Thermalright BA120 CPU Air Cooler Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Thermalright BA120 is a high-performance CPU air cooler designed to provide efficient and quiet cooling for a wide range of processors. Featuring six heat pipes and a TL-C12C PWM fan, this cooler ensures optimal thermal management for your system. Its robust design and broad compatibility make it an excellent choice for both new builds and upgrades.

Figure 1: Thermalright BA120 CPU Air Cooler

2. Features

• Advanced Heat Pipe Technology: Equipped with 6x6mm heat pipes utilizing AGHP technique to effectively dissipate heat and solve inverse gravity effects in various orientations.
• High-Performance PWM Fan: Includes a TL-C12C PWM fan (120x120x25mm) with a fan speed of 1550rpm±10%, delivering an airflow of 66.17CFM (MAX) and a low noise level of ≤25.6dB(A).
• Durable S-FDB Bearings: The fan features S-FDB bearings, ensuring a long industrial service life of up to 20,000 hours.
• Broad Compatibility: Supports a wide range of CPU sockets including Intel LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5.
• Compact Design: CPU Cooler dimensions are 120(L)x77(W)x154(H)mm, making it suitable for medium-sized computer cases.
• Quality Construction: Heat sink made of aluminum, with fan components crafted from industrial-strength PBT+PC material.

Figure 2: Key components of the BA120 cooler

Figure 3: AGHP III Technology in heat pipes

Figure 4: CPU Compatibility Overview

Figure 5: Burst Assassin 120 Dimensions

3. Setup and Installation

The Thermalright BA120 CPU Air Cooler comes with all necessary mounting hardware for various Intel and AMD platforms. Please ensure your PC case has adequate clearance for a CPU cooler up to 154mm in height.

Installation Video Guide

General Installation Steps:

1. Prepare Motherboard: Depending on your CPU socket (Intel 115X/1200, Intel 1700, AMD AM4/AM5), install the appropriate backplate and plastic standoffs on the motherboard.
2. Install Metal Brackets: Secure the metal mounting brackets onto the plastic standoffs using the provided screws. Ensure they are tightened evenly.
3. Apply Thermal Compound: Apply a small amount of the provided thermal compound onto the center of your CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS).
4. Mount Heatsink: Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the mounting nuts with the screws on the metal brackets. Be aware of the heatsink's mounting direction for optimal airflow. Tighten the nuts evenly with a screwdriver until secure.
5. Attach Fan: Install the fan clips onto the TL-C12C fan, then attach the fan to the heatsink using these clips.
6. Connect Cables: Connect the fan's 4-pin PWM cable to the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard. If your fan has ARGB lighting, connect the +5V ARGB 3-pin lighting cable to the corresponding header on your motherboard or an ARGB controller.

4. Operating Guidelines

The Thermalright BA120 operates efficiently with minimal user intervention once installed correctly.

• PWM Fan Control: The TL-C12C fan is PWM controlled, meaning its speed will automatically adjust based on CPU temperature, providing optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise. You can typically configure fan curves in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or through motherboard software.
• ARGB Lighting: If connected to a compatible motherboard header or controller, the fan's ARGB lighting can be customized using your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync) or the dedicated controller's buttons.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your CPU cooler.

• Dust Removal: Periodically clean dust from the heatsink fins and fan blades using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the fan is not spinning during cleaning to prevent damage to the bearings.
• Thermal Compound: While the included thermal compound is high quality, it is recommended to reapply fresh thermal compound every 2-3 years, or if you remove the cooler for any reason.
• Fan Inspection: Check the fan for any unusual noises or wobbling, which may indicate a failing bearing.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Thermalright BA120 cooler, consider the following common solutions:

• High CPU Temperatures:
  • Ensure the heatsink is securely mounted and making good contact with the CPU.
  • Verify that thermal compound was applied correctly and evenly.
  • Check if the fan is spinning. If not, ensure it's properly connected to the CPU_FAN header and that the header is enabled in BIOS.
  • Clean any dust buildup on the heatsink fins and fan blades.
• Fan Not Spinning/Noisy Fan:
  • Confirm the 4-pin PWM cable is fully seated in the CPU_FAN header.
  • Check BIOS settings for fan control (e.g., ensure PWM mode is selected, not DC mode if applicable).
  • Inspect fan blades for any obstructions.
• ARGB Lighting Not Working:
  • Ensure the +5V ARGB 3-pin cable is correctly connected to the motherboard's ARGB header (not a +12V RGB header, which can damage the LEDs).
  • Check your motherboard's RGB software or external controller settings.
  • Verify that the ARGB header is enabled in your motherboard's BIOS.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Thermalright products are manufactured to high standards. For any technical assistance, warranty claims, or product inquiries not covered in this manual, please contact Thermalright customer support directly. Refer to the official Thermalright website for the most up-to-date contact information and warranty policies.