1. Introduction
The Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V2 is an all-in-one (AIO) liquid CPU cooler designed to provide efficient and quiet cooling for your processor. Featuring a 360mm radiator, three high-performance ARGB fans, and a robust pump, this cooler ensures optimal thermal management for a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets. Its integrated ARGB lighting system allows for customizable aesthetics to match your build.
Figure 1: Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V2 Product Overview
2. Package Contents
Please check the contents of your package to ensure all items are present and undamaged. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer.
- A: 360mm Radiator with Integrated Pump/Waterblock Unit
- B: 3 x 120mm ARGB Fans
- C: Intel Backplate
- D: Intel Mounting Brackets (for LGA115X/1200/1700/1851)
- E: AMD Mounting Brackets (for AM4/AM5)
- F: Mounting Screws (for fans, radiator, and various CPU sockets)
- G: Thermal Paste
- H: ARGB Splitter Cable
- I: Fan Splitter Cable
Figure 2: Included Components
3. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Thermalright |
| Model Number | Aqua Elite White 360 V2 |
| Type | CPU All In One Liquid Cooler |
| Heatsink Material | Copper & Aluminum |
| Radiator Type | 360mm |
| RGB Support | A-RGB (5V-3pin) |
| Package | Yes |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Supported CPU Sockets | LGA 1700, LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 2011, LGA 2066, AM4, AM5, Socket FM1, Socket FM2, Socket FM2+, Socket AM2, Socket AM2+, Socket AM3, Socket AM3+ |
| Fan Specifications | |
| Fan Size | 120 x 120 x 25mm |
| Fan Rotating Speed | 2000 RPM ±10% (MAX) |
| Fan Voltage | 12V DC |
| Wind Pressure | 2.21 mm H₂O (MAX) |
| Air Volume | 68.9 CFM (MAX) |
| Fan Noise Level | ≤28.2 dBA |
| Fan Interface | 4pin PWM |
| Fan Bearing | S-FDB |
| Fan Light Interface | +5V 3pin ARGB |
| Pump Specifications | |
| Pump Rotating Speed | 2600 RPM ±10% |
| Pump Voltage | 12V DC |
| Pump Current | 0.24 ±20% A |
| Pump Noise Level | ≤30 dBA |
| Pump Interface | +12V DC / 3pin |
| Pump Power | ≤3.0W |
| Pump ARGB Interface | +5V / 3pin |
| Pump Life Expectancy | 40000 Hours |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Figure 3: Pump and Fan Parameters
4. Setup and Installation
Safety Precaution: Always ensure your system is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet before beginning installation. Handle components with care to avoid damage.
4.1. Prepare Motherboard and CPU
- Install your CPU onto the motherboard if not already done.
- Clean the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue.
4.2. Backplate Installation
Select the appropriate backplate and mounting hardware for your CPU socket.
- For Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851: Adjust the four backplate screws to the correct position for your socket (e.g., position 1 for LGA1700/1851, position 2 for LGA115X/1200). Insert the backplate from the rear of the motherboard, aligning the holes.
- For AMD AM4/AM5: Use the original AMD backplate that comes with your motherboard. Remove the plastic retention clips around the CPU socket.
4.3. Radiator and Fan Mounting
- Attach the three 120mm fans to the radiator using the long fan mounting screws. Ensure the fan airflow direction is as desired (typically blowing air through the radiator and out of the case).
- Mount the radiator assembly to an available 360mm mounting location in your PC case (e.g., top, front) using the short radiator mounting screws.
4.4. Waterblock Installation
- Apply a small pea-sized amount of the included thermal paste to the center of your CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).
- Select the correct mounting brackets for your CPU socket (Intel or AMD) and attach them to the waterblock.
- Carefully place the waterblock onto the CPU, aligning the screw holes with the standoffs or backplate.
- Secure the waterblock by tightening the four spring-loaded thumb screws in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.
4.5. Cable Connections
- Pump Power: Connect the 3-pin pump power cable from the waterblock to your motherboard's dedicated AIO_PUMP or CPU_OPT header. If these are unavailable, use a SYS_FAN header and ensure it's set to full speed in BIOS.
- Fan Power: Use the included fan splitter cable to connect all three fan 4-pin PWM cables to a single CPU_FAN header on your motherboard.
- ARGB Lighting: Use the included ARGB splitter cable to connect all fan ARGB cables and the waterblock ARGB cable to a single 5V-3pin ARGB header on your motherboard. Ensure it is a 5V header; connecting to a 12V RGB header will damage the LEDs.
Figure 4: Installation Diagrams (Refer to PDF for detailed views)
Figure 5: Cooler Installed in a PC Case
5. Operating Instructions
- After completing the installation and ensuring all connections are secure, power on your computer.
- Verify that the pump is running (you may hear a faint hum or feel slight vibration) and that all fans are spinning.
- ARGB Lighting Control: The ARGB lighting of the fans and waterblock can be controlled via your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync). Ensure the software is installed and up-to-date.
- Temperature Monitoring: Use your motherboard's monitoring software or third-party tools to check CPU temperatures under idle and load conditions to confirm proper cooling performance.
Video 1: Official product video showcasing the Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V2 in operation with ARGB lighting.
6. Maintenance
- Dust Cleaning: Periodically (every 3-6 months, or more often in dusty environments) clean the radiator fins and fan blades using compressed air. This prevents dust buildup that can impede airflow and reduce cooling performance.
- Cable Management: Ensure all cables are neatly managed and do not obstruct airflow within the case.
- Leak Inspection: While AIO coolers are sealed, it's good practice to occasionally visually inspect the tubing and connections for any signs of leakage, especially after moving the system.
7. Troubleshooting
- Fans Not Spinning / Pump Not Working:
- Check all power connections (pump to AIO_PUMP, fans to CPU_FAN).
- Ensure cables are fully seated in their respective headers.
- Check BIOS settings to ensure fan headers are enabled and set to appropriate speeds.
- High CPU Temperatures:
- Verify the waterblock is making good contact with the CPU. Re-seat if necessary, applying fresh thermal paste.
- Ensure fans are oriented correctly to push/pull air through the radiator effectively.
- Check for dust buildup on the radiator fins.
- Confirm the pump is operating (listen for a hum, feel for vibration).
- ARGB Lighting Not Working:
- Check all 5V-3pin ARGB connections from the fans and waterblock to the motherboard header.
- Ensure you are connected to a 5V-3pin ARGB header, not a 12V-4pin RGB header.
- Update or reinstall your motherboard's RGB control software.
- Check motherboard BIOS settings for ARGB control.
- Excessive Noise:
- Ensure fans are securely mounted and not vibrating against the case or radiator.
- Adjust fan speeds in BIOS or software to find a balance between cooling and noise.
- A slight hum from the pump is normal; if it's excessively loud, ensure there are no air bubbles trapped (tilting the case can sometimes help).
8. User Tips
No specific user tips were available from provided reviews or Q&A content for this product.
9. Warranty and Support
The Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V2 CPU Liquid Cooler comes with a 3-year warranty on the pump. For warranty claims, technical support, or any product-related inquiries, please contact your retailer or Thermalright customer service directly. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty validation.
For detailed diagrams and multilingual instructions, please refer to the official user manual PDF available at: Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 Series User Manual (PDF)