1. Introduction
The Thermalright Frozen Prism 240 Black is an all-in-one (AIO) liquid CPU cooler designed for high-performance computing. It features a 240mm radiator, two 120mm PWM fans, and a water block with a magnetic removable top cover. This cooler is engineered to provide efficient heat dissipation for your CPU, ensuring stable operation under various workloads. It supports a wide range of AMD and Intel sockets, making it a versatile cooling solution for many PC builds.
Image 1.1: Thermalright Frozen Prism 240 Black AIO Liquid CPU Cooler overview.
2. What's in the Box
Please ensure all components are present before beginning installation:
- AIO Water Cooler (Radiator with attached pump/waterblock and tubing)
- 2x 120mm PWM Fans
- Mounting hardware for AMD AM4/AM5 sockets
- Mounting hardware for Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/2011/2066 sockets
- Thermal Compound
- Fan Hub
- ARGB Sync Cable
Image 2.1: All components included with the Thermalright Frozen Prism 240 Black AIO Liquid CPU Cooler.
3. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 0.98"L x 4.72"W x 4.72"H |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 4.8 watts |
| Cooling Method | Air, Water |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Server |
| Noise Level | 23 Decibels |
| Material | Aluminum, Copper |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1850 RPM |
| Air Flow Capacity | 70.4 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item Weight | 4.27 pounds |
| Water Block Dimensions | 61.7mm * 61.7mm * 53mm |
| Radiator Dimensions | 276mm * 120mm * 27mm |
| Water Pump Noise | ≤23dBA |
| Water Pump Speed | 3300RPM±10% |
| Pump Rated Current | 0.40±10%A |
| Pump Rated Power | ≤4.8W |
| Pump Bearing | Ceramic bearing |
| Pump Power | DC 12V 4PIN |
| Pump Lighting Port | +5V 3PIN ARGB |
| Pump Life Expectancy | 40000hrs |
| Fan Dimensions | 120mm * 120mm * 25mm |
| Fan Rated Speed | 1850RPM±10% |
| Fan Rated Noise | ≤27dBA |
| Fan Air Flow | 70.4CFM(MAX) |
| Fan Static Pressure | 2.64mm/H₂O(MAX) |
| Fan Connector | 4PIN PWM |
| Fan Rated Voltage | DC 12V |
| Fan Rated Current | 0.18A(MAX) |
| Fan Bearing Type | S-FDB Bearing |
Image 3.1: Detailed specifications for the cooler and fans.
4. Installation Guide
This section provides step-by-step instructions for installing your Thermalright Frozen Prism 240 Black AIO Liquid CPU Cooler. Please refer to the accompanying video for visual guidance.
4.1. Installation Video Tutorial
Video 4.1: Thermalright Frozen Prism CPU Cooler Series Installation Tutorial. This video demonstrates the complete installation process for various CPU sockets.
4.2. AMD AM5/AM4 Installation Steps
- Prepare Motherboard: For AMD AM5 and AM4 motherboards, remove the existing plastic brackets around the CPU socket. Keep the original backplate in place.
- Install Standoffs: Install four red standoffs into the screw holes around the CPU socket.
- Attach Metal Brackets: Install two metal brackets onto the standoffs, securing them with screws using a screwdriver.
Image 4.2.1: Removing the plastic retention brackets from an AMD motherboard.
Image 4.2.2: Installing the AMD mounting brackets onto the standoffs.
4.3. Intel LGA115X/1200 Installation Steps
- Assemble Intel Backplate: Use the inner mounting holes on the Intel backplate. Assemble the backplate by inserting the screws through the blue washers.
- Install Backplate: Install the assembled Intel backplate from the backside of the motherboard, ensuring the backplate screws pass through the motherboard mounting holes.
- Install Standoffs: Install four blue standoffs onto the backplate screws from the front side of the motherboard.
- Attach Intel Brackets: Install two Intel brackets onto the standoffs. Secure the brackets with nuts.
4.4. Intel LGA1700 Installation Steps
- Assemble Intel Backplate: Use the outer mounting holes on the Intel backplate. Assemble the backplate by inserting the screws through the blue washers.
- Install Backplate: Install the assembled Intel backplate from the backside of the motherboard, ensuring the backplate screws pass through the motherboard mounting holes.
