Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 Liquid CPU Cooler Instruction Manual

Product Overview

The Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler designed for efficient heat dissipation. It features a fourth-generation pump head, a 120mm aluminum fin heat sink, protective mesh water pipes, and a 120mm ARGB fan. This cooler is engineered for low vibration, high heat dissipation, and extended lifespan, providing optimal cooling performance for your CPU.

Image: Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 ARGB All-in-one CPU Liquid Cooler components.

Package Contents

Before beginning installation, ensure all components are present:

• Liquid CPU Cooler (Radiator, Pump, Fans, Tubing)
• Mounting hardware for AMD (AM4/AM5)
• Mounting hardware for Intel (LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2011/2066/1700)
• Thermal Compound
• User Manual (this document)

Image: Close-up of the Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 cooler highlighting ARGB lighting and design features.

Setup and Installation

Follow these steps carefully to install your Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 Liquid CPU Cooler. Refer to the official installation video for visual guidance.

1. Prepare Motherboard

For AMD AM5 and AM4 motherboards: Remove the motherboard's plastic brackets around the CPU socket. Keep the original backplate as it will be reused.

For Intel LGA1700 motherboards: Use the outer mounting holes on the Intel backplate. Assemble the Intel backplate by using blue washers to fix the backplate screws. Install the assembled Intel backplate from the back side of the motherboard, ensuring backplate screws pass through the motherboard mounting holes. Install four blue standoffs onto the backplate screws. Install two Intel brackets onto the standoffs, aligning the LGA1700 holes on the brackets. Secure the brackets with nuts using a screwdriver.

Common Procedure: Apply thermal compound onto the CPU Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). Remove the coldplate protective sticker from the waterblock. Place the waterblock onto the CPU, ensuring the waterblock bracket nuts align with the screws on the brackets. Tighten the nuts to secure the waterblock.

2. Connect Cables

• Connect the fan PWM power cable to sync fan speed.
• Connect the fan ARGB cable to sync lighting signal.
• Connect the fan PWM power cable to the CPU_FAN socket on your motherboard.
• Connect the waterblock 4-pin PWM header to the motherboard's CPU_OPT or WATER_PUMP socket to power the water pump.
• Connect the ARGB lighting cable to a 3-pin 5V ARGB socket on your motherboard for lighting control.

Operating Instructions

The Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 is designed for automatic operation once correctly installed and connected.

• PWM Fan Control: The included TL-C12B-S V2 fan features PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) functionality, allowing it to automatically adjust its speed based on CPU temperature. This ensures optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise levels.
• ARGB Lighting: The fan and pump head feature Addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting. If connected to a compatible 5V/3PIN ARGB motherboard header, the lighting can be controlled and synchronized using your motherboard's software. This allows for customization of lighting effects and colors.
• Efficient Pump Operation: The fourth-generation pump head operates at up to 3,300 RPM ± 10%, ensuring consistent and efficient coolant circulation for effective heat transfer away from the CPU.

Image: The octagonal water pump head with ARGB lighting and pump speed details.

Image: Details of the TL-C12B-S V2 fan, highlighting PWM control, S-FDB bearing, and shock-absorbing pads for quiet operation.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your liquid CPU cooler.

• Dust Cleaning: Periodically clean dust from the radiator fins and fan blades using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the system is powered off before cleaning.
• Tubing Inspection: Inspect the water pipes for any signs of wear, kinks, or leaks. While the pipes are designed for low evaporation and high lifespan, regular checks are recommended.
• Thermal Compound: The thermal compound typically lasts for several years. If you notice a significant increase in CPU temperatures over time, consider reapplying fresh thermal compound.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3, refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:

• High CPU Temperatures:
  • Ensure the waterblock is securely mounted to the CPU and thermal compound is properly applied.
  • Check if the fans are spinning correctly and not obstructed.
  • Verify that the pump is receiving power and operating (listen for a faint hum or feel for vibrations in the tubing).
  • Ensure adequate airflow within your PC case.
• Excessive Noise:
  • Check fan blades for obstructions or loose mounting.
  • The S-FDB bearing in the fans is designed for low noise; however, ensure fan screws are tight.
  • Pump noise can occur if air is trapped in the loop. Gently tilt your PC case to help dislodge air bubbles.
• ARGB Lighting Not Working:
  • Verify that the ARGB cable is correctly connected to a 3-pin 5V ARGB header on your motherboard.
  • Check your motherboard's ARGB software to ensure lighting is enabled and configured.
  • Ensure the ARGB header on the motherboard is enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings if applicable.
• Pump Not Functioning:
  • Confirm the 4-pin PWM header from the waterblock is securely connected to the CPU_OPT or WATER_PUMP header on the motherboard.
  • Check motherboard BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the pump header is configured correctly and receiving power.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Thermalright products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact their customer support directly. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.