NZXT Kraken M22 120mm All-in-One RGB CPU Liquid Cooler Instruction Manual

Introduction

The NZXT Kraken M22 120mm All-in-One RGB CPU Liquid Cooler is designed to provide efficient cooling for your CPU while offering customizable RGB lighting effects. This manual will guide you through the installation process, operational details, and maintenance procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your cooler.

What's in the Box

• M22 AIO Cooler: fan, hoses, radiator
• Mounting hardware for Intel and AMD sockets
• Installation guide

Note: Specific mounting brackets for AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1700 are included. Please refer to the installation section for details.

Specifications

Setup and Installation

Follow these steps carefully to install your NZXT Kraken M22 liquid cooler. Ensure your system is powered off and unplugged before beginning installation.

1. Prepare the Motherboard

Depending on your CPU socket type (AMD or Intel), you will need to prepare your motherboard accordingly. The Kraken M22 comes with pre-applied thermal paste on the cold plate, simplifying this step.

Figure 1: NZXT Kraken M22 120mm All-in-One Liquid Cooler components.

For AMD AM4/AM5 Sockets:

1. Remove the existing plastic retention brackets from your motherboard around the CPU socket. Keep the original backplate.
2. Install the four red standoffs onto the backplate screws.
3. Place the two AMD metal brackets onto the standoffs and secure them with screws using a screwdriver.

For Intel LGA1700 Sockets:

1. Assemble the Intel backplate by inserting the screws through the outer mounting holes and securing them with blue washers.
2. Install the assembled Intel backplate from the backside of the motherboard, ensuring the backplate screws pass through the motherboard mounting holes.
3. Install four blue standoffs onto the backplate screws from the front side of the motherboard.
4. Install two Intel brackets onto the standoffs, aligning the backplate screws through the LGA1700 holes on the brackets. Secure the brackets with nuts.

2. Apply Thermal Compound (if not pre-applied or if reapplying)

The Kraken M22 comes with thermal paste pre-applied to the cold plate. If you need to reapply thermal paste, ensure the CPU surface is clean and apply a pea-sized amount to the center of the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).

3. Install the Waterblock

1. Carefully remove the protective sticker from the cold plate of the waterblock.
2. Align the waterblock with the mounting holes on the installed brackets and gently place it onto the CPU.
3. Secure the waterblock by tightening the four nuts onto the standoffs in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.

Figure 2: Close-up of the NZXT Kraken M22 waterblock, showing the pre-applied thermal paste and mounting bracket.

4. Install the Radiator and Fans

Mount the radiator and fan(s) to an available fan mount in your PC case (e.g., front, top, or rear). Ensure proper airflow direction (intake or exhaust) based on your case's cooling strategy.

Figure 3: NZXT Kraken M22 120mm radiator with the included Aer P fan attached.

5. Connect Cables

Proper cable management is crucial for aesthetics and airflow. Connect the following cables:

• Pump Power: Connect the waterblock's 4-pin PWM header to your motherboard's CPU_OPT, AIO_PUMP, or WATER_PUMP socket.
• Fan Power: Connect the fan's 4-pin PWM cable to your motherboard's CPU_FAN socket.
• RGB Lighting: Connect the ARGB lighting cable from the waterblock to a 3-pin 5V ARGB socket on your motherboard.
• USB Connection: Connect the micro-USB cable from the waterblock to an available internal USB 2.0 header on your motherboard. This is essential for CAM software control.

Operating Instructions

The NZXT Kraken M22 is controlled via the NZXT CAM software. Ensure CAM software is installed on your Windows 10 operating system.

• CAM Software: Download and install the NZXT CAM software from the official NZXT website.
• Monitoring: Use CAM to monitor pump speed, liquid temperature, CPU temperature, and other system conditions.
• RGB Lighting: Customize the infinity mirror RGB lighting effects on the pump. CAM offers numerous customizable presets and reactive modes that can respond to system conditions or audio output.
• Fan Control: Adjust fan curves and pump speeds to balance cooling performance and noise levels according to your preferences.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and efficiency of your liquid cooler.

• Dust Cleaning: Periodically clean dust from the radiator fins and fan blades using compressed air. Ensure fans are not spinning during cleaning.
• Cable Management: Regularly check cable connections to ensure they are secure and not obstructing airflow.
• Software Updates: Keep your NZXT CAM software updated to benefit from the latest features and performance optimizations.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Kraken M22, consider the following:

• Overheating CPU:
  • Ensure the waterblock is securely mounted to the CPU with adequate mounting pressure.
  • Verify that thermal paste is properly applied and evenly spread.
  • Check if the pump is running (listen for a faint hum or check CAM software).
  • Confirm that radiator fans are spinning and correctly oriented for optimal airflow.
• RGB Lighting Not Working:
  • Ensure the ARGB cable is securely connected to the motherboard's 3-pin 5V ARGB header.
  • Verify the USB cable from the waterblock is connected to an internal USB 2.0 header.
  • Check CAM software settings for lighting control.
• Pump or Fan Not Spinning:
  • Ensure all power cables (PWM for pump and fan) are correctly connected to the motherboard.
  • Check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure fan headers are enabled and set to PWM mode.

Warranty and Support

The NZXT Kraken M22 120mm Liquid Cooler comes with a 6-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and support.

• Warranty Period: 6 years from the date of purchase.
• Customer Support: For technical assistance or warranty claims, please visit the official NZXT support website or contact their customer service.