aigo ACSE120

Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler Instruction Manual

Model: ACSE120-BK

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler. This All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooling system is designed to provide efficient thermal management for your CPU, ensuring stable performance and extended component lifespan. This manual provides detailed instructions for installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use to ensure proper setup and to prevent any damage to your system.

2. Safety Information

  • Always disconnect power from your computer before installing or performing maintenance on any components.
  • Handle components with care to avoid damage.
  • Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive components.
  • Do not open the sealed liquid cooling loop. Tampering with the unit may cause leaks and void your warranty.
  • Ensure all cables are properly connected and routed to avoid interference with moving parts (e.g., fan blades).
  • Keep out of reach of children.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present and in good condition before proceeding with installation.

  • Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler Unit (Pump, Radiator, Fan pre-installed)
  • Mounting Hardware for Intel Sockets (LGA 2066/ 2011-v3 / 2011 / 1700 / 1366 / 1200 / 115X)
  • Mounting Hardware for AMD Sockets (FM1 / FM2 / FM2+ / AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / AM3+ / AM4)
  • Thermal Paste (pre-applied or in a tube)
  • User Manual
Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler and included accessories

Image: Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler unit with its fan, radiator, pump, and various mounting brackets and screws for different CPU sockets.

4. Specifications

Socket Compatibility (Intel) LGA 2066/ 2011-v3 / 2011 / 1700 / 1366 / 1200 / 115X
Socket Compatibility (AMD) FM1 / FM2 / FM2+ / AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / AM3+ / AM4
Water Block Dimensions 71 x 66.5 x 45 mm
Radiator Dimensions 154 x 120 x 27 mm
Fan Dimensions 120 x 120 x 25 mm
Pump Speed 3200 ± 10% RPM
Fan Speed 800 ~ 1800 RPM
Airflow 64.05 CFM
TDP (Thermal Design Power) 165W
Noise Level 30 dBA ± 10%
Static Pressure 1.85 mmH2O
Bearing Type Ceramic
Rated Voltage 12V
Cooling Method Liquid (Water)
Compatible Devices Desktop

5. Setup and Installation

This section outlines the general steps for installing your Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler. Specific steps may vary slightly depending on your motherboard and PC case. Always refer to your motherboard and case manuals for detailed instructions.

5.1 Prepare the CPU Socket

  1. Intel Sockets: Attach the correct Intel backplate to the rear of your motherboard. Secure the standoffs through the motherboard holes from the front.
  2. AMD Sockets: The cooler typically uses the existing AMD backplate. Remove the plastic retention clips from the stock AMD cooler mount, leaving the backplate in place. Install the appropriate AMD standoffs.
  3. Ensure the CPU is correctly seated in its socket.
  4. Clean the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any old thermal paste or residue.
  5. Apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste to the center of the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS). If thermal paste is pre-applied to the water block, skip this step.

5.2 Install the Radiator and Fan

  1. Determine the optimal mounting location for the 120mm radiator in your PC case. Common locations include the rear exhaust or top exhaust.
  2. Mount the 120mm fan to the radiator using the provided screws. Ensure the fan is oriented to push or pull air in the desired direction (e.g., exhaust air out of the case).
  3. Secure the radiator assembly to your PC case using the appropriate screws.
Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler with fan attached to radiator

Image: Side view of the Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler, showing the radiator with a white fan attached, and the pump/water block unit.

5.3 Mount the Water Block

  1. Attach the correct mounting brackets to the water block/pump unit.
  2. Carefully place the water block onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the standoffs.
  3. Secure the water block with the provided thumb screws or nuts, tightening them in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.
Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler with RGB pump and fan

Image: The Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler showing the pump unit with an illuminated Aigo logo and a rainbow-colored fan on the radiator.

5.4 Connect Cables

  1. Connect the pump power cable to a dedicated AIO_PUMP or CPU_FAN header on your motherboard. If your motherboard has neither, use a SYS_FAN header and ensure it is set to run at full speed in the BIOS.
  2. Connect the fan power cable to the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard. If your motherboard has multiple fan headers, consult your motherboard manual for the recommended CPU fan header.
  3. If your cooler has RGB lighting, connect the RGB cable to a compatible RGB header on your motherboard (e.g., 3-pin ARGB or 4-pin RGB, depending on the cooler's connector type).
  4. Route all cables neatly to avoid obstructing airflow or interfering with other components.

6. Operating Instructions

Once installed, the Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler operates automatically based on your motherboard's fan control settings.

  • Initial Power On: After installation, power on your computer. The pump and fan should start operating.
  • BIOS/UEFI Settings: Access your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the CPU_FAN and AIO_PUMP headers are configured correctly. It is recommended to set the pump header to run at full speed (100%) for optimal cooling performance. Fan speeds can be adjusted based on temperature curves for a balance of cooling and noise.
  • RGB Lighting: If connected to an RGB header, the lighting effects can typically be controlled via your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync).
  • Monitoring: Use system monitoring software to check CPU temperatures and ensure the cooler is functioning effectively.
Top-down view of Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler pump and fan

Image: Top-down view of the Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler, highlighting the illuminated Aigo logo on the pump and the rainbow lighting of the fan.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your water cooler.

  • Dust Cleaning: Periodically clean the radiator fins and fan blades to prevent dust buildup, which can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use compressed air or a soft brush.
  • Fan Inspection: Check the fan for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive noise. Replace if necessary.
  • Hose Inspection: Visually inspect the hoses for any kinks, cracks, or signs of leakage. While AIOs are sealed, regular checks are recommended.
  • Thermal Paste: The thermal paste typically lasts for several years. If you notice a significant increase in CPU temperatures over time, consider reapplying fresh thermal paste. This requires carefully removing the water block, cleaning both surfaces, and applying new paste.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Problem Possible Cause Solution
High CPU Temperatures
  • Insufficient thermal paste or improper application.
  • Water block not making proper contact with CPU.
  • Fan or pump not running.
  • Radiator fins clogged with dust.
  • Reapply thermal paste.
  • Reseat water block, ensuring even pressure.
  • Check pump and fan connections to motherboard. Verify BIOS settings.
  • Clean radiator fins.
Fan Not Spinning
  • Fan cable disconnected.
  • Incorrect fan header used.
  • Fan failure.
  • Check fan cable connection to CPU_FAN header.
  • Ensure fan header is enabled in BIOS.
  • Replace fan if faulty.
Pump Not Running / Unusual Noise
  • Pump power cable disconnected.
  • Pump header set to incorrect speed in BIOS.
  • Air bubbles in the loop (initial startup).
  • Pump failure.
  • Check pump cable connection to AIO_PUMP or CPU_FAN header.
  • Set pump header to 100% speed in BIOS.
  • Tilt the PC case gently to help dislodge air bubbles.
  • If persistent, contact support.
RGB Lighting Not Working
  • RGB cable disconnected or connected incorrectly.
  • Incompatible RGB header.
  • Software issue.
  • Verify RGB cable connection to the correct motherboard header.
  • Ensure the header type (3-pin ARGB vs. 4-pin RGB) matches the cooler.
  • Check motherboard RGB software settings.

9. Warranty and Support

The Aigo AC SE 120 Water Cooler comes with a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use conditions.

The warranty does not cover:

  • Damage caused by improper installation, misuse, abuse, or neglect.
  • Damage caused by unauthorized modifications or repairs.
  • Damage caused by natural disasters or accidents.

For technical support, warranty claims, or further assistance, please contact your retailer or the Aigo customer service department. Please have your proof of purchase and product model number (ACSE120-BK) ready when contacting support.

© 2023 Aigo. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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