM (MAX)
Operating Noise≤25.6 dBA (MAX)
Interface4PIN PWM, +5V/3PIN ARGB
BearingS-FDB Bearing
Radiator & Cold HeadCold Radiator Size396 * 120 * 27mm
Cold Head Size62 * 62 * 53mm
Aqueduct Length450mm
Supported PlatformsIntel: LGA115X/1200/1700/2011/2066, AMD: AM4/AM5
Heatsink MaterialCopper & Aluminum
Thermalright AQUA ELITE 360 V3 ARGB Black specifications
Figure 7.1: Detailed specifications for AQUA ELITE 360 V3 ARGB Black.
Thermalright AQUA ELITE 360 V3 ARGB White specifications
Figure 7.2: Detailed specifications for AQUA ELITE 360 V3 ARGB White.
AIO water cooling radiator AQUA ELITE 360 V3 specifications
Figure 7.3: Summary of AIO water cooling radiator specifications.

8. User Tips

Based on available user feedback, no specific operational or installation tips were consistently highlighted. Always ensure careful handling during installation to prevent any physical damage to the product components.

9. Warranty and Support

The Thermalright AQUA ELITE 360 V3 Liquid Cooler comes with a THREE-YEAR WARRANTY, which includes an INDEMNIFICATION POLICY FOR LIQUID LEAKAGE. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For technical support, warranty claims, or any product-related inquiries, please contact the seller or Thermalright customer service.

Three-year warranty and indemnification policy for liquid leakage
Figure 9.1: Warranty information.

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