Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Thermalright Frozen Prism 360 Black Liquid CPU Cooler. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation to ensure proper setup and optimal performance. This all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler is designed to provide efficient cooling for various Intel and AMD CPU sockets.
Package Contents
Verify that all components are present in the package before proceeding with installation. If any parts are missing or damaged, please contact customer support.
- Frozen Prism 360 Black AIO Cooler (Radiator, Pump/Waterblock, Tubes)
- 3x TL-E12B V2 120mm PWM Fans
- Mounting Hardware for Intel Sockets (LGA1851/1700/1200/115X/2011)
- Mounting Hardware for AMD Sockets (AM4/AM5)
- Thermal Paste
- Fan Screws and Radiator Screws
- Fan Splitter Cable (if included)
- User Manual
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | FP360 BLACK |
| Cooling Method | Liquid (All-in-One) |
| Radiator Size | 360mm |
| Compatible Sockets | Intel: LGA1851/1700/1200/115X/2011, AMD: AM4/AM5 |
| Pump Speed | 2800 RPM ±10% |
| Pump Voltage | 12V DC |
| Pump Power | 4.8W |
| Fan Model | TL-E12B V2 |
| Fan Dimensions | 120mm x 120mm x 25mm |
| Fan Speed | Up to 1850 RPM ±10% |
| Fan Airflow | 70.4 CFM (Max) |
| Fan Noise Level | 27 dB(A) (Max) |
| Fan Bearing Type | S-FDB Bearing |
| Fan Connector | 4-pin PWM |
| Waterblock Material | Aluminium Casing with Mirror Finish Panel |
| Tube Material | Polymer Sleeves |
Safety Information
- Ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet before installation.
- Handle components with care to avoid damage.
- Refer to your motherboard manual for specific header locations and clearances.
- Do not attempt to open or modify the AIO unit, as this may void the warranty and cause leaks.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Installation Guide
Follow these steps carefully for proper installation. The process may vary slightly depending on your specific motherboard and PC case.
1. Prepare Your System
- Power off your computer and unplug the power cable.
- Open your PC case to access the motherboard and CPU area.
- Remove any existing CPU cooler. Clean the CPU surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove old thermal paste.
2. Install Radiator and Fans
Determine the optimal mounting location for the 360mm radiator in your PC case (e.g., top, front). Ensure adequate clearance for the radiator and fans.
Image: The Thermalright Frozen Prism 360 Black AIO cooler installed in a PC case. The 360mm radiator with its three fans is mounted at the top of the case, while the waterblock is securely attached to the CPU on the motherboard. This illustrates a typical installation configuration.
- Attach the three 120mm TL-E12B V2 fans to the radiator using the provided fan screws. Ensure the fan airflow direction is appropriate for your case's cooling strategy (typically exhausting air out of the case if top-mounted, or intaking if front-mounted). The fans feature shock-absorbing silicone pads to minimize noise.
- Mount the radiator with attached fans into your chosen location in the PC case using the longer radiator screws.
3. Install Waterblock on CPU
The waterblock features an aluminium casing with a mirror finish panel and addressable RGB lighting. It also has a magnetic top plate for easy customization.
Image: A close-up view of the Thermalright Frozen Prism 360 Black waterblock mounted on a CPU. The image highlights the secure mounting mechanism with visible screws and the vibrant addressable RGB lighting emanating from the waterblock's casing.
For Intel Sockets (LGA1851/1700/1200/115X/2011):
- Attach the appropriate Intel backplate to the rear of your motherboard.
- Install the Intel standoffs through the motherboard mounting holes.
- Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of your CPU.
- Carefully place the waterblock onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes.
- Secure the waterblock with the Intel thumb screws, tightening them in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.
For AMD Sockets (AM4/AM5):
- Remove the plastic retention clips from the stock AMD backplate, but keep the backplate in place.
- Install the AMD standoffs into the stock backplate's mounting holes.
- Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of your CPU.
- Carefully place the waterblock onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes.
- Secure the waterblock with the AMD thumb screws, tightening them in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.
4. Connect Cables
- Connect the 4-pin PWM fan cables from the TL-E12B V2 fans to the fan header(s) on your motherboard. If using a fan splitter, connect all fans to the splitter and then the splitter to a single motherboard fan header (e.g., CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP).
- Connect the pump's 3-pin or 4-pin power cable to the dedicated AIO_PUMP or CPU_OPT header on your motherboard. Ensure it receives full power (usually 12V DC).
- Connect the Addressable RGB (ARGB) cable from the waterblock to a compatible 5V ARGB header on your motherboard. Refer to your motherboard manual for the correct header location.
5. Final Checks
- Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure.
- Ensure no cables are interfering with fan blades or other moving parts.
- Close your PC case.
- Plug in the power cable and power on your computer.
Operation
Once installed, the Thermalright Frozen Prism 360 Black operates automatically. The PWM fans will adjust their speed based on CPU temperature, and the pump will run at its specified speed (2800 RPM ±10%) to circulate coolant.
- Fan Control: The TL-E12B V2 fans are PWM controlled. You can adjust fan curves in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or through compatible software to optimize for noise and cooling performance.
- RGB Lighting: The waterblock's addressable RGB lighting can be controlled via your motherboard's RGB software (if compatible) or a dedicated RGB controller (not included).
- Initial Startup: During the first few minutes of operation, you might hear some gurgling sounds as air bubbles are purged from the loop. This is normal and should subside.
Maintenance
The Thermalright Frozen Prism 360 Black is a closed-loop system and requires minimal maintenance. However, periodic cleaning is recommended to ensure optimal performance.
- Dust Cleaning: Periodically clean the radiator fins and fan blades to prevent dust buildup, which can impede airflow and cooling efficiency. Use compressed air or a soft brush.
- Tube Inspection: The water tubes are protected by polymer sleeves for low liquid evaporation. Regularly inspect the tubes for any signs of kinks, damage, or leaks.
- No Refilling: Do not attempt to refill the liquid or open the AIO unit. It is a sealed system.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your cooler, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
- Problem: High CPU Temperatures
- Ensure the waterblock is securely mounted to the CPU and making good contact.
- Verify that thermal paste was applied correctly.
- Check if the pump is running (you might feel a slight vibration or hear a low hum). Ensure the pump power cable is connected to a continuously powered header (AIO_PUMP or CPU_OPT) in the BIOS.
- Confirm that all fans are spinning and connected properly.
- Clean any dust buildup on the radiator fins.
- Check fan curves in BIOS to ensure fans are ramping up with temperature.
- Problem: Fans Not Spinning / RGB Not Lighting Up
- Verify all fan and RGB cables are securely connected to the correct headers on the motherboard.
- Ensure the 5V ARGB header is enabled in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI.
- Check your motherboard's RGB software for control settings.
- If using a fan splitter, ensure it is functioning correctly.
- Problem: Unusual Noise (Gurgling, Grinding)
- Gurgling sounds during initial startup are normal as air purges. If persistent, try gently tilting your PC case to help move air bubbles.
- Grinding or rattling noises could indicate a fan issue. Check if any cables are hitting fan blades.
- If the pump is making a loud grinding noise, contact customer support.
Warranty and Support
Thermalright products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or to report any issues, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact your retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
