Thermalright FW 240 White ARGB CPU Liquid Cooler

1. Introduction

The Thermalright FW 240 White ARGB is an all-in-one (AIO) liquid CPU cooler designed to provide efficient thermal management for your processor. It features a 240mm radiator, two PWM fans, and an integrated IPS LCD display on the pump head for real-time system monitoring and customizable visuals. This manual provides detailed instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your cooler.

Image 1.1: The Thermalright FW 240 White ARGB cooler in a system, highlighting the integrated LCD screen and ARGB lighting.

2. Safety Information

• Always disconnect power from your computer before installation or maintenance.
• Handle components with care to avoid damage.
• Ensure proper grounding to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD).
• Keep the product away from liquids and extreme temperatures.
• Do not attempt to open or modify the sealed liquid cooling loop.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present before beginning installation:

• Thermalright FW 240 White ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler (Radiator, Pump/Cold Plate with LCD, Tubing)
• 2 x 120mm PWM ARGB Fans
• Mounting Hardware for Intel Sockets (LGA115x/1200/1700/1851/2011/2066)
• Mounting Hardware for AMD Sockets (AM4/AM5)
• Thermal Paste
• Fan Screws
• ARGB Controller/Cables (if applicable)
• USB Cable for LCD Display

4. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps carefully for proper installation. Refer to your motherboard and PC case manuals for specific guidance on component placement.

4.1. Prepare the Radiator and Fans

1. Attach the two 120mm PWM ARGB fans to the radiator using the provided long screws. Ensure the fan airflow direction is appropriate for your case (typically exhausting air out or intaking air in).
2. Mount the radiator and attached fans to your PC case in the desired location (e.g., top, front). Use the appropriate screws to secure it firmly.

4.2. Prepare the CPU Socket

Select the correct mounting hardware for your CPU socket type.

Image 4.1: Supported motherboard sockets (Intel: LGA1851/1700/1200/115X/2011/2066, AMD: AM4/AM5) and design features of the cooler.

For Intel Sockets (LGA115x/1200/1700/1851/2011/2066):

1. Install the appropriate backplate (if required for your socket) behind the motherboard.
2. Screw in the correct standoffs into the motherboard's CPU cooler mounting holes.

For AMD Sockets (AM4/AM5):

1. Remove the plastic retention clips from the stock AMD backplate, but keep the backplate in place.
2. Screw in the correct AMD standoffs into the stock backplate's mounting holes.

4.3. Install the Pump/Cold Plate

1. Clean the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust or old thermal paste.
2. Apply a small amount of thermal paste (pea-sized dot or thin line) to the center of your CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS).
3. Carefully place the pump/cold plate assembly onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the standoffs.
4. Secure the pump/cold plate with the provided thumb screws or nuts, tightening them in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.

Image 4.2: Overview of the Thermalright FW 240 White ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler components.

4.4. Connect Cables

• Pump Power: Connect the pump's 3-pin or 4-pin connector to the CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP header on your motherboard.
• Fan Power: Connect the two fan's 4-pin PWM connectors to the CPU_FAN and/or CHA_FAN headers on your motherboard. You may use a Y-splitter if only one header is available.
• ARGB Lighting: Connect the ARGB cables from the fans and pump to a 5V 3-pin ARGB header on your motherboard or an external ARGB controller. Note: This cooler supports 5V 3-pin ARGB only. Do NOT connect to a 12V 4-pin RGB header.
• LCD Display: Connect the small USB cable from the pump head to an available internal USB 2.0 header on your motherboard. This is required for the LCD display functionality and software control.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Initial Power On and BIOS Settings

After installation, power on your computer. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP header is set to PWM mode and not DC mode, and that fan curves are configured appropriately for optimal cooling and noise levels.

5.2. LCD Display Functionality

The integrated IPS LCD display on the pump head provides real-time monitoring of CPU temperature, clock speed, and usage. It can also be customized to display images, GIFs, or videos.

Image 5.1: The LCD display offers system monitoring, GIF, and video playback.

5.3. Software Control and Customization

To fully utilize the LCD display and ARGB lighting features, download the official Thermalright control software from the manufacturer's website. This software allows you to:

• Customize the information displayed on the LCD screen (e.g., CPU/GPU temperature, clock speed, usage).
• Upload custom images, GIFs, or short videos to the LCD display.
• Control ARGB lighting effects and colors for the fans and pump.
• Adjust fan and pump speeds (if not controlled by motherboard BIOS).

Image 5.2: Customizable ARGB lighting on the fans and pump head.

6. Maintenance

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

• Dust Removal: Periodically clean the radiator fins and fan blades using compressed air. Ensure the fans are not spinning during cleaning to prevent damage.
• Tubing Inspection: Occasionally check the tubing for any signs of kinks, wear, or leaks. While AIOs are sealed, visual inspection is good practice.
• Cold Plate Contact: Ensure the cold plate maintains good contact with the CPU. If temperatures rise unexpectedly, re-seating the cooler with fresh thermal paste might be necessary.

7. Troubleshooting

• No Power/Fans Not Spinning:
  • Check all power connections (pump, fans, ARGB).
  • Ensure fan and pump headers are correctly configured in BIOS.
• High CPU Temperatures:
  • Verify the pump is running (you might feel a slight vibration or hear a low hum).
  • Ensure the cold plate has proper contact with the CPU and thermal paste is applied correctly.
  • Check for dust buildup on the radiator fins.
  • Confirm fan orientation for optimal airflow.
• LCD Display Not Working/No Image:
  • Ensure the internal USB 2.0 cable is securely connected to both the pump and the motherboard.
  • Install the Thermalright control software and check for display settings.
  • Restart your computer.
• ARGB Lighting Issues:
  • Verify ARGB cables are connected to a 5V 3-pin header.
  • Use the Thermalright software or motherboard ARGB software to control lighting.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Thermalright products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Thermalright website. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your FW 240 White ARGB CPU Liquid Cooler, please contact Thermalright customer support or the retailer from whom you purchased the product.

For the latest drivers and software for the LCD display and ARGB control, please visit the official Thermalright support page.