Thermalright AXP120-X67 Black ARGB Low Profile CPU Air Cooler

1. Introduction

The Thermalright AXP120-X67 Black ARGB is a low-profile CPU air cooler designed for compact systems. It features a 67mm total height, making it suitable for small form factor (SFF) cases. This cooler incorporates six heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan with Addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting to provide efficient cooling performance for compatible Intel and AMD processors.

The Thermalright AXP120-X67 Black ARGB CPU cooler.

2. Product Features

• AGHP Technique: Features 6x6mm heat pipes utilizing AGHP (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) technology to mitigate the inverse gravity effect, ensuring consistent cooling performance regardless of cooler orientation (vertical or horizontal).
  

  Close-up of the cooler's base and heat pipes, demonstrating AGHP technology.
• PWM Fan (TL-C12015B-S): A 120x120x15mm fan with a speed of 1800 RPM ±10%, 4-pin PWM power connector, 12V voltage, 59 CFM (MAX) airflow, and a noise level of ≤26.1 dB(A). It includes a 5V 3-pin ARGB port for lighting control.
  

  The TL-C12015B-S PWM fan with ARGB lighting.

• Broad Compatibility: Supports Intel sockets 1700, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, 2066, and AMD AM4.
  

  CPU socket compatibility for Intel and AMD platforms.
• Compact Design: Total cooler dimensions are 123.5mm (L) x 120mm (W) x 67mm (H), making it a low-profile solution ideal for ITX motherboard designs and small cases.
• Premium Materials: Constructed with aluminum fins on a copper bottom, featuring pure copper sintered heat pipes and a full electroplating reflow welding process for optimal heat transfer.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present in the package before beginning installation:

• Thermalright AXP120-X67 CPU Cooler (Heatsink with pre-installed fan)
• Mounting backplate for AMD / Intel platforms
• Mounting brackets and screws for various Intel and AMD sockets
• Thermal paste (TF7 or similar)
• ARGB cable (5V 3-pin)
• Fan PWM cable (4-pin)

The cooler installed on a motherboard, with an illustration of key components including the backplate, thermal paste, and ARGB port.

4. Setup and Installation

Before installation, ensure your system is powered off and disconnected from the power source. Refer to your motherboard manual for specific CPU socket and cooler mounting instructions.

General Installation Steps:

1. Prepare the Motherboard: Depending on your CPU socket (Intel or AMD), install the appropriate backplate on the rear of the motherboard. Secure it with the provided standoffs.
2. Apply Thermal Paste: Clean the CPU surface and apply a small amount of thermal paste (included) to the center of the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS). A pea-sized dot is generally sufficient.
3. Position the Cooler: Carefully place the cooler onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes on the cooler's base with the standoffs on the motherboard.
4. Secure the Cooler: Use the provided mounting screws to secure the cooler to the backplate/standoffs. Tighten screws in a diagonal pattern (e.g., top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) until snug, ensuring even pressure. Do not overtighten.
5. Connect Fan Cables: Connect the 4-pin PWM fan cable to the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard. Connect the 5V 3-pin ARGB cable to an available 5V ARGB header on your motherboard or an ARGB controller. Ensure correct polarity to avoid damage.

The cooler installed on a motherboard, illustrating RAM clearance.

5. Operating Instructions

Once the cooler is installed and all cables are connected, power on your system. The fan will begin to spin, and the ARGB lighting will illuminate.

• Fan Control: The 4-pin PWM fan will automatically adjust its speed based on CPU temperature, as controlled by your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or fan control software.
• ARGB Lighting Control: The 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting can be controlled via your motherboard's ARGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync) or a dedicated ARGB controller, if connected to one.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal cooling performance and extends the lifespan of your cooler.

• Dust Removal: Periodically clean dust from the heatsink fins and fan blades using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the system is powered off before cleaning.
• Fan Inspection: Check the fan for any obstructions or unusual noises. If the fan is damaged or excessively noisy, consider replacing it.
• Thermal Paste: Reapplying thermal paste every few years or when reinstalling the cooler can help maintain efficient heat transfer.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your CPU cooler, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Fan Not Spinning:
  • Check if the 4-pin PWM cable is securely connected to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
  • Verify fan settings in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI.
• High CPU Temperatures:
  • Ensure the cooler is properly seated and making full contact with the CPU. Re-tighten mounting screws if necessary.
  • Confirm that thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly. Consider reapplying if unsure.
  • Check for adequate airflow within your PC case.
  • Verify fan speed settings in BIOS/UEFI; ensure it's not set to a very low RPM.
• ARGB Lighting Not Working:
  • Ensure the 5V 3-pin ARGB cable is correctly connected to a compatible ARGB header (not a 12V RGB header).
  • Check your motherboard's ARGB software or external controller settings.
  • Inspect the ARGB cable for any damage.

8. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Thermalright AXP120-X67 Black ARGB CPU Air Cooler:

Visual representation of the cooler's specifications.

Diagram illustrating the physical dimensions of the cooler.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact your local retailer. Specific warranty terms and conditions may vary by region and product.