- Install Standoffs: Install four blue standoffs onto the backplate screws from the front side of the motherboard.
- Attach Intel Brackets: Install two Intel brackets onto the standoffs. Secure the brackets with nuts.
4.5. Common Procedures (All Sockets)
- Apply Thermal Compound: Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the center of the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).
- Prepare Waterblock: Remove the protective sticker from the coldplate of the waterblock.
- Mount Waterblock: Carefully place the waterblock onto the CPU, aligning the waterblock bracket nuts with the screws on the installed motherboard brackets.
- Secure Waterblock: Tighten the nuts on the waterblock brackets to secure it firmly to the CPU. Tighten in a diagonal pattern to ensure even pressure.
- Install Radiator: Install the radiator onto your PC case using the provided short screws. Ensure proper airflow direction.
- Connect Fan Hub: Connect the 4-pin PWM headers from the fans to the included fan hub.
- Connect Fan Hub to Motherboard: Connect the fan hub to the motherboard's CPU_FAN socket.
- Connect Waterblock Power: Connect the waterblock's 4-pin PWM header to the motherboard's CPU_OPT or WATER_PUMP socket to power the water pump.
- Connect ARGB Lighting: Connect the fan's 3-pin ARGB headers to sync lighting effects. Connect the ARGB cable to the motherboard's +5V ARGB lighting socket.
- Adjust Waterblock Top Plate: The waterblock top plate can be adjusted for orientation after installation.
Image 4.5.1: Applying thermal compound to the CPU surface.
Image 4.5.2: Installing the radiator and fans into the PC case.
Image 4.5.3: Connecting the ARGB lighting cables for synchronized effects.
Image 4.5.4: Adjusting the orientation of the waterblock's magnetic top cover.
5. Operating Instructions
Once installed, the Thermalright Frozen Prism 240 Black AIO cooler operates automatically. The PWM fans and pump adjust their speeds based on CPU temperature, as controlled by your motherboard's BIOS settings or dedicated software. For optimal performance, ensure your motherboard's fan control settings are configured correctly to utilize the PWM functionality.
- BIOS/UEFI Settings: Access your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI to configure fan curves for the CPU_FAN and CPU_OPT/WATER_PUMP headers.
- Software Control: If your motherboard supports it, you may use manufacturer-provided software to fine-tune fan and pump speeds, as well as customize ARGB lighting effects.
- Initial Startup: During the first few hours of operation, you might hear slight gurgling noises as air bubbles work their way through the loop. This is normal and should subside.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your AIO liquid 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 fan blades for any obstructions or signs of wear. Ensure fans are spinning freely and quietly.
- Tubing and Connections: Inspect the tubing and connections for any leaks or kinks. Ensure all connections are secure.
- Thermal Paste: While not frequently required, consider reapplying thermal paste if you notice a significant increase in CPU temperatures over time, or if you remove the waterblock for any reason.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Thermalright Frozen Prism 240 Black, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- High CPU Temperatures:
- Ensure the waterblock is securely mounted and making good contact with the CPU.
- Verify that thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly.
- Check fan and pump connections to the motherboard; ensure they are plugged into the correct headers (CPU_FAN, CPU_OPT/WATER_PUMP).
- Confirm fan and pump speeds are set appropriately in BIOS/UEFI or software.
- Clean any dust buildup on the radiator fins.
- Unusual Noises (Gurgling/Grinding):
- Initial gurgling is normal as air settles. If it persists, gently tilt your PC case to help trapped air move to the radiator.
- Grinding noises from fans may indicate a faulty fan. Check for obstructions or consider replacing the fan.
- Pump noise can indicate air in the pump or a failing pump. Ensure the pump is running at an adequate speed.
- ARGB Lighting Not Working:
- Check all ARGB cable connections, ensuring they are securely plugged into the correct +5V ARGB headers on the motherboard.
- Verify ARGB settings in your motherboard's software or BIOS/UEFI.
- No Power to Fans/Pump:
- Ensure all 4-pin PWM connectors are correctly seated on the fan hub and motherboard.
- Check the power supply connections to the fan hub (if applicable).
8. Warranty & Support
Thermalright products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information, including duration and coverage, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Thermalright website. In case of technical issues or support inquiries, please contact Thermalright customer service through their official channels.
For further assistance, you may visit the Thermalright brand store on Amazon.
