1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB CPU Liquid Cooler. Please read this manual carefully before proceeding with installation to ensure proper function and to prevent damage to your system components. This All-In-One (AIO) liquid cooler is designed to provide efficient cooling for your CPU while offering customizable A-RGB lighting.
Image 1.1: Overview of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB CPU Liquid Cooler.
2. Safety Information
- Always disconnect power from your computer before installing or servicing any components.
- Handle components with care to avoid damage.
- Ensure proper grounding to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD).
- Keep the cooler and its components away from liquids and extreme temperatures.
- Do not attempt to open the pump or radiator, as this may void the warranty and cause leaks.
- Ensure all cables are routed safely and do not obstruct fan blades or other moving parts.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present in the package:
- ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB CPU Liquid Cooler (Radiator, Pump, and 3x P14 PWM A-RGB 140mm Fans pre-assembled)
- Intel Mounting Kit (Backplate, Standoffs, Screws)
- AMD Mounting Kit (Standoffs, Screws)
- Thermal Compound (ARCTIC MX-5, 0.8g)
- User Manual
4. Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | ACFRE00109A |
| Compatibility (Intel) | LGA1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3*, 2066* (*Square ILM) |
| Compatibility (AMD) | AM5, AM4 |
| Radiator Dimensions | 458 x 138 x 38 mm |
| Pump Dimensions (w/o tubes) | 98 mm x 78 mm x 53 mm |
| Fans | 3x ARCTIC P14 PWM A-RGB 140 mm Fans |
| Fan Speed | 200–1900 rpm |
| Noise Level | 0.3 Sone |
| Airflow | 68.9 CFM |
| Static Pressure | 2.00 mmH₂O |
| Pump Speed | 800–2000 rpm (PWM controlled) |
| VRM Fan | 40 mm, 1000–3000 rpm (PWM controlled) |
| Tube Length | 450 mm |
| Material | Aluminum, Copper, Rubber |
| Weight | 2019 g (3 Fans, Radiator, Pump, Tubes) |
Image 4.1: The cooler supports AMD AM5 and Intel 1700 sockets, among others.
Image 4.2: Detailed dimensions of the Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB cooler components.
5. Installation Guide
Before beginning, ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged. Refer to your motherboard and PC case manuals for specific instructions regarding component installation and clearances.
5.1. Prepare the Motherboard
For Intel Sockets (LGA1700, 1200, 115X):
- Place the Intel backplate behind the motherboard, aligning the holes with the CPU socket mounting holes.
- Insert the appropriate standoffs through the motherboard from the front, screwing them into the backplate.
For Intel Sockets (LGA2011-3, 2066 - Square ILM):
- These sockets typically have integrated backplates. Screw the appropriate standoffs directly into the existing mounting holes around the CPU socket.
For AMD Sockets (AM5, AM4):
- Remove the plastic retention clips from the motherboard, but keep the original backplate.
- Screw the appropriate standoffs into the original AMD backplate's mounting holes.
5.2. Install Radiator and Fans
The fans are pre-mounted on the radiator. Determine the optimal mounting location in your PC case (e.g., top, front) based on case compatibility and airflow strategy. Secure the radiator to the case using the provided screws.
5.3. Apply Thermal Compound and Install Pump
- Clean the CPU surface with an alcohol wipe to remove any dust or old thermal paste.
- Apply a small amount of the included ARCTIC MX-5 thermal compound to the center of the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS). A pea-sized dot is generally sufficient.
- Carefully place the pump/cold plate assembly onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the installed standoffs.
- Secure the pump with the provided thumb screws or nuts, tightening them in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.
Image 5.1: Illustration of the cold plate positioning, optimized for CPU hotspots.
Image 5.2: Internal view of the efficient, proprietary pump design.
5.4. Cable Management and Connections
The Liquid Freezer II features integrated cable management, with PWM and A-RGB cables for the fans routed within the tubing sleeving. This minimizes visible cables.
- Connect the 4-pin PWM connector from the pump to your motherboard's CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP header. This controls both the pump and fan speeds.
- Connect the 3-pin 5V A-RGB connector to your motherboard's addressable RGB header. Ensure correct pin alignment to prevent damage.
- Route any remaining cables neatly within your case to maintain good airflow and aesthetics.
Image 5.3: The cooler features high-quality tubing with integrated cable management for a clean build.
6. Operation
Once installed, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB operates automatically based on your motherboard's fan control settings. The pump and fans are PWM-controlled, allowing for dynamic speed adjustments based on CPU temperature, optimizing for both cooling performance and noise levels.
- PWM Control: The cooler's pump and fans are controlled via a single PWM signal from your motherboard. You can configure fan curves in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or using compatible software to fine-tune performance.
- A-RGB Lighting: The A-RGB lighting can be synchronized with your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync) to customize lighting effects and colors.
7. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your liquid cooler.
- Dust Removal: Periodically clean dust from the radiator fins and fan blades using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure fans are not spinning during cleaning.
- Visual Inspection: Check tubing for any signs of wear, kinks, or leaks. Ensure all connections are secure.
- Thermal Paste: While not frequently required for AIOs, if you remove the cold plate for any reason, clean off old thermal paste and apply new thermal paste before reinstallation.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| High CPU Temperatures | Improper cold plate contact, insufficient thermal paste, dust buildup on radiator, pump failure. | Re-seat cold plate, reapply thermal paste, clean radiator/fans, check pump connection. |
| Fans Not Spinning / RGB Not Lighting Up | Incorrect cable connection, disabled fan header in BIOS, software conflict. | Verify PWM and A-RGB connections, check BIOS settings, update motherboard RGB software. |
| Unusual Noise from Pump/Fans | Air bubbles in loop (pump noise), fan obstruction, loose mounting. | Gently tilt case to dislodge air bubbles, check for cable obstruction, ensure secure mounting. |
| Leaking Coolant | Damaged tubing or fitting. | Immediately power off system. Contact ARCTIC support for assistance. |
9. Warranty and Support
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB comes with a 6-year limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. This warranty period is based on information from product reviews and general ARCTIC product policies. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For technical support, warranty claims, or further assistance, please visit the official ARCTIC website or contact their customer service department. You can find detailed support information and contact options on their website:
