Introduction
The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 120mm is an all-in-one water cooling system designed to provide high cooling performance for consumer CPUs while maintaining quiet operation. It features a doubly decoupled PWM pump to minimize vibrations and ARGB illumination on the cooling block for a stylish aesthetic. The system includes an easy-to-access refill port and a coolant bottle to ensure a long lifespan, complemented by flexible sleeved tubes and a convenient mounting system for straightforward installation.
Figure 1: The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 120mm All-in-One Water Cooling System.
What's in the Box
Upon unboxing your be quiet! Pure Loop 2 120mm, you will find the following components:
- Pure Loop 2 120mm AIO Cooler: This includes the radiator, pump (integrated into hoses), and pre-attached tubes.
- Pure Wings 120mm PWM High Speed Fan(s): Designed for high static pressure and quiet operation, featuring a continuous LED light strip.
- Mounting Hardware: Includes screws for mounting fans to the radiator, screws for attaching the radiator to the case, and all necessary components for Intel (LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155) and AMD (AM5, AM4) sockets.
- Thermal Paste: A tube of thermal paste for CPU application.
- Coolant Bottle: An extra bottle of coolant for future refills, ensuring a long lifespan for the unit.
- ARGB/PWM Hub: A hub for connecting and controlling the ARGB lighting and PWM fan speeds.
- Installation Manual: A detailed guide with step-by-step instructions and colorful illustrations.
Figure 2: All components of the Pure Loop 2 FX system.
Setup
1. Prepare the Radiator and Fans
Attach the Pure Wings 120mm PWM High Speed fans to the radiator using the provided long screws. Ensure the fans are oriented in a push configuration (blowing air through the radiator) as recommended for optimal performance and visible ARGB lighting. The fans feature rubber grommets to reduce vibration.
Figure 3: Fans attached to the radiator, ready for installation.
2. Install the CPU Backplate and Spacers
Identify the correct backplate for your CPU socket (Intel LGA 1700 or LGA 1200/115x, or AMD AM4/AM5). For Intel, use the appropriate notches on the backplate (outer for LGA 1700, inner for LGA 1200/115x) and secure the pins with the O-rings. Place the backplate on the rear of your motherboard, aligning it with the CPU socket holes. Then, thread the four spacer nuts onto the posts sticking through the motherboard from the backplate. These can be hand-tightened or gently tightened with a cross-tip screwdriver if needed.
Figure 4: Close-up of fan blades, highlighting their design for high static pressure.
3. Apply Thermal Paste
Apply a small, pea-sized amount of the provided thermal paste to the center of your CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). The pressure from the cooler's cold plate during installation will spread the paste evenly.
4. Mount the CPU Block
Carefully place the CPU block onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the spacer nuts. Tighten the screws in an alternating pattern (e.g., top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) to ensure even pressure and optimal thermal paste spread. Do not overtighten.
Figure 5: The ARGB illuminated cooling block.
5. Install the Radiator in the Case
Mount the radiator assembly to an available fan mounting location in your PC case (e.g., top, front, or rear). If your case has a removable radiator tray, mount the radiator to the tray first, then slide the tray back into the case and secure it. Otherwise, directly mount the radiator to the case using the provided screws.
6. Connect Cables
Connect the fan PWM cables and ARGB cables to the provided ARGB/PWM hub. The hub features alternating ARGB and PWM ports. Connect the CPU block's ARGB cable to an open ARGB port on the hub. Power the hub using a SATA power connector from your power supply. Connect the hub's PWM cable (labeled RPM) to your motherboard's CPU_OPT or a dedicated pump header to allow the motherboard to monitor and control fan speeds. Finally, connect the CPU block's PWM cable to your motherboard's CPU_FAN header.
Operating
Once all components are installed and connected, power on your system. The ARGB lighting on the fans and CPU block will illuminate. Control of the ARGB lighting is managed through your motherboard's dedicated RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync). Refer to your motherboard's manual for specific instructions on using its RGB control software to customize lighting effects and colors.
Maintenance
The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 features an easy-to-access refill port on the radiator. Over time, a small amount of coolant may evaporate. If you notice a decrease in cooling performance or hear unusual pump noises, you may need to top up the coolant. Use the included coolant bottle for this purpose. Refer to the detailed installation manual for precise instructions on how to safely refill the system.
Figure 6: The convenient refill port on the radiator.
Troubleshooting
- No RGB Lighting: Ensure all ARGB cables are securely connected to the ARGB/PWM hub and the hub's ARGB output is connected to the motherboard's 3-pin ARGB header. Verify that the motherboard's RGB software is installed and configured correctly.
- Fans Not Spinning/Pump Not Working: Check all PWM and SATA power connections to the ARGB/PWM hub. Ensure the hub's PWM output is connected to the correct motherboard header (CPU_OPT or pump header). Verify that the CPU block's PWM cable is connected to the CPU_FAN header.
- High CPU Temperatures: Re-check thermal paste application to ensure even spread and sufficient contact between the CPU and cold plate. Verify that fans are installed in a push configuration (blowing air through the radiator) and that the radiator fins are not obstructed by dust or cables. Ensure the pump is running correctly (check RPM in BIOS/software).
- Unusual Noises (Gurgling/Bubbling): This may indicate air trapped in the loop or low coolant levels. Try gently tilting your PC case to help dislodge air bubbles. If the noise persists, consider refilling the coolant as per the maintenance section.
Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 5.51 x 9.45 x 12.64 inches; 1.76 Pounds |
| Item Model Number | BW016 |
| Power Connector Type | 3-Pin |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3 watts |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Noise Level | 32.1 dB |
| Material | Aluminum, Copper |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2100 RPM |
Warranty & Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official be quiet! website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